Thixotropic Red Microalgae Sulfated Polysaccharide-Peptide Composite Hydrogels as Scaffolds for Tissue Engineering
Michal Halperin-Sternfeld1,2,3, Gal Netanel Liberman4, Raha Kannan5
1Department of Oral Biology, The Maurice and Gabriela Goldschleger School of Dental Medicine, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel.
Biomedicines
|June 24, 2022
Summary
This study enhances red microalgae polysaccharides for tissue engineering by combining them with a peptide hydrogelator. The resulting composite hydrogels show improved mechanical properties and support cell growth.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Marine Biotechnology
- Tissue Engineering
Background:
- Sulfated polysaccharides from red marine microalgae exhibit anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties beneficial for biomedical uses.
- Limited mechanical strength of these polysaccharides restricts their application in tissue engineering scaffolds.
Purpose of the Study:
- To enhance the mechanical properties of red microalgae sulfated polysaccharides (PS) for tissue engineering applications.
- To develop injectable and tunable composite hydrogels by integrating PS with FmocFF peptide hydrogelator.
Main Methods:
- Composite hydrogels were formed by mixing Porphyridium sp. sulfated polysaccharide (PS) with FmocFF peptide hydrogelator.
- Hydrogel structure was analyzed using electron microscopy.
- Injectability, mechanical properties, and curcumin release kinetics were evaluated.
- MC3T3-E1 preosteoblast cell viability and calcium deposition were assessed.
Main Results:
- Transparent and stable hydrogels were successfully fabricated at a 1:1 ratio of PS to FmocFF.
- Electron microscopy revealed a nanofibrous structure resembling the extracellular matrix.
- The composite hydrogels demonstrated injectability and tunable mechanical properties based on concentration.
- Sustained release of curcumin was achieved, controlled by hydrogel concentration.
- The hydrogels promoted MC3T3-E1 cell viability and supported calcium deposition.
Conclusions:
- The synergistic combination of sulfated polysaccharides and FmocFF peptide yields tunable hydrogels with enhanced mechanical properties.
- These composite hydrogels show significant potential as scaffolds for tissue engineering, promoting cell viability and differentiation.
- The developed materials offer a promising platform for advanced regenerative medicine applications.
