Development of an integrated device utilizing exosome-hyaluronic acid-based hydrogel and investigation of its osteogenic and angiogenic characteristics

Abstract

Tissue engineering (TE) has been widely proposed as a potential solution to the global shortage of donor organs for transplantation. Organic and biocompatible materials have been explored as potential candidates to mimic natural extracellular matrices for regenerative applications. Biomimetic environments have been created using these materials, and hydrogels have shown promise in tissue regeneration due to their rapid gel-forming ability and excellent biocompatibility. Therefore, achieving comparisons between studies utilizing identical materials can prove arduous, as variations in material concentrations, sample preparation techniques, and laboratory conditions significantly influence the physicochemical characteristics of hydrogel systems. To ensure their promotion for clinical purposes, stable variables are crucial. In this regard, we have created an amalgamated and simplified device to assist in hydrogel-based systems using hyaluronic acid and alginate-loaded exosomes for regenerative medicine. The objective of this study is to examine the porosity, injectability, release of loaded exosomes, mechanical properties, and the rate of dissolution and degradation of well-known biomaterials, including alginate and hyaluronic acid, at different concentrations in a stable and controlled setting provided by a simplified integrated device. Furthermore, it aims to comprehensively assess their ex vivo and in vivo osteogenesis and vascularity-related metrics.