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The tissue response to photopolymerized PEG-p(HPMAm-lactate)-based hydrogels
Roberta Censi1, Sander van Putten, Tina Vermonden
1Department of Pharmaceutics, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences (UIPS), Utrecht University, P.O. Box 80082, 3508 TB Utrecht, The Netherlands.
Journal of Biomedical Materials Research. Part A
|March 29, 2011
Summary
This study investigated the in vivo tissue response to novel hydrogels for biomedical applications. The biocompatible hydrogels induced a localized inflammatory response that resolved over time, correlating with material degradation.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Tissue Engineering
Background:
- Hydrogels are crucial for protein delivery and tissue engineering.
- In vivo biocompatibility is essential for hydrogel applications.
- Understanding inflammatory and angiogenic responses is key to developing safe hydrogels.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the in vivo angiogenic and inflammatory responses to photopolymerized thermosensitive poly(hydroxypropyl methacrylamide lactate)-poly(ethyl copolymer hydrogels.
- To evaluate the effect of varying crosslink densities on tissue response.
- To correlate histological findings with hydrogel degradation rates.
Main Methods:
- Subcutaneous implantation of hydrogels with different crosslink densities into Balb/c mice.
- Histological evaluation of tissue response, including inflammatory cell infiltration and neovascularization.
- Assessment of hydrogel biodegradation and resorption rates in vivo.
Main Results:
- Hydrogel implantation elicited an acute, localized inflammatory reaction with granulocyte infiltration.
- A subsequent chronic inflammatory phase with macrophage infiltration and decreasing granulocytes was observed.
- Increased macrophage and blood vessel presence correlated with hydrogel biodegradation, with in vivo and in vitro degradation rates aligning.
Conclusions:
- The investigated hydrogels demonstrate a manageable inflammatory response in vivo.
- Material degradation, primarily via hydrolysis, influences the host tissue's angiogenic and chronic inflammatory response.
- These findings support the potential of these hydrogels for in vivo applications pending further safety and efficacy studies.
