PHEMA-based cryogels as 3D placental scaffolds

Abstract

The placental barrier regulates the passage of nutrients, waste, drugs, and chemicals between maternal and fetal tissues. Mono and co-culture systems were constituted with human placental choriocarcinoma cells (BeWo) and human umbilical cord vein cells (HUVEC) on biocompatible poly (2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (PHEMA)-based cryogels. PHEMA cryogels were supported with extracellular matrix (ECM) elements. According to the Fourier transform infrared spectrometry-Attenuated Total Reflectance (FTIR-ATR) results, it was confirmed that gelatin, folic acid (FA), fibronectin (FN), and collagen type IV (COL Type IV) were successfully incorporated into the structure of cryogels. The mean pore size of the cryogels confirmed by micro-computed tomography analysis was in the range of 15–195 µm. The antidepressant active ingredient Vortioxetine was investigated by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol2-yl)− 2,5-diphenyltetrazolium-bromide (MTT) viability analysis in the constituted cryogel co-culture system. The cryogels did not cause any toxic effect on the cells. High doses of Vortioxetine showed reduced cell viability in monocultures, but not the expected reduction in cell viability at the same doses of co-culture. The highest amount of human chorionic gonadotropin hormone was in the PHEMA+COL Type IV+FA group. There were no significant changes in matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 2 and 9 protein levels due to Vortioxetine dose administration.