Chitosan tissue scaffolds by emulsion templating

Abstract

A novel method for producing porous chitosan gels with controllable pore size and volume fraction has been developed. Complex-shaped 3D objects can be fabricated. Chitosan gels produced with the method are believed to be suitable candidates for tissue scaffolds. The method involves creating an oil-in-water emulsion in which the water phase contains chitosan and a temperatureactivated cross-linking agent. The emulsion can then be poured or injected into a mould with the shape of the desired object. The chitosan is cross-linked by heating the emulsion to about 75°C for about 15 min. The gelled object is then washed to remove the oil phase and surfactant. The gels were then dried in air, and fu..