Abstract
Due to their remarkable structures and properties, three-dimensional hydrogels and nanostructured clay particles have been extensively studied and have shown a high potential for tissue engineering as solutions for tissue defects. In this study, four types of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate/2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid/montmorillonite (HEMA/AMPSA/MMT) hydrogels enriched with sericin, and fibroin were prepared and studied in the context of regenerative medicine for soft tissue regenerative medicine. Our aim was to obtain crosslinked hydrogel structures using modified montmorillonite clay as a crosslinking agent. In order to improve the in vitro and in vivo biocompatibility, silk proteins were further incorporated within the hydrogel matrix. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy with attenuated total reflectance (FTIR-ATR) were performed to prove the chemical structures of the modified MMT and nanocomposite hydrogels. Swelling and rheological measurements showed the good elastic behavior of the hydrogels due to this unique network structure in which modified MMT acts as a crosslinking agent. Hydrogel biocompatibility was assessed by MTT, LDH and LIVE/DEAD assays. The hydrogels were evaluated for their potential to support adipogenesis in vitro and human stem cells isolated from adipose tissue were seeded in them and induced to differentiate. The progress was assessed by evaluation of expression of adipogenic markers (ppar-γ2, perilipin) evaluated by qPCR. The potential of the materials to support tissue regeneration was further evaluated on animal models in vivo. All materials proved to be biocompatible, with better results on the 95% HEMA 5% AMPSA enriched with sericin and fibroin material. This composition promoted a better development of adipogenesis compared to the other compositions studied, due the addition of sericin and fibroin. The results were confirmed in vivo as well, with a better progress of soft tissue regeneration after implantation in mice. Therefore, hydrogel 95% HEMA 5% AMPSA enriched with sericin as well as fibroin showed the best results that recommend it for future soft tissue engineering application.
Highlights
Over the years, the fields of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine have evolved constantly in order to develop better tissue-like constructs that can repair an injury or replace an affected organ
The present study aims to evaluate the potential of newly developed materials based on poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate-co-2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid) with modified clay and enriched with sericin and fibroin for soft tissue engineering applications
The synthesis focused on the opening of the anhydride cycle and release the two free carboxyl groups
Summary
The fields of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine have evolved constantly in order to develop better tissue-like constructs that can repair an injury or replace an affected organ. There is a growing need for various soft tissue defects (skin injuries, breast reconstruction etc.) solutions that can be addressed by soft tissue engineering [1]. Materials should mimic the targeted tissue in order to integrate better in the implanted environment. They should support cellular adhesion, proliferation and differentiation for proper tissue regeneration [2,3]. Hydrogels can be made with natural or synthetic polymers and represent a great candidate for soft tissue engineering due to their biomimetic properties and multifunctionalities [4]. Natural or synthetic materials could be used such as chitosan, alginate, collagen, fibrin, hyaluronic acid or polyacrylic acid, polyacrylamide, poly(N-isopropylacrylamide), both carrying advantages for medical use
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