Injectable in situ-forming hydrogel for cartilage tissue engineering
Jin Seon Kwon1, So Mi Yoon, Doo Yeon Kwon
1Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University, Suwon 443-749, Korea. moonskim@ajou.ac.kr.
Journal of Materials Chemistry. B
|April 9, 2020
Summary
Injectable methoxy polyethylene glycol-poly(ε-caprolactone) hydrogels loaded with chondrocytes can regenerate cartilage. These in situ-forming hydrogels show potential for non-invasive cartilage tissue engineering.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Tissue Engineering
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Methoxy polyethylene glycol-poly(ε-caprolactone) (MPEG-PCL) diblock copolymers exhibit a body temperature-triggered solution-to-gel phase transition.
- These copolymers are suitable for drug delivery and tissue engineering applications.
- Injectable hydrogels offer advantages for minimally invasive procedures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate chondrocyte-loaded MPEG-PCL (MP) solution as an injectable, in situ-forming hydrogel for cartilage regeneration.
- To assess the in vitro and in vivo performance of chondrocyte-MP hydrogels.
- To determine the potential of this system for non-invasive cartilage repair.
Main Methods:
- Investigated the solution-to-gel phase transition of chondrocyte-MP solution in vitro by measuring viscosity at different temperatures.
- Assessed chondrocyte attachment and proliferation on the MP hydrogel in vitro.
- Subcutaneously injected chondrocyte-MP solution into mice and evaluated hydrogel formation, pore structure, and cartilage formation in vivo using histological and immunohistochemical staining.
Main Results:
- The chondrocyte-MP solution exhibited a significant viscosity increase at 37 °C, transitioning from a liquid to a hydrogel.
- Chondrocytes demonstrated good attachment and proliferation within the MP hydrogel in vitro.
- In vivo, the injected solution rapidly formed a hydrogel with an interconnected pore structure, supporting chondrocyte growth and differentiation.
- Histological analysis confirmed the formation of cartilage, evidenced by the presence of glycosaminoglycans, proteoglycans, and type II collagen, with maximal expression at 6 weeks post-implantation.
Conclusions:
- In situ-forming chondrocyte-MP hydrogels can successfully regenerate cartilage in vivo.
- The injectable nature and biocompatibility of MP hydrogels make them promising for cartilage tissue engineering.
- These findings suggest a potential non-invasive therapeutic strategy for cartilage repair.
