In Vitro Evaluation of Pore Size and Weight Changes of Elderberry-Enriched Carboxymethyl Chitosan in Various Biological Fluids

Authors:
Publisher website
Google Scholar
Abstract
The interaction between biomaterials and biological fluids plays a critical role in determining the swelling behavior, biodegradation profile, and integration capacity of scaffolds used in periodontal and peri-implant tissue engineering. This study aimed to analyze the pore structure and weight changes of an elderberry (Sambucus nigra) extract-enriched carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCht-E) biomaterial following exposure to various biological fluids, including normal saline, serum, heparinized blood, and saliva. CMCht-E biomaterial discs were incubated for 24 and 72 hours in normal saline, rat serum, heparinized blood, and saliva. Fluid–biomaterial interactions were evaluated based on microscopic pore diameter measurements and changes in sample weight. Data were statistically analyzed using one-way ANOVA and paired t-tests (p0.05). At 72 hours, the greatest weight gain was observed in the saliva group, whereas the largest pore diameter was recorded in the blood group (p<0.001). Changes in pore diameter were minimal in the normal saline group. Microscopic analyses revealed pore coalescence and enlargement, particularly in blood and saliva environments. The CMCht-E biomaterial exhibited structure- and volume-responsive behavior depending on the characteristics of the biological fluid it interacted with. These findings support its potential for functional optimization based on the target application, reinforcing its clinical relevance in terms of controlled degradation, cellular infiltration, and tissue integration.

This publication has 44 references indexed in Scilit: