Placenta Powder-Infused Thiol-Ene PEG Hydrogels as Potential Tissue Engineering Scaffolds

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Tissue Engineering
• Regenerative Medicine

Background:

• Human placenta is a valuable source of extracellular matrix for tissue engineering applications.
• Synthetic hydrogels offer tunable properties but often lack inherent bioactivity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To incorporate decellularized human placenta powder (PP) into poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)-based hydrogels.
• To evaluate the physicochemical properties, biocompatibility, and potential for tissue regeneration of these novel hydrogels.

Main Methods:

• Placenta powder (PP) was incorporated into PEG hydrogels using UV-initiated thiol-ene coupling (TEC).
• Hydrogel mechanical properties (storage moduli) and swelling ratios were measured.
• In vitro biocompatibility was assessed using human skin cells and murine macrophages.
• 3D printing (SLA) and high-energy visible light (HEV-TEC) were used to fabricate hydrogel constructs.

Main Results:

• PP incorporation significantly increased hydrogel storage moduli in a dose-dependent manner (1-8 wt%).
• PP reduced hydrogel swelling ratios compared to pristine PEG hydrogels.
• All hydrogels exhibited excellent in vitro biocompatibility (cell viability >91%).
• PP-containing hydrogels (MoDPEG+) promoted cell adhesion and proliferation, unlike bio-inert PEG hydrogels (MoDPEG).

Conclusions:

• PP-incorporated PEG hydrogels (MoDPEG+) possess tunable mechanical properties and enhanced bioactivity.
• These hydrogels support cell growth and show potential for 3D printing and soft-tissue/bone defect repair.
• MoDPEG+ hydrogels represent a promising biomaterial for advancing tissue regeneration strategies.