Biocompatibility and histopathological evaluation of chitosan nanoparticles grafted fish gelatin bio-nanocomposite membranes in rats

Biomodulation of biopolymeric materials for human healthcare is an active and promising area of research. In the present study, chitosan nanoparticles grafted fish gelatin bio-nanocomposite membranes were prepared and their physical and structural properties were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The particle size of the chitosan nanoparticles (Chi-NPs) was in the range of 83–193 nm. The porosity of bio-nanocomposite membranes was in the range of 50–58%. The swelling and equilibrium water content of composite membranes increased significantly. The microstructures of bio-nanocomposite membranes were well-defined with relatively smooth surface, interconnected pores and voids. The cytotoxicity of bio-nanocomposite membranes was investigated using L929 fibroblast cells, and results showed that the membranes were non-toxic and their cell viability percentages were substantially higher as compared to control. Implantation of these membranes was conducted by animal experimental studies, and the results confirmed that bio-nanocomposite membranes have the potential to embrace safety, cell promotion and proliferation. Histopathological examination suggested that the bio-nanocomposite membrane was completely absorbed and it had an ability to promote the formation of granulation tissue and enhance epithelialization. The results of the present investigation demonstrated that chitosan nanoparticles grafted fish gelatin bio-nanocomposite membranes have good potential for biomedical and tissue engineering applications.