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Abstract
A novel approach to provide, thermally sensitive neutral solutions based on chitosan/polyol
salt combinations is described. These formulations possess a physiological pH and
can be held liquid below room temperature for encapsulating living cells and therapeutic
proteins; they form monolithic gels at body temperature. When injected in vivo the
liquid formulations turn into gel implants in situ. This system was used successfully
to deliver biologically active growth factors in vivo as well as an encapsulating
matrix for living chondrocytes for tissue engineering applications. This study reports
for the first time the use of polymer/polyol salt aqueous solutions as gelling systems,
suggesting the discovery of a prototype for a new family of thermosetting gels highly
compatible with biological compounds.