Synthesis, characterization and osteogenesis of phosphorylated methacrylamide chitosan hydrogels

Phosphorylated biopolymers can induce mineralization, mimic the process of natural bone formation, and have the potential as scaffolds for bone tissue engineering. 2-Methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine (MPC), a low cytotoxicity phosphorus source, is mainly applied in vascularization and promoting blood compatibility and has been less researched for bone repair. In this study, phosphorylated methacrylamide chitosan (PMAC) hydrogel was prepared by mixing methacrylamide chitosan (MAC) and different mass of MPC with photoinitiator under UV irradiation. A series characterization tests showed that PMAC hydrogels were successful prepared and had a pretty good mineralization ability. Moreover, human fetal osteoblastic (hFOB) cells cultured on PMAC hydrogels exhibited not only highly viability but also the enhanced ALP activity and calcium deposition. The PMAC hydrogels have great potential in bone tissue engineering applications.