One of the main challenges in bone tissue regeneration is the development of adhesives that have both adequate performance under wet conditions and biocompatibility. Commercially available adhesives, such as polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) fail to provide a cell-friendly environment, thus limiting local tissue regeneration. Chitosan, a natural polysaccharide derived from chitin’s deacetylation, has shown promising adhesive properties and biocompatibility. Likewise, reduced graphene oxide (rGO) has been embedded in hydrogels to enhance their mechanical properties. Here, we propose a photocurable and biocompatible adhesive hydrogel based on methacryloyl-modified chitosan (ChiMA) and rGO functionalized with anti-inflammatory drugs and antibacterial flavonoids for the treatment and regeneration of bone fractures. Rheological assays and SEM were performed to assess the material’s porosity and mechanical response as a function of irradiation time. The hydrogel’s degradation rate was determined by recording weight change over time while submerged in DMEM culture medium . Drug loading and release were evaluated by enzymatic degradation and UV-Vis spectrophotometry. Tensile strength and compression tests were performed on hydrogel-adhered bovine bone specimens to evaluate the material’s adhesive capability. A femur computational model further confirmed material performance under normal body loads. Cell viability was determined with a MTT assay. Preliminary results suggest that cell survival remains unaffected despite methacrylation and exposure of the material to blue light irradiation. Moreover, the bioadhesive not only exhibited high biocompatibility but also exceptional adhesive properties as evidenced by sustained adhesion for over 20 days in aqueous medium. Although future work should focus on <i>in vivo</i> model testing, current results support the material’s potential for the treatment of bone fractures.

Development of a photo-crosslinkable bioadhesive based on methacryloyl-modified chitosan and functionalized reduced graphene oxide for the treatment of bone fractures

ACS Fall 2021

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