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A biocompatible macromolecular two-photon initiator based on hyaluronan
Maximilian Tromayer1, Peter Gruber2, Marica Markovic2
1Institute of Applied Synthetic Chemistry , TU Wien (Technische Universitaet Wien) , Getreidemarkt 9/163/MC , 1060 Vienna , Austria ; Austrian Cluster for Tissue Regeneration , Austria.
Polymer Chemistry
|March 7, 2017
Summary
Researchers developed a novel hyaluronan-bound photoinitiator (HAPI) to improve cell encapsulation in 3D hydrogel scaffolds. This new initiator reduces toxicity and migration, enabling high-speed fabrication of viable cell-laden constructs.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Engineering
- Photopolymerization
- Cell Encapsulation
Background:
- Two-photon polymerization allows microfabrication of cell-laden hydrogels.
- Existing photoinitiators cause cytotoxicity and migrate into cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- Synthesize a novel hyaluronan-bound photoinitiator (HAPI) to overcome limitations of current initiators.
- Improve cytocompatibility and prevent photoinitiator migration during 3D cell encapsulation.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of HAPI by conjugating a two-photon initiator to a hyaluronan backbone.
- Photophysical characterization of HAPI (absorption, fluorescence).
- Laser scanning microscopy to assess HAPI migration.
- Two-photon polymerization of gelatin-based hydrogels at high speeds (100 mm/s) with embedded cells.
Main Results:
- HAPI demonstrated significantly improved cytocompatibility compared to a reference initiator.
- HAPI showed hindered transmembrane migration, confirmed by microscopy.
- Successful fabrication of complex 3D hydrogel scaffolds with high water content (85%) at high printing speeds.
- Low photodamage and high cell viability (MC3T3 cells) observed post-structuring.
Conclusions:
- HAPI is a promising photoinitiator for advanced 3D cell encapsulation via two-photon polymerization.
- The developed method enables rapid, low-toxicity microfabrication of cell-laden hydrogel scaffolds.
- HAPI's reduced migration and improved cytocompatibility are crucial for creating functional tissue engineering constructs.
