Characteristics and biologic effects of thermosensitive quercetin‐chitosan/collagen hydrogel on human periodontal ligament stem cells

Abstract Thermosensitive hydrogels could function as scaffolds and delivery vehicle of natural flavonoids. The current study aimed to investigate effects of chitosan/collagen ratios on properties of thermosensitive beta‐glycerophosphate (bGP) chitosan/collagen hydrogels as delivery vehicle of quercetin and then examined effects of quercetin‐hydrogels on growth and cell viability of human periodontal ligament stem cells (hPDLSCs). Microstructure and physical, mechanical and antioxidant properties and quercetin release profiles of the hydrogels were investigated. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X‐ray powder diffraction analyses were performed to examine gelation process of the hydrogels. Antioxidant assays were conducted to measure antioxidant capacity of quercetin‐hydrogels. It was found that bGP‐chitosan/collagen hydrogels exhibited porous structures with interconnected pore architecture and could sustain quercetin release. Chitosan content improved well defined porous structure, increased porosity of the hydrogels and decreased releasing rate of quercetin from the hydrogels. The quercetin‐bGP‐2:1 (wt/wt) chitosan/collagen hydrogels exhibited antioxidant capacity and were able to promote growth of hPDLSCs in a dose dependent manner. In conclusion, the thermosensitive quercetin‐bGP‐2:1 (wt/wt) chitosan/collagen hydrogel demonstrated optimal properties of scaffolds for bone tissue engineering and sustained release of natural flavonoids. Incorporating quercetin in the chitosan/collagen hydrogel enhanced bioactive microenvironment that supported stem cell encapsulation.