Crosslinked alginate-chitosan based scaffold functionalized with VEGF-Afor the beta-pancreatic cells support

Diabetes has become a global public disease that affects the quality of life of people and demands high costs in health systems. Diabetes increases the blood glucose levels and induces inappropriate insulin use; current treatments are not very efficient in treating this disease. In this study, a porous alginate (Alg)/chitosan (Ch) scaffold, cross-linked with genipin (GEN), functionalized with endothelial growth factor (VEGF-A) by carbodiimide-Ch coupling, was developed to support beta-pancreatic cells. Characterizations such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were used to identify functional groups and observe the morphology and porosity of the scaffolds. Degradation and swelling velocity tests were performed following by biological tests such as cell viability, cell cytotoxicity and proliferation assays were measured in all the samples. The scaffolds obtained had a sponge-like structure with interconnected pores with diameters less than 25-280 μm, suitable for beta-pancreatic cells growth and islet formation. These matrices degrade are stable over time and allow cell culture while maintaining beta-cell viability and proliferation. It additionally generates protection against cell death by inducing an appropriate environment to preserve viability and also through the action of VEGF in combination with GEN induces the proliferation of beta cells. This approach allows the design of a matrix with biomimetic properties for insulin-producing cells culture and represents a significant advance in the field of medicine and life sciences.