Biodegradable membranes for cartilage applications were manufactured starting from polymeric networks of a lactose‐modified chitosan (CTL), previously proposed for chondrocytes stimulation. This implantable biomaterial was conceived as a reservoir of a bioactive polymer that could promote the activity of chondrocytes and the healing of cartilage defects. Freeze‐drying of reticulated hydrogels enabled to obtain pliable membranes with a homogeneous polymeric texture, as pointed out by scanning electron microscopy analyses. Swelling tests and dimensional evaluations showed that the material is able to absorb physiological fluids and expand gradually upon rehydration. This feature was evaluated on a simulated cartilage defect on pig's humerus (ex vivo), which revealed the capability of the membranes to progressively fit the tissue voids on the damaged cartilage. The rheological properties of the rehydrated membranes pointed out their peculiar strain‐stiffening behavior, which represents a promising feature for the regeneration of tissues subjected to variable mechanical loads and deformations. Biological in vitro studies demonstrated the biocompatibility of the membranes in contact with primary chondrocytes and osteoblasts. Taken together, these results represent a starting point for the development of a novel generation of implantable biomaterials for cartilage treatment based on CTL.

中文翻译：

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用于在软骨缺损处递送生物活性壳聚糖衍生物的可生物降解膜的开发：初步调查。

用于软骨应用的可生物降解膜是从乳糖修饰的壳聚糖 (CTL) 的聚合物网络开始制造的，以前提议用于刺激软骨细胞。这种可植入的生物材料被认为是一种生物活性聚合物的储库，可以促进软骨细胞的活性和软骨缺损的愈合。正如扫描电子显微镜分析所指出的那样，冷冻干燥网状水凝胶能够获得具有均匀聚合物质地的柔韧膜。膨胀测试和尺寸评估表明，该材料能够吸收生理液体并在再水化后逐渐膨胀。该特征是在猪肱骨（离体）的模拟软骨缺损上进行评估的，这揭示了膜逐渐适应受损软骨上的组织空隙的能力。再水化膜的流变学特性表明它们具有特殊的应变硬化行为，这代表了承受可变机械载荷和变形的组织再生的有希望的特征。生物体外研究证明了与原代软骨细胞和成骨细胞接触的膜的生物相容性。总之，这些结果代表了基于 CTL 开发用于软骨治疗的新一代可植入生物材料的起点。这代表了承受可变机械载荷和变形的组织再生的有希望的特征。生物体外研究证明了与原代软骨细胞和成骨细胞接触的膜的生物相容性。总之，这些结果代表了基于 CTL 开发用于软骨治疗的新一代可植入生物材料的起点。这代表了承受可变机械载荷和变形的组织再生的有希望的特征。生物体外研究证明了与原代软骨细胞和成骨细胞接触的膜的生物相容性。总之，这些结果代表了基于 CTL 开发用于软骨治疗的新一代可植入生物材料的起点。