Injectable bsf-derived chitosan hydrogel for polylaminin delivery in neural regeneration

We are developing a thermosensitive injectable hydrogel scaffold derived from Black Soldier Fly (BSF) chitosan for the delivery of laminin-derived polymers (polylaminin) for neural tissue engineering. Injectable hydrogels provide minimally invasive biomaterial scaffolds that mimic extracellular matrix structure while delivering bioactive molecules that promote neuronal adhesion, neurite extension, and tissue regeneration. The proposed system uses chitosan–β-glycerophosphate thermogelling chemistry, enabling the solution to remain injectable at low temperatures and rapidly gel at physiological temperature (~37 °C). The scaffold incorporates polylaminin, a polymeric laminin derivative shown to promote axonal regeneration after spinal cord injury.

Our approach integrates computational modeling and experimental validation. Python-based simulations were developed to model laminin molecular architecture and mesoscale insertion of polylaminin into a chitosan hydrogel network. Experimental validation will use BSF-derived chitosan hydrogels prepared at 0.5–2.0% polymer concentration with β-glycerophosphate crosslinking, tested under a 4×2×2 factorial design (polymer concentration, pH, temperature) to evaluate gelation behavior, viscosity, and scaffold microstructure. Microstructural analysis will be performed using SEM imaging, and rheological measurements will quantify hydrogel viscosity and stability.

Initial results demonstrate that the system forms stable injectable hydrogels capable of entrapping bioactive molecules while maintaining ECM-like porosity and mechanical support for neural regeneration. Next steps include experimental integration of polylaminin, evaluation of controlled release, mechanical characterization, and in-vitro neural cell assays to assess neurite outgrowth and adhesion. The long-term goal is the development of a biofunctionalized scaffold for spinal cord repair and other neural tissue engineering applications.