Preparation and characterization of oxidized alginate covalently cross-linked galactosylated chitosan scaffold for liver tissue engineering

Liver tissue engineering (LTE) requires a perfect extracellular matrix (ECM) for hepatocytes culture to maintain high level of liver-specific functions. Here, we reported a LTE scaffold derived from oxidized alginate covalently cross-linked galactosylated chitosan via Schiff base reaction, without employing any extraneous chemical cross-linking agent. The structure of galactosylated chitosan (GC) and oxidized alginate was confirmed by Fourier transformed infrared (FTIR) spectra, proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD) or thermogravimetric (TG) analysis. The structure and properties of a series of the scaffolds were characterized by FTIR, XRD, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), porosity, equilibrium swelling, mechanical properties, thermal stability and in vitro degradation. FTIR spectra confirmed the characteristic peak of Schiff base groups in the scaffolds and XRD indicated the scaffolds could be amorphous. SEM analysis showed that the scaffolds displayed highly porous surfaces with average pore size of 50–150 μm and interconnected pore structure in the internal structure with average pore size of 100–250 μm. Porosity measurement suggested the scaffolds had a porosity of about 70%. The compressive modulus of the scaffolds (hydrated) was in the range of 4.2–6.3 kPa. Further studies showed that, with the increase of the oxidized alginate content, the equilibrium swelling and in vitro degradation rate of the scaffolds decreased and the thermal stability slightly increased, which might mainly attribute to the difference of the degree of cross-linking and the nature properties of the raw materials. Additionally, the biocompatibility of the scaffolds was evaluated in vitro. The results showed that the hepatocytes cultured on the scaffolds had a typical spheroidal morphology, formed multi-cellular aggregates and presented perfect integration with the scaffolds, which suggested that the scaffolds may be potential candidates for LTE strategies.