Sodium Alginate Hydrogels Loaded with Mesenchymal Stem Cells-Derived Extracellular Vesicles: Safety and Cell...

Area of Science:

• Regenerative Medicine
• Biomaterials Science
• Tissue Engineering

Background:

• Wound healing is complex and often hindered in severe injuries.
• Mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles (MSC-EVs) show therapeutic potential but face stability and bioavailability issues.
• Sodium alginate hydrogels offer a promising delivery system for MSC-EVs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the safety and potential of sodium alginate hydrogels loaded with MSC-EVs (SAH-EVs).
• To assess SAH-EVs for cell migration, cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, and irritation.
• To explore SAH-EVs as a biomaterial for wound healing applications.

Main Methods:

• MSC-EVs were isolated from rat bone marrow conditioned medium and characterized.
• EVs were incorporated into sodium alginate hydrogels, with SEM confirming successful integration.
• Cell migration, cytotoxicity (2D/3D), genotoxicity, and irritation (HET-CAM) were assessed.

Main Results:

• Optimal EV concentration was achieved at 36h post-collection, with particles peaking at 123 nm.
• SEM confirmed desirable viscoelastic properties and successful EV incorporation into hydrogels.
• SAH-EVs enhanced HaCaT keratinocyte migration, showed low cytotoxicity, and had no genotoxic or irritant effects.

Conclusions:

• Sodium alginate hydrogels loaded with MSC-EVs (SAH-EVs) represent a safe and effective biomaterial.
• SAH-EVs demonstrate potential for promoting wound healing and tissue regeneration.
• This study provides a foundation for further research into SAH-EVs in regenerative medicine.