1/7/2011
Cellular compatibility of copolymer hydrogels based on site-selectively-modified chitosan with poly(N-isopropyl acrylamide)
(1–12)Journal of Applied Polymer  Science 120 #1 (2011)
Abstract
Don et al of Tamkang University, China formed graft copolymers of chitosan-g-poly(N-isopropyl acrylamide) (CS-g-PNIPAAm) by UV-initiated free-radical polymerization of NIPAAm monomer to CS selectively at the C-6 position of pyranose ring.  The synthesized CS-g-PNIPAAm copolymers were confirmed to have a structure of an AB-crosslinked graft copolymer.  (RDC 1/11/2011)

12/3/2010
Electrospun collagen–chitosan–TPU nanofibrous scaffolds for tissue engineered tubular grafts 
(307-315) Colloids and Surfaces B: Biointerfaces 82 #2 (2010)
Huang et al attempted to design a novel kind of scaffolds for blood vessel and nerve repairs.  Random and aligned nanofibrous scaffolds based on collagen–chitosan–thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) blends were electrospun to mimic the componential and structural aspects of the native extracellular matrix, while an optimal proportion was found to keep the balance between biocompatibility and mechanical strength. The scaffolds were crosslinked by glutaraldehyde (GTA) vapor to prevent them from being dissolved in the culture medium.  Cell viability studies with endothelial cells and Schwann cells demonstrated that the blended nanofibrous scaffolds formed by electrospinning process had good biocompatibility and aligned fibers could regulate cell morphology by inducing cell orientation. Results indicated that collagen–chitosan–TPU blended nanofibrous scaffolds might be a potential candidate for vascular repair and nerve regeneration.  (RDC 12/6/2010)

Heparin-conjugated scaffolds with pore structure of inverted colloidal crystals for cartilage regeneration 
(616-623) Colloids and Surfaces B: Biointerfaces 82 #2 (2010)
Kuo and Tsai of National Chung Cheng University, Taiwan formed a scaffold for cartilage regeneration by self assembly of monodispersed polystyrene microspheres by floating in the medium containing ethylene glycol, dried, annealed and infiltrated with heparin/chitin/chitosan gels.  The colloidal template was in a structure of hexagonal arrays.  An increase in the weight percentage of heparin enhanced the viability of bovine knee chondrocytes (BKCs) in ICC matrices.  The ordered pores in the heparinized ICC constructs could favor the chondrocyte culture to regenerate a uniform distribution of cartilage.  (RDC 12/6/2010)