Preparation, Characterization, and Bioactivity of Chitosan Microspheres Containing Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor

Abstract EN

The aim of this study is to evaluate, prepare, and characterize bioactivity of chitosan microspheres loaded with bFGF for providing sustained release of bFGF.

Porous chitosan microspheres were prepared by freeze-drying process based on the interaction between chitosan and tripolyphosphate (TPP).

The bFGF-loaded chitosan microspheres were well interconnected and have a narrow size distribution, spherical shape, and positive surface charges.

The bFGF-loading capacity and encapsulation efficiency were 7.57 mg/g and 95.1%, respectively.

Results of in vitro release showed that the extent of release was 82.1% at Day 25.

Schwann cells were used as an in vitro model for cell response to bFGF and bFGF-loaded chitosan microspheres.

Results indicated that the number, cell viability, and percentage of cells G2/M+S phase in the bFGF groups are higher than those in the bFGF-loaded chitosan microspheres groups before culturing for 2 days.

However, the number, cell viability, and percent of cells G2/M+S phase in the bFGF-loaded chitosan microspheres groups are significantly higher than those in the bFGF groups after culture for 4 and 8 days.

These findings indicated that bFGF-loaded chitosan microspheres may help to decrease the release of bFGF and provide a suitable three-dimensional environment for cell growth and proliferation.