RESUMO
The purpose of this research is to construct a kind of 3D-Scaffold with galactose-carrying polysaccharide for improving the function of hepatocytes in vitro. Galactose moieties were covalently coupled with hyaluronic acid through ethylenediamine. Galactosylated hyaluronic acid/chitosan scaffolds were prepared by lyophilization. The characteristics of the scaffolds such as morphology, hydrophilicity, and mechanical properties were investigated. The results indicated that the porosity and the pore size of the scaffolds made in -20 degrees C were useful used for culturing hepatocytes. And, the incorporating of hyaluronic acid in chitosan network improved the hydrophilicity and mechanical properties of the scaffolds. Rat primary hepatocytes growing in the scaffolds observed by phase-contrast microscope showed the multicellular spheroid morphologies. Therefore, galactosylated hyaluronic acid/chitosan scaffolds could be used as a promising scaffold for liver tissue engineering.