Thermosensitive Poly(N-vinylcaprolactam) Injectable Hydrogels for Cartilage Tissue Engineering

Author(s)

Sala, Renata L. ; Kwon, Mi Y. ; Kim, Minwook ; Gullbrand, Sarah E. ; Henning, Elizabeth A. ; Mauck, Robert L. ; Camargo, Emerson R. ; Burdick, Jason A.

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: TISSUE ENGINEERING PART A; v. 23, n. 17-18, p. 935-945, SEP 2017.
• Web of Science Citations: 16

Abstract

Injectable hydrogels have gained prominence in the field of tissue engineering for minimally invasive delivery of cells for tissue repair and in the filling of irregular defects. However, many injectable hydrogels exhibit long gelation times or are not stable for long periods after injection. To address these concerns, we used thermosensitive poly(N-vinylcaprolactam) (PNVCL) hydrogels due to their cytocompatibility and fast response to temperature stimuli. Changes in the PNVCL molecular weight and concentration enabled the development of hydrogels with tunable mechanical properties and fast gelation times (<60 s when the temperature was raised from room temperature to physiologic temperature). Chondrocytes (CHs) and mesenchymal stem cells were encapsulated in PNVCL hydrogels and exhibited high viability (similar to 90%), asmonitored by Live/Dead staining and Alamar Blue assays. Three-dimensional constructs of CH-laden PNVCL hydrogels supported cartilage-specific extracellular matrix production both in vitro and after subcutaneous injection in nude rats for up to 8 weeks. Moreover, biochemical analyses of constructs demonstrated a time-dependent increase in glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) and collagen, which were significantly augmented in the implants cultured in vivo. Histological analyses also demonstrated regular distribution of synthesized cartilage components, including abundant GAGs and type II collagen. The findings from this study demonstrate thermosensitive PNVCL as a candidate injectable biomaterial to deliver cells for cartilage tissue engineering. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 15/07185-1 - Development of polymeric nanocomposites applicable to tissue engineering
• Grantee: Renata Lang Sala
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Doctorate
• FAPESP's process: 13/25663-2 - Development of Polymeric Nanocomposites Applicable to Tissue Engineering
• Grantee: Renata Lang Sala
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• FAPESP's process: 13/07296-2 - CDMF - Center for the Development of Functional Materials
• Grantee: Elson Longo da Silva
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Research, Innovation and Dissemination Centers - RIDC