3D-composite scaffolds from radiation-induced chitosan grafted poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) polyurethane

Abstract Both chitosan (CS) and poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (P(3HB)) are two good options for use in tissue engineering. Some of the advantages of these polymers are biodegradability and non-toxicity. However, the inadequate mechanical properties and hydrophobicity (P3HB) and the low porosity (CS) are examples of shortcomings that restrict its applications. The polysaccharide was grafted onto P(3HB) in a previous work for removing these disadvantages. As of yet, it is still unknown whether our P(3HB)-g-CS has potential as an interface with biological systems. This work aimed to use the gamma radiation-induced grafted CS to prepare a polyurethane composite scaffold with silica nanoparticles obtained from vermicomposting and porosity induced by salt leaching. The obtained structural and morphological characterization, interconnectivity, degree of porosity and swelling, mechanical and morphometrical properties (μ-CT) showed that the new poly(saccharide-ester-urethane) composite properties are suitable for cell culture. The poly(urethane-urea) composites did not induce cytotoxic effects. Viability assays proved that it efficiently allows the three-dimensional culturing of pancreatic islet cells.