L-Ascorbic Acid 2-Phosphate-Releasing Poly(trimethylene carbonate) Increases Cell Proliferation and Collagen...

Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) occurs due to the weakening of the pelvic floor connective tissues and their decreased collagen content, leading to the descent of pelvic organs into or through vagina. Therefore, biodegradable materials designed to enhance collagen production could be a future option for POP treatment.

Here, we studied novel L-ascorbic acid 2-phosphate (A2P)-releasing biodegradable poly(trimethylene carbonate) (PTMC) materials. The effects of varying A2P concentrations (0, 5 or 10 wt%) were evaluated regarding material characteristics, such as component release and mechanical and surface properties. Further, materials' effect on proliferation, collagen production and attachment of human vaginal stromal cells (hVSCs) and human adipose-derived stromal cells (hASCs) were analyzed during 14-day culture period.

A2P-releasing PTMC had good handling characteristics and mechanical properties, such as high tensile and suture retention strength. Rapid, yet controlled release of A2P from the PTMC was observed in in vitro release studies. Our results demonstrate that A2P-releasing PTMC significantly increased the proliferation and total collagen content of both hVSCs and hASCs. Further, genetic expression of collagen types I (COL I) and III (COL III) significantly increased on A2P-releasing PTMC membranes, and extracellular COL I fibers were visible in cultures on PTMC5. Increased attachment and cell sheet formation were observed in both hVSC and hASC cultures on A2P-releasing PTMC, and A2P increased α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) expression in hASCs.

Our results indicate that A2P-releasing PTMC is a promising option for enhancing tissue regeneration in applications for POP tissue engineering.