Anti‐inflammatory and pro‐healing effects of acetate chitosan sponge with calcium cross‐links

Abstract

AbstractChitosan, a potential material for tissue wound repair, exhibits limitations like poor solubility and low gel strength. Acetate chitosan (CA) was synthesized through ethanol precipitation, while acetate chitosan sponge (CA‐Ca) was created using the freeze‐drying method with CaCO3 as cross‐linking agents. The addition of CaCO3 enhanced the mechanical strength of the sponges formed by CA, but affected the water absorption performance of the sponge. Both CA and CA‐Ca demonstrated antioxidant properties, with CA‐Ca showing slightly higher maximal scavenging rates for DPPH and hydroxyl radicals compared to CA. Concentrations ranging from 1 to 500 μg/mL of CA and CA‐Ca exhibited a proliferative effect on L929 and RAW264.7 cells. Furthermore, both CA and CA‐Ca promoted the migration of L929 cells, with CA‐Ca showing a higher maximal healing rate within 24 h compared to the control group. Additionally, both materials reduced the levels of TNF‐αand IL‐6 in inflammatory RAW264.7 cells, thereby alleviating the inflammatory response. Moreover, CA and CA‐Ca stimulated collagen secretion in fibroblasts without inducing excessive secretion. CA sponge demonstrated the ability to accelerate in vitro coagulation, while CA‐Ca‐8 (CA:CaCO3 1:8) sponge, prepared with 2% CA, exhibited the most effective coagulation. Overall, CA‐Ca has suitable characteristics such as water absorption, coagulation, cytocompatibility, anti‐inflammatory properties, and promoting cell healing, laying the foundation for its potential clinical applications.