Characterization of Chitosan-Hyaluronic Acid Blended Membranes and Their Effects on the Growth of Keratocytes

In order to construct a suitable scaffold for corneal cell culture and transplantation in vitro, various chitosan-hyaluronic acid blended membranes were prepared, and the properties of the blended membranes were studied. Rabbit keratocytes were seeded onto the blended membrane surfaces and the effects of the blended membranes on cell attachment and metabolism were investigated. The results showed that chitosan and hyaluronic acid (HA) were compatible in blended membranes. HA improved the homogeneity, crystallization and transparency, and decreased the tensile strength and hydrophilicity of blended membranes within the blending ratio of 1:0.05. Under the blending ratio of 1:0.02, HA reduced the harm that the chitosan membrane caused the cells and improved the biocompatibility between cells and membranes. Rabbit keratocytes grew and formed a confluent monolayer on the chitosan-hyaluronic acid blended membrane within a blending ratio of 1:0.02. All the results indicated that chitosan and HA were compatible within the blending ratio of 1:0.02, and the blended membranes had homogeneous structure, suitable physicochemical properties and biocompatibility with cells, this implied that the blended membranes could be used as a scaffold for corneal cell culture in vitro and as a potential carrier for corneal endothelial cell transplantation.