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Beta Hairpin Peptide Hydrogels as an Injectable Solid Vehicle for Neurotrophic Growth Factor Delivery
Stephan Lindsey, Joseph H Piatt, Peter Worthington1
1Biomedical Engineering Graduate Program, University of Delaware , Newark, Delaware 19716, United States.
Biomacromolecules
|July 31, 2015
Summary
MAX8, a novel hydrogel, effectively delivers nerve growth factor (NGF) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) for sustained therapeutic effects. This injectable system shows promise for spinal cord injury treatments with controlled release and enhanced efficacy.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Regenerative Medicine
- Drug Delivery Systems
Background:
- Developing sustained-release drug delivery systems is crucial for effective therapeutic outcomes.
- Injectable hydrogels offer potential for localized and controlled therapeutic delivery.
- Neurotrophic growth factors like NGF and BDNF are key in treating spinal cord injuries.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate MAX8, a peptide-based hydrogel, as a delivery vehicle for nerve growth factor (NGF) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF).
- To assess the impact of MAX8's shear-thinning properties on therapeutic encapsulation and release.
- To determine the efficacy of MAX8-encapsulated NGF and BDNF in promoting neuronal cell growth.
Main Methods:
- MAX8 hydrogel formulation and characterization.
- Encapsulation of NGF and BDNF within the MAX8 hydrogel.
- Assessment of gel formation, rehealing, and shear-thinning properties.
- In vitro degradation studies and sustained release analysis using ELISA, microscopy, rheology, and Western blotting.
- PC12 cell neurite outgrowth assays to evaluate biological activity.
Main Results:
- Encapsulation of NGF and BDNF did not compromise MAX8 hydrogel formation or rehealing.
- Shear thinning during simulated injection did not cause premature therapeutic release.
- MAX8 hydrogels protected encapsulated therapeutics from degradation for at least 28 days.
- Sustained release of NGF and BDNF from MAX8 stimulated neurite-like extensions in PC12 cells.
- Release profiles were tunable by adjusting MAX8 hydrogel concentration.
Conclusions:
- MAX8 hydrogel is a feasible and effective system for sustained delivery of NGF and BDNF.
- The shear-thinning and rehealing properties of MAX8 are suitable for injectable therapeutic applications.
- MAX8 hydrogels offer controlled dosage and sustained release, potentially improving spinal cord injury treatment efficacy and reducing side effects.
