Functional thermosensitive hydrogels based on chitin as RIN-m5F cell carrier for the treatment of diabetes

Herein, the thermosensitive hydroxypropyl chitin (HPCT) hydrogel was prepared and the chemical structures, microstructures, rheological properties and degradation in vitro were investigated. The HPCT hydrogel possessed satisfactory biocompatibility in mouse fibroblast cells and Sprague Dawley rats. On the other hand, N-acetylglucosamine (NAG) and carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS) provided favorable capacity for promoting cell proliferation, delaying cell apoptosis, and facilitating the insulin secretion of rat pancreatic beta cells (RIN-m5F) in three-dimensional culture. Most importantly, the effects of HPCT/NAG and HPCT/CMCS thermosensitive hydrogels as RIN-m5F cells carriers were evaluated via injection into different areas of diabetic rats. Our results demonstrated that HPCT/NAG and HPCT/CMCS hydrogels loaded RIN-m5F cells could keep cells survival, maintain insulin secretion and reduce blood glucose for one week. Overall, the functional thermosensitive hydrogels based on HPCT were effective cell carriers for RIN-m5F cells and might provide novel strategy for the treatment of diabetes via cell engineering. •Thermosensitive and biodegradable HPCT hydrogel was synthesized and characterized.•NAG and CMCS could promote cell proliferation and delay cell apoptosis.•HPCT/NAG and HPCT/CMCS hydrogels were effective cell carrier of RIN-m5F cells.•HPCT/NAG and HPCT/CMCS hydrogels loaded RIN-m5F cells could reduce blood glucose of diabetic rats.•HPCT might be potential cell carrier for diabetes treatment through cell engineering.