Tissue response to chitosan/γ-PGA polyelectrolyte complex using a rat model
Journal
Journal of Bioactive and Compatible Polymers
Journal Volume
26
Journal Issue
2
Pages
191-206
Date Issued
2011
Author(s)
Abstract
In this study, the in vivo soft tissue response of chitosan/�^-poly(glutamic acid) (�^-PGA) polyelectrolyte complex (PEC) using a rat model was assessed using chitosan as a cationic polyelectrolyte and �^-PGA as an anionic polyelectrolyte; four groups of chitosan/�^-PGA PECs were synthesized according to the molar ratio of amine groups of chitosan to the carboxylic acid groups of �^-PGA. Different soft tissue responses to chitosan/�^-PGA PEC were observed between the epithelium and the muscle. In the epithelium, the wound dressed with chitosan/�^-PGA PEC healed faster than the control, with chitosan attracting polymorphonuclear (PMN) cells and �^-PGA creating a hydrophilic environment. In the muscle, a quantitative evaluation of the tissue response revealed that different degradation phenomena were evoked by different compositions of chitosan/�^-PGA PEC. After implantation for 28 days, the chitosan/�^-PGA PEC with chitosan dominating showed extensive surface erosion and superficial fragmentation surrounded by inflammatory cells, while chitosan/�^-PGA PECs with �^-PGA dominating elicited minimal degradation. These results confirm that the degradation of PECs can be controlled by tailoring the chitosan/�^-PGA PECs for different purposes. It appears that different local tissue conditions in muscle and epithelium may be involved in this difference.
Type
journal article