A novel injectable chitosan/polyglutamate polyelectrolyte complex hydrogel with hydroxyapatite for soft-tissue
Dian-Yu Ji1, Tzong-Fu Kuo2, Hong-Da Wu1
1School of Dentistry, College of Oral Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan, ROC.
Carbohydrate Polymers
|April 23, 2014
Summary
This study presents a new injectable filler made from chitosan/polyglutamate hydrogel and hydroxyapatite particles for soft-tissue augmentation. The filler shows excellent stability, biocompatibility, and long-lasting results, promoting collagenesis.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Tissue Engineering
- Dermatology
Background:
- Developing effective injectable dermal fillers is crucial for soft-tissue augmentation.
- Existing fillers face challenges with stability, longevity, and biocompatibility.
- Chitosan/polyglutamate polyelectrolyte complexes offer potential as advanced biomaterials.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate an injectable chitosan/polyglutamate polyelectrolyte complex (PEC) hydrogel combined with hydroxyapatite (HAp) particles as a dermal filler.
- To assess the stability, biocompatibility, and efficacy of the PEC/HAp hydrogel for soft-tissue augmentation.
- To investigate the potential for collagenesis induced by the novel filler.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of a chitosan (CS)/polyglutamate (PG) polyelectrolyte complex (PEC) hydrogel.
- Incorporation of spherical hydroxyapatite (HAp) particles into the PEC hydrogel.
- In vitro biocompatibility testing using MTT assay.
- Assessment of structural integrity in PBS solution.
- Evaluation of injectability using a texture analyzer.
- In vivo animal study involving implantation in swine ear dermis.
- Histomorphometric analysis of tissue retention and collagenesis at various time points.
Main Results:
- The CS/PG PEC hydrogel exhibited high gel content and low degradation rate, ensuring shape and volume stability.
- MTT assay confirmed satisfactory cell biocompatibility of the CS/PG PEC.
- The PEC/HAp hydrogel maintained structural integrity in PBS for up to 60 days.
- Animal studies showed significant retention rates at 6 months: approximately 44% for PEC and 73% for PEC/HAp.
- Histological analysis revealed new collagen formation, suggesting a collagenesis effect.
Conclusions:
- The injectable PEC/HAp hydrogel demonstrates excellent stability, biocompatibility, and injectability.
- The filler provides significant long-term volume retention and shows potential for stimulating collagen production.
- This PEC/HAp system represents a promising alternative for soft-tissue augmentation applications.
