Influence of multi-walled carbon nanotubes on the physico-chemical and biological responses of chitosan-based hybrid hydrogels

Photoresponsive membranes were successfully obtained by combining chitosan (CS), poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) crosslinked with genipin (GEN) and filled with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). It was demonstrated that adding a small quantity (0.01% w/v) of MWCNTs conferred to those nanocomposite hybrid hydrogels an outstanding photomechanical response under infrared irradiation. Moreover, it was observed that MWCNTs enhanced the crystallinity, increased the elastic modulus but did not contribute to the thermal stability of the nanocomposite hybrid hydrogels. The swelling capacity and contact angle values of these materials were modified through the addition of MWCNTs, and the offered free OH and NH2 functional groups in their current chemical structures. These functional groups - on hybrid hydrogels' surfaces - also enhanced the adhesion and proliferation of human dermal fibroblast cells, showing typical morphologies and sizes. Additionally, non-cytotoxic effects were observed for these nanocomposite hybrid hydrogels, suggesting their potential use in tissue engineering and biomedical applications. Chemical compounds studied in this article: Chitosan (PubChem CID: 71853); Polyvinyl alcohol (PubChem CID: 11199); Genipin (PubChem CID: 442424).