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Macrophage-mediated erosion of gamma irradiated poly(trimethylene carbonate) films
Erhan Bat1, Theo G van Kooten, Jan Feijen
1Institute for Biomedical Technology (BMTI), Department of Polymer Chemistry and Biomaterials, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Twente, P.O. Box 217, 7500 AE Enschede, The Netherlands.
Abstract:
A macrophage culture model was used to investigate the erosion of gamma irradiated poly(trimethylene carbonate) (PTMC) films. When the PTMC films were incubated in the culture medium, but physically separated from the cells by a membrane, no erosion occurred. In contrast, when the J774A macrophages were directly cultured on PTMC films, they adhered to the films and were found to have eroded the polymer surface. Macrophages adhered to gamma irradiated poly(epsilon-caprolactone) (PCL) controls as well, but to a lesser extent than to the PTMC films. In this case, no signs of erosion were observed. Human skin fibroblasts cultured on PTMC and PCL films as controls also adhered to the films but did not erode the surfaces. The effect of enzymes and reactive oxygen species that can be secreted by macrophages on the erosion process was assessed using aqueous solutions of cholesterol esterase, lipoprotein lipase, esterase, potassium superoxide, and hydrogen peroxide. The PTMC films eroded in aqueous enzyme solutions as well as in aqueous superoxide solutions. Cholesterol esterase and superoxide anion radicals seem to be most involved in the macrophage-mediated erosion of PTMC. This macrophage culture model is useful in assessing the influence of macrophages on the in vivo biodegradability of polymers and in elucidating the biodegradation mechanisms involved.
Insights
Macrophages erode gamma-irradiated poly(trimethylene carbonate) (PTMC) films, but not poly(epsilon-caprolactone) (PCL). Cholesterol esterase and superoxide radicals are key factors in this polymer erosion process.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Biodegradable polymers are crucial for medical applications.
- Understanding polymer degradation mechanisms is essential for in vivo performance.
- Macrophages play a significant role in foreign body response and material degradation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of macrophages in the erosion of gamma-irradiated poly(trimethylene carbonate) (PTMC) films.
- To elucidate the specific mechanisms involved in macrophage-mediated polymer erosion.
- To evaluate a macrophage culture model for assessing polymer biodegradability.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a macrophage (J774A) culture model to study PTMC film erosion.
- Compared PTMC erosion with poly(epsilon-caprolactone) (PCL) controls.
- Assessed the impact of secreted enzymes (cholesterol esterase, lipase, esterase) and reactive oxygen species (superoxide, hydrogen peroxide) on polymer erosion.
Main Results:
- Macrophages directly cultured on PTMC films caused significant surface erosion.
- Macrophages adhered to PCL films but did not cause erosion.
- PTMC films eroded in solutions containing cholesterol esterase and superoxide, indicating their involvement in macrophage-mediated erosion.
Conclusions:
- Macrophages actively erode gamma-irradiated PTMC films, a process influenced by enzymes like cholesterol esterase and superoxide radicals.
- The developed macrophage culture model effectively simulates in vivo polymer degradation and aids in understanding biodegradation mechanisms.
- PTMC shows susceptibility to macrophage-mediated erosion, highlighting the importance of considering cellular interactions in biomaterial design.
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