Microwave-assisted synthesis and characterization of antibacterial O-crosslinked chitosan hydrogels doped with TiO₂ nanoparticles for skin regeneration

Tissue engineering provides alternative solutions to traditional transplantation. In this study a novel strategy of chitosan scaffolds obtainment based on selective O-crosslinking using Aspartic acid and the addition of TiO2 nanoparticles is presented. Prepared under microwave conditions biomaterials were of increased mechanical and thermal durability thanks to NPs presence comparing to pure chitosan. Moreover porous scaffolds maintained antimicrobial activity against S. Aureus and E. Coli. Biomaterials were susceptible to in vitro biodegradation and degradation. Hydrogels exhibited positive impact on proliferation activity of fibroblasts. Thus they may be applied as 3D scaffolds in tissue engineering focused on wound healing.