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PEG Reinforced Scaffold Promotes Uniform Distribution of Human MSC-Created Cartilage Matrix
Kanyakorn Riewruja1,2, Alyssa M Aguglia1,3, Sophie Hines1
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 450 Technology Drive, Rm 217, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA.
Gels (Basel, Switzerland)
|December 22, 2022
Summary
This study enhanced gelatin/hyaluronic acid scaffolds with polyethylene glycol diacrylate for cartilage repair. The new hybrid scaffolds show improved mechanical strength and good integration with host tissues.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Tissue Engineering
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Gelatin/hyaluronic acid (GH) scaffolds promote chondrogenesis of human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (hBMSCs) for cartilage regeneration.
- Existing GH scaffolds have a lower compressive modulus than native cartilage, limiting their mechanical strength.
Purpose of the Study:
- To enhance the mechanical strength of GH scaffolds without compromising their chondrosupportive properties.
- To develop a new tool for chondral injury repair.
Main Methods:
- Infiltration of polyethylene glycol diacrylate (PEGDA) and photoinitiators into pre-formed hBMSC-laden GH scaffolds, followed by photo-crosslinking.
- Assessment of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) deposition, cell migration, and proliferation.
- In vitro cartilage repair study using bovine cartilage explants.
Main Results:
- PEGDA infiltration significantly increased GAG deposition in the central scaffold area.
- PEG-infiltrated GH scaffolds (GH+PEG) showed limited cell migration but more proliferating cells in the GH group compared to GH+PEG.
- PEG-GH hybrid scaffolds demonstrated good integration with host tissues in bovine cartilage explants.
Conclusions:
- PEG-GH hybrid scaffolds offer enhanced mechanical strength while maintaining chondrogenic potential.
- These scaffolds are a promising new tool for the repair of chondral injuries.
- The fabrication method involves infiltrating PEG into pre-formed GH scaffolds.
