Abstract:

 Objective  To evaluate the cellular biocompatibility of carboxymethyl chitosan calcium  (CCC)composite by observing the morphology and proliferation of murine bone marrow stromal cells(BMSCs) in vitro. Methods  (CCC) was synthesized and then analysed by an infrared spectrometer (IR). CCC extraction prepared with DMEM (experimental group), DMEM culture medium (negative control group) and 6.4g/L phenol culture medium (positive control group) were used for BMSCs culture. The morphology and proliferation of BMSCs were evaluated by inverted phase contrast microscopic observation and MTT assay. Results  Infrared spectrum analysis indicated CCC had been formed by complex reaction between carboxymethyl chitosan and calcium ions. On culture day 1, 2 and 3, the cells disaggregated and the cell number decreased noticeably in the positive control group; however, the cell number in the experimental group and negative control group increased remarkably, with normal cell appearance. The absorbance (A) values of the experimental group and the negative control group were increased with time, and there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups (P>0.05). While the A value in the positive control group was significantly decreased compared with the other two groups (P<0.01). At each time point of culture, the cytotoxicity grade was 0 in the experimental group, and 4 in the positive control group. Conclusion  (CCC) composite has potential application in tissue engineering owning to good cellular compatibility with BMSCs.

Key words: Carboxymethyl chitosan calcium; Bone marrow stromal cells; Cellular compatibility; Cytotoxicity; Biomaterials