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Phloroglucinol-enhanced whey protein isolate hydrogels with antimicrobial activity for tissue engineering
Varvara Platania1, Timothy E L Douglas2, Mikhajlo K Zubko3
1Dept. of Materials Science and Technology, University of Crete, 70013 Heraklion, Greece; Foundation for Research and Technology Hellas (FORTH)-Institute of Electronic Structure and Laser (IESL), 70013 Heraklion, Greece.
Materials Science & Engineering. C, Materials for Biological Applications
|September 28, 2021
Summary
Whey Protein Isolate (WPI) hydrogels enriched with phloroglucinol (PG) show promise for tissue engineering. These materials prevent microbial contamination and support stem cell growth, addressing needs in regenerative medicine.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Tissue Engineering
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Aging populations increase demand for implantable materials for tissue regeneration.
- Whey Protein Isolate (WPI) is a dairy by-product suitable for hydrogel formation.
- WPI hydrogels offer cell adhesion, easy sterilization, and drug incorporation properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the enrichment of WPI hydrogels with phloroglucinol (PG).
- To assess the impact of PG enrichment on WPI hydrogel properties and biological activity.
- To evaluate WPI-PG hydrogels for tissue engineering applications.
Main Methods:
- WPI hydrogels were prepared with varying concentrations of PG (0-20% w/v).
- PG solubilization, mechanical properties, and antimicrobial activity against HAI bacteria were assessed.
- Human dental pulp stem cells and MG-63 cells were cultured on WPI-PG hydrogels to evaluate cell growth and collagen production.
Main Results:
- PG solubilization in WPI hydrogels was significantly higher than in water.
- PG enrichment did not negatively impact the mechanical properties of WPI hydrogels.
- WPI-PG hydrogels exhibited antimicrobial activity against common HAI bacteria and supported stem cell growth and collagen production.
Conclusions:
- Enriching WPI hydrogels with PG is a viable strategy for developing advanced biomaterials.
- WPI-PG hydrogels demonstrate potential for preventing microbial contamination in tissue engineering scaffolds.
- These enhanced hydrogels promote stem cell attachment, growth, and function, offering a promising solution for regenerative medicine.
