Enhanced bone matrix formation through a dense lamellar scaffold of chitosan, collagen type I, and hyaluronic acid

This in vitro study aimed to assess the biocompatibility and osteogenic inducing properties of a new scaffold composed of chitosan, collagen type I, and hyaluronic acid. For in vitro assays, pre-osteoblastic immortalized cells were cultivated in standard medium (SD) and osteogenic medium (OM) in the following groups: a) Control (C) – cells cultured directly on the polystyrene plate, and b) Chitosan + Collagen type I + Hyaluronic Acid (CH + COL + HA) - cells cultured in a scaffold produced by the association of type I collagen, chitosan and hyaluronic acid. Cells in CH+COL+ HA scaffold presented metabolic activity similar to the control group. After 14 days, the CH+ COL+ HA scaffold induced a higher mineral nodule deposition compared than the control group, regardless of the cultured condition (SD or OM medium). In addition, the CH + COL + HA scaffold itself increased of the alkaline phosphatase activity and mRNA levels for Runx2 and Ocn genes, which occurred earlier than control group. Based on the results, it is possible to conclude that the dense lamellar scaffold composed of CH/COL (type I)/HA stimulated osteogenic phenotype maturation of cells and can be a promising material for future bone regenerative approaches.