Thixotropic gel properties in the osteoarthritis treatment and for cell scaffolding

The use of polysaccharide hydrogels with thixotropic properties in the osteoarthritis treatment and for cell scaffolding was investigated. The hydrogels which were synthesized by crosslinking the hyaluronane, alginate or carboxymethylcellulose chains with an alkylic diamine exhibited the thixotropic properties. The hydrogel were modified to obtain a microporous structure by stratifying the crosslinked polysaccharide gel on filter with pores of known diameter and forcing CO2 bubbles through the filter. The microporous hydrogels showed a lower water uptake and increased the mechanical properties. The results show that the alginate and carboxymethylcellulose gels are good scaffolds for the cells which adhere and spread into the hydrogels.