Biomolecule Loaded Chitosan Based Photo Curable Hydrogel for Cartilage Regeneration

Abstract

Cartilage injuries such as osteochondritis and osteoarthritis are common in Pakistan. Polymeric hydrogels are widely used in such medical conditions for the cartilage regeneration. This research aims at the synthesis of hydrogels with high tensile strength by incorporating natural polymers such as chitosan and poly vinyl alcohol. In this project synthetic hydrogels were prepared by using natural biopolymers. Initially Hydrogels were prepared using different concentration of chitosan and poly vinyl alcohol. Once these Hydrogels were prepared they undergoes different structural and biological testing techniques. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed the presence of functional groups chitosan and poly vinyl alcohol. Then drug release studies were carried out in order to observe the release of drug from the hydrogel. Then anti-bacterial studies were performed against the gram positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus. Cytotoxicity analysis was performed in order to claim that these hydrogels had no toxic effect on the cells. All these experiments confirmed that the said hydrogels are safe to use for the biomedical applications.