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Mechanically improved porous hydrogels with polysaccharides via polyelectrolyte complexation for bone tissue
Maduru Suneetha1, Kummara Madhusudana Rao1, Sung Soo Han1
1School of Chemical Engineering, Yeungnam University, 280-Daehak-Ro, Gyeongsan 712-749, South Korea.
International Journal of Biological Macromolecules
|December 18, 2019
Summary
This study developed novel chitosan and sodium alginate polyelectrolyte complex hydrogels (PEC-PAM) for bone tissue engineering. These macroporous hydrogels demonstrate excellent biocompatibility and potential for enhancing bone regeneration.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Tissue Engineering
- Polymer Chemistry
Background:
- Bone tissue engineering seeks advanced materials to repair bone defects.
- Polysaccharide-based hydrogels offer promise due to their biocompatibility and structural similarity to the native extracellular matrix.
- Developing macroporous, fibrous hydrogels with tunable mechanical properties is crucial for effective bone regeneration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To engineer novel macroporous hydrogels incorporating chitosan and sodium alginate polyelectrolyte complexes (PECs) within a poly(acrylamide) (PAM) network.
- To investigate the structural, mechanical, and biological properties of these PEC-PAM hydrogels for bone tissue engineering applications.
- To evaluate the potential of PEC-PAM hydrogels in promoting osteoblast cell behavior and bone regeneration.
Main Methods:
- Hydrogels were synthesized via free radical polymerization, forming PECs in situ using glucuronic acid delta-galactone (GDL).
- Structural characterization utilized Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD).
- Porosity, pore size, mechanical properties, and in vitro bio-mineralization and cell performance (proliferation, adhesion, biocompatibility) were assessed.
Main Results:
- The incorporation of PECs significantly influenced hydrogel porosity, pore size, and mechanical characteristics.
- The PEC-PAM hydrogels exhibited a macroporous structure with a ladder-like fibrous topology, conducive to cell growth.
- Demonstrated good bio-mineralization capacity and supported human bone osteoblast cell proliferation, biocompatibility, and adhesion.
Conclusions:
- The developed PEC-PAM hydrogels possess desirable structural and mechanical properties for bone tissue engineering.
- The unique fibrous topology and demonstrated bio-mineralization capacity suggest suitability for bone defect repair.
- These hydrogels show significant potential as advanced biomaterials for enhancing bone regeneration.
