Preparation and characterization of in-situ formable liposome/chitosan composite hydrogels

Abstract Liposome/chitosan hydrogels were prepared by facile Thiol-Ene reaction, with thiolated chitosan coated liposomes and maleilated chitosan coated liposomes. The gels were characterized by rheological experiments, scanning electron microscopy, swelling ratio, tensile test, polarizing microscope and cell experiments. The results showed that the gels had porous structure, the gel time and swelling ratio varied with different n SH /n C C ratio. After adding liposomes, the tensile strength of the gels increased and the crystal became smaller. Cell experiments showed that the liposome gels with good cell compatibility which is conducive to the biomedical applications, including drug carriers and tissue repair scaffolds.