Pullulan-based hydrogel for smooth muscle cell culture

A hydrogel was prepared from pullulan and evaluated as a novel biomaterial for vascular engineering. Using a crosslinking process with sodium trimetaphosphate in aqueous solution, homogeneous, transparent, and easy-to-handle pullulan gels were obtained with water-content higher than 90%. A circular punch was used to cut 6-mm diameter and 2-mm thickness discs for cell culture. Environmental scanning electron microscopy analysis of hydrated gels revealed a smooth surface, on which rabbit vascular smooth muscle cells were successfully seeded. The absence of cytotoxicity was evidenced by a live/dead assay. Fluorescence-labeled cells were observed adhering and progressively spreading out on the surface of the material. Cellular proliferation was followed for up to 1 week using an MTT assay. In addition, a complete in vitro degradation of the gels was achieved in 3 h upon incubation in a pullulanase solution (44 U/mL). In conclusion, we have shown the feasibility of preparing a biocompatible pullulan-based hydrogel that could support vascular cell culture. Based on these promising results, future studies will focus on the seeding of vascular cells on tubular-shaped hydrogels and the in vivo implantation of these new biomaterials.