Biophysical effects of matrices on cellular colonization

Abstract

Chitosan-gelatin 3D matrices exhibit better cell viability, and significantly better functionality than the other structures which included tissue culture plastic, 2D structures, hydrogel structures and chitosan 3D structures. This can be attributed to the presence of a cell binding domain in chitosan-gelatin 3D structures. The mechanical stiffness values of these matrices were 2KPa which was inside the range of the matrices analyzed - 2Pa to 2MPa. Total protein content, collagen content and elastin content in the spent medium was high for chitosan-gelatin 3D matrices. The amount of collagen in chitosan-gelatin 3D matrices increased from day 4 to day 10, while it remained the same on the other structures. This could be attributed to the increase in incubation time. Though there is reduced proliferation on these structures, there was significant increase in functionality.