Sustained Bioactivity of Nano-Encapsulated Chitosan-Collagen Hydrogel: Physicochemical Stability and In Vivo Retention in Rabbit Model

Abstract

Background and Objective: In regenerative medicine, nano-based biomaterials are at the vanguard and have been doing incredibly well, particularly for scaffold creation and localized drug delivery. Chitosan and collagen, as two natural biocompatible polymers, have also been synergistically used in wound healing experiences with their structural, anti-inflammatory and bioactive characteristics.

Methods: In the present study an efficient Nano-Encapsulated Chitosan-Collagen Hydrogel (NECCH) been synthesized and  mediated through gelation using tripolyphosphate (TPP) as a crosslinker, and further proved its physicochemical stability and bioactivity through various spectroscopic methods which are, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM),  UV-Visible Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) methods of analysis.

Results:  In vivo implantation of NECCH in a rabbit Achilles tendon injury model revealed that NECCH showed retention and structural integrity at the implantation site for at least 14 days, as evidenced by the continued presence of HPLC signals for both chitosan and collagen. These results support the potential of the hydrogel to be administered as a single dose for long-term treatment, avoiding repeated administration. Conclusions: The dual role of NECCH, as mechanical support and biological stimulation, indicates that NECCH is a strong candidate for further in-vivo studies towards its clinical application in tissue-engineering and wound healing.