Performance modification of chitosan membranes induced by gamma irradiation.
Trauma of the nervous system often results in permanent functional loss because the spontaneous regeneration of nerves is very difficult. Thus, various methods have been developed to facilitate the restoration of damaged nerve. The biodegradable nerve conduit is one of the most promising methods for nerve regeneration. Chitosan, a natural polysaccharide that has excellent biocompatibility and biodegradability, can be used as conduit material. But, nerves regenerated by nerve conduits made from chitosan have some problems, for example, with their mechanical properties. This article shows that the mechanical properties of chitosan film were markedly improved by selected doses of gamma radiation and cell culturing experiments on the surface of the irradiated chitosan film indicated that the film still has excellent biocompatibility.
Yang
Fei
F
Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, State Key Laboratory of Biomembrane and Membrane Biotechnology, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.
Li
Xunhu
X
Cheng
Mingyu
M
Gong
Yandao
Y
Zhao
Nanming
N
Zhang
Xiufang
X
Yang
Yinye
Y
D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D002686:Chitin / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000737:chemistry / Q000528:radiation effects*; D048271:Chitosan; D005720:Gamma Rays; D008567:Membranes, Artificial
D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D008567:Membranes, Artificial; D002686:Chitin; D048271:Chitosan