Tube-shaped 3D culture device composed of chitosan hydrogel

Abstract

This paper describes a fabrication method of a tube-shaped 3D culture device composed of chitosan hydrogel. Chitosan hydrogel is known to have high mechanical strength and biocompatibility, ensure the device possibilities of practical use in the field of medicine. The device is made by simple molding, and composed by two coaxial layers: a layer of chitosan hydrogel and a layer of collagen gel inside. The chitosan layer strengthen the device, and the collagen layer provides a scaffold for cell culture. We fabricated the device in various scale and solution concentration, and examined the shrinkage rate and strength of the device. We believe that this device will contribute to the development of tissue engineering.