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Injectable Supramolecular Polymer-Nanoparticle Hydrogels for Cell and Drug Delivery Applications
Published on: February 7, 2021
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Enzymatically cross-linked bovine lactoferrin as injectable hydrogel for cell delivery
Ashley A Amini1, Ho-Man Kan, Zhanwu Cui
11 School of Dental Medicine, University of Connecticut Health Center , Farmington, Connecticut.
Tissue Engineering. Part A
|May 8, 2014
Summary
This study shows that bovine lactoferrin (bLF) can form injectable hydrogels for cell delivery. These bLF hydrogels support cell viability, proliferation, and osteogenic differentiation, offering a promising biomaterial for bone regeneration.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Skeletal Biology
- Tissue Engineering
Background:
- Lactoferrin (LF) is a glycoprotein with known skeletal effects, including regulating osteoclast and osteoblast activity.
- Developing effective cell delivery vehicles is crucial for regenerative medicine and skeletal repair.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the feasibility of creating an injectable hydrogel from bovine lactoferrin (bLF).
- To evaluate the hydrogel's potential as a cell delivery vehicle for skeletal applications.
Main Methods:
- Tyramine-substituted bLF was cross-linked using horseradish peroxidase and hydrogen peroxide to form the hydrogel.
- Mouse bone marrow-derived stromal cells (mBMSCs) and MC3T3-E1 cells were encapsulated to assess viability, proliferation, and differentiation.
- Osteogenic differentiation was confirmed using specific cell lines and mineralization media.
Main Results:
- The bLF hydrogel was successfully formed and demonstrated a mild environment supporting mBMSC viability and proliferation.
- Encapsulated cells exhibited osteogenic differentiation within the hydrogel.
- The bLF hydrogel supported protein phosphorylation/de-phosphorylation in MC3T3-E1 cells and modulated growth factor production in mBMSCs.
Conclusions:
- Injectable hydrogels can be developed from bovine lactoferrin.
- These bLF hydrogels serve as a viable cell delivery vehicle, promoting osteogenic differentiation and supporting cellular functions relevant to bone regeneration.
