Protein-based double-network hydrogels mimicking oral mucosa

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Tissue Engineering
• Oral Biology

Background:

• The oral mucosa is crucial for bodily protection and drug absorption.
• Ethical and cost issues with animal models necessitate alternative research methods.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop protein-based double-network hydrogels that accurately replicate the mechanical and structural properties of the buccal mucosa and hard palate.
• To create a viable in vitro model for oral mucosa research.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of two types of protein-based double-network hydrogels using polyprotein and elastin-like peptides.
• Characterization of hydrogel microporous structure, surface properties, mechanical properties, and particle permeability.
• Assessment of hydrogel biocompatibility.

Main Results:

• The developed hydrogels closely mimic the physical properties of natural oral mucosa.
• Hydrogels demonstrated comparable microporous structure, surface and mechanical properties, and particle permeability to native tissue.
• Excellent biocompatibility was maintained.

Conclusions:

• Protein-based double-network hydrogels serve as effective biomimetic models for oral mucosa.
• These hydrogels are suitable for studying drug delivery, pathogen interactions, and aerosol particle adsorption.
• The fabrication principles can be extended to create biomimetic materials for other mucosal tissues.