Homogeneous synthesis of GRGDY grafted chitosan on hydroxyl groups by photochemical reaction for improved cell adhesion

A novel homogeneous synthesis route was presented to produce RGD-containing peptide modified chitosan (CTS) with purpose of improving cell adhesion and growth. Bifunctional photosensitive crosslinker, Sulfo-SANPAH, was used to link cell adhesive peptide GRGDY and CTS under controlled condition. The synthesis process was proved by FTIR, MALDI-TOF MS and 1H NMR analyses, and the mechanism was demonstrated clearly and completely that hydroxyl groups of CTS were prior to amino groups for nucleophilic reaction with Sulfo-SANPAH. Moreover, cell adhesion and proliferation were evaluated for GRGDY grafted CTS. The results showed that GRGDY grafted CTS formed by the novel strategy had potential application not only as drug or gene carriers but also as tissue engineered scaffolds.