Comparative Evaluation of the Biocompatibility of Sponges Based on Different Chitosan Salts in vitro

INTRODUCTION. The relevance of the study is due to the increase in the number of human skin lesions as a result of natural and man-made emergencies. Among the natural polymers widely used for the manufacture of wound dressings is chitosan, but its poor solubility is a technological and biological limitation for its effective inclusion and use as a component of wound dressings. One way to solve the problem is to modify chitosan with glycolic, lactic or ascorbic acids. For eff ective and adequate use of chemical modifications of chitosan as a material for wound dressings, it is necessary to evaluate their biocompatibility. AIM. In vitro assessment of the cytotoxicity and hemostatic properties of sponges based on chitosan modified with glycolic, lactic and ascorbic acids. MATERIALS AND METHODS. Sponges based on water-soluble chitosan salts were provided by Chemical Company “Orion” LTD. The biocompatibility of the obtained products was assessed on the culture of mesenchymal stem cells, using light and fluorescent microscopy. The metabolic activity of the cells (MTT-test) and the sorption properties of the biomaterials were assessed by spectrophotometry. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION. Chitosan glycolate or chitosan lactate sponges ensure the survival of most adherent cells, while chitosan ascorbate sponges inhibit cell viability and growth. It was found that chitosan glycolate sponges have the highest blood sorption capacity and are capable of absorbing over 700 μl of blood/cm3. Chitosan lactate and chitosan ascorbate sponges demonstrate a sorption capacity of 250 μl of blood/cm3. However, the ascorbate-based material inhibits the metabolic activity of cells. CONCLUSION. Based on the research results, sponges made of chitosan glycolate or lactate, which have good biocompatibility in vitro, can be used for further development of wound-healing coatings. In addition, sponges made of chitosan glycolate can be used as highly effective hemostatic materials. Sponges made of chitosan ascorbate require further development and separate study.