The authors would like to gratefully acknowledge the assistance of Dr. Jennifer Kadlowec in the development of the adhesive tensile testing protocol.
Research reported in this publication was supported by the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases and the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering of the National Institutes of Health under Award Number 1R15 AR 063920-01. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health.

The authors have nothing to disclose.

There are several critical steps in synthesizing the hydrogel-microparticle composite and evaluating its adhesive strength, swelling ability, and cellular biocompatibility. Free radical polymerization of PNIPAAm-g-CS requires successful methacrylation of chondroitin sulfate, complete dissolution of monomer components, and oxygen-free reaction conditions. The ratio of NIPAAm monomer to methacrylated chondroitin sulfate in the reaction mixture was chosen because it has been demonstrated, in our previous work, to generate c...

Injectable biomaterials are those that can be conveniently delivered into the body as a liquid and solidify in situ. Such materials have been applied extensively in regenerative medicine, where they are used to deliver encapsulated cells to the affected site 1-4 and act as a three-dimensional temporary extracellular matrix for the cells 5. For the patient, injectable biomaterials are advantageous because the surgical procedures for implantation are minimally invasive and the solid phase can fill irregularly shaped tissue defects, eliminating the need for custom-size implants.
Injectability can be achieved through a variety of mechanisms. External factors, like pH, have been investigated as a trigger for the formation of gels that encapsulate cells and bioactive molecules6-8. However, pH may not be the most convenient trigger to use in all physiological environments. Another traditional alternative for achieving injectability is using in situ chemical polymerization or crosslinking. A group developed a water-soluble redox system composed of ammonium persulfate and N,N,N&#39;,N&#39;-tetramethylethylenediamine and used it for reacting macromers composed of polyethylene glycol and poly(propylene) glycol 9,10. Zan et al. 11 developed injectable chitosan polyvinylalcohol networks crosslinked with glutaraldehyde. In such systems, the cytotoxicity of reactive components must be considered, especially for applications involving cell encapsulation. Also, exothermic polymerization could produce high enough temperatures to compromise surrounding tissue, which has been reported for polymeric bone cements 12,13.
Still other injectable polymer systems have been developed that exhibit a change from the liquid to solid state with temperature as the trigger. Known as thermogelling systems, these are aqueous polymer solutions that do not require chemical stimulus, monomers, or crosslinkers to achieve in situ formation 14. Rather, a phase transition usually occurring near physiological temperature induces the formation of a physically crosslinked three-dimensional network. Poloxamers such as Pluronic F127 are among the most widely studied polymers for thermogelling drug delivery 15-17 and cell encapsulation 18,19. However, it is well accepted that these gels lack stability at physiological conditions. Studies have demonstrated increased stability using chain extenders 20 or chemical crosslinkers 21,22. Nevertheless, the use of these reagents may limit the potential of the materials for cell encapsulation.
Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) is a synthetic thermogelling polymer that has received significant attention in tissue engineering and drug delivery 14. Aqueous solutions of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm) exhibit a lower critical solution temperature (LCST), typically occurring around 32 - 34 &#176;C 23,24. Below the LCST, water hydrates PNIPAAm chains. Above the transition temperature, the polymer becomes hydrophobic, resulting in a dramatic phase separation 25-27 and formation of a solid gel without the use of toxic monomers or crosslinkers. However, PNIPAAm homopolymers exhibit poor elastic properties and hold little water at physiological temperature due to hydrophobicity 28. In this work, we choose to incorporate chondroitin sulfate covalently into the PNIPAAm network, which offers the potential for enzymatic degradability 29, anti-inflammatory activity 30,31, and increased water and nutrient absorption 32. PNIPAAm copolymers with CS were prepared in our laboratory by polymerizing the monomer NIPAAm in the presence of methacrylate-functionalized CS to form grafted copolymer (PNIPAAm-g-CS). Because of the low crosslinking density of the copolymer, PNIPAAm-g-CS forms a viscous solution in water at RT&#160;and an elastic gel at physiological temperature due to the LCST 29. The polymer solutions become flowable again upon cooling below the LCST due to the reversibility of the transition.
We have demonstrated that PNIPAAm-g-CS has the potential to function as a tissue engineering scaffold, due to mechanical properties that can be tailored, degradability, and cytocompatibility with human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293 cells 29. However, in certain load bearing areas, such as the intervertebral disc, tissue engineering scaffolds should have the ability to form a substantial interface with surrounding disc tissue to eliminate the risk of dislocation 33. This interface is also necessary for the adequate transmission of force across the interface between the implant and the tissue 33. In our work, we have suspended alginate microparticles in aqueous solutions of PNIPAAm-g-CS and found that gelation localizes the microparticles, which provide adhesion with surrounding tissue 34. In this paper, we outline the steps for preparation of the thermogelling, adhesive polymer. Standard techniques for biomaterials characterization, cell imaging, and assays for viability were adapted to take into account the temperature sensitivity of the polymer and the reversibility of the phase transition. The injectable polymer described in this paper has wide potential for drug delivery and tissue engineering applications outside of those described in this paper. Moreover, the characterization methods described here may be applicable to other thermogelling systems.

<table><tbody><tr><td>N-isopropylacrylamide, 99%, pure, stabilized</td><td>Acros Organics</td><td>2210-25-5</td><td>Refrigerate and remove stabilier with hexane</td></tr><tr><td>Chondroitin sulfate A sodium salt (from bovine trachea)</td><td>Sigma-Aldrich</td><td>39455-18-0</td><td>Refrigerate</td></tr><tr><td>Hexanes</td><td>Fisher Scientific</td><td>H302-4</td><td>Store in a flammable cabinet</td></tr><tr><td>50% (w/w) sodium hydroxide</td><td>Fisher Scientific</td><td>SS254-1</td><td>Caustic in nature</td></tr><tr><td>Methacrylic anhydride</td><td>Sigma-Aldrich</td><td>276685</td><td>Strong fumes; use in a fume hood</td></tr><tr><td>Acetone</td><td>Fisher Scientific</td><td>A18-4</td><td>Chill in a refrigerator prior to use</td></tr><tr><td>Nitrogen Gas</td><td>Praxair</td><td>7727-37-9</td><td>Part Number: NI 4.8, cylinder style T, 99.998% pure nitrogen (Argon may be used as an alternative inert gas)</td></tr><tr><td>Tetramethylethylenediamine, 99% extra pure</td><td>Acros Organics</td><td>110-18-9</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Ammonium persulfate</td><td>Sigma Aldrich</td><td>A3678</td><td>Hygroscopic and degrades in the presence of water</td></tr><tr><td>Phosphate buffered saline tablets</td><td>Fisher Scientific</td><td>BP2944</td><td>Keep dry</td></tr><tr><td>Alginic acid, sodium salt</td><td>Acros Organics</td><td>177775000</td><td>Use heat to aid in dissolving</td></tr><tr><td>Calcium chloride dihydrate</td><td>Fisher Scientific</td><td>C79</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Canola oil</td><td>Local store</td><td></td><td>Obtain from a local store</td></tr><tr><td>Tween 20</td><td>Sigma-Aldrich</td><td>93773</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>70% (v/v) Isopropoanol</td><td>Fisher Scientific</td><td>A416-4</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Porcine ears</td><td>Haine&#039;s Pork Shop</td><td></td><td>Obtain from a local butcher</td></tr><tr><td>Sodium Chloride</td><td>Fisher Scientific</td><td>S271-3</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Human embryonic kidney 293 cells</td><td>ATCC</td><td>ATCC CRL-1573</td><td>Store in liquid nitrogen for long-term use</td></tr><tr><td>DMEM: 1x, high glucose, no pyruvate</td><td>Life Technologies</td><td>11965126</td><td>Refrigerate</td></tr><tr><td>Fetal bovine serum</td><td>Life Technologies</td><td>10082-147</td><td>Refrigerate</td></tr><tr><td>Penn Strep: 10,000 U/ml</td><td>Life Technologies</td><td>15140-122</td><td>Refrigerate</td></tr><tr><td>Trypsin-EDTA: 0.5%, 10x</td><td>Life Technologies</td><td>15400-054</td><td>Refrigerate</td></tr><tr><td>Methanol</td><td>VWR</td><td>AAA44571-K7</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Live/Dead Cell viability kit</td><td>Life Technologies</td><td>L3224</td><td>Light sensitive, keep frozen</td></tr><tr><td>XTT cell viability kit</td><td>Sigma Aldrich</td><td>TOX2-1KT</td><td>Light sensitive, keep frozen</td></tr><tr><td>Clear DMEM: 1x, high glucose, no phenol</td><td>Life Technologies</td><td>21063-029</td><td>Refrigerate</td></tr><tr><td>Dulbecco&#039;s PBS: 1x</td><td>Life Technologies</td><td>14190136</td><td>Refrigerate</td></tr><tr><td>Sodium citrate</td><td>EMD</td><td>SX0445-1</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Positive displacement pipette</td><td>BrandTech Scientific, INC</td><td>2702904</td><td>Dispenses 100 - 500 &amp;micro;l and comes with attachable tips</td></tr><tr><td>No 3. Stainless Steel scalpel handle</td><td>Sigma Aldrich</td><td>S2896</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Miltex sterile surgical blades</td><td>Fisher Scientific</td><td>12-460-440</td><td>Size 10</td></tr><tr><td>Power gem homogenizer</td><td>Fisher Scientific</td><td>08-451-660</td><td>Model # 125</td></tr><tr><td>Porcelain mortar and pestle</td><td>Sigma Aldrich</td><td>Z247464</td><td>Holds 50 ml</td></tr><tr><td>FreeZone 1 L benchtop freeze dry system</td><td>Labconco</td><td>7740020</td><td>Freeze samples prior to use</td></tr><tr><td>Oil sealed rotary vane pump</td><td>Edwards</td><td>A65301906</td><td>Model # RV5</td></tr><tr><td>Incubating orbital shaker</td><td>VWR</td><td>12620-946</td><td>Model # 980153</td></tr><tr><td>Benchtop refrigerated centrifuge</td><td>Forma Scientific, INC</td><td></td><td>Model # 5682</td></tr><tr><td>Heated ovens</td><td>VWR</td><td></td><td>Model # 1235PC</td></tr><tr><td>2 N force gauge</td><td>Shimpo</td><td>FGV-0.5XY</td><td>Model # FGV-0.5XY</td></tr><tr><td>E-force test stand</td><td>Shimpo</td><td>FGS-200PV</td><td>Model # FGS-200PV</td></tr><tr><td>Tissue culture swinging bucket centrifuge</td><td>Beckman Coulter</td><td>366830</td><td>Model #6S-6KR</td></tr><tr><td>Tissue culture microcentrifuge</td><td>Eppendorf</td><td></td><td>Model #5415C</td></tr><tr><td>Hemacytometer set</td><td>Hausser Scientific</td><td>3720</td><td>Requires replacement cover glass slips</td></tr><tr><td>Slide warmer</td><td>Lab Scientific</td><td>XH-2022</td><td>Model # XH-2002</td></tr><tr><td>Portable heating lamp</td><td>Underwriters Laboratories</td><td></td><td>Helps to maintain polymer temperature at 37 &amp;deg;C</td></tr><tr><td>Inverted fluorescent microscope</td><td>Zeiss</td><td></td><td>Model Axiovert 25 CFL</td></tr><tr><td>Heated water bath</td><td>VWR</td><td></td><td>Model # 1235PC</td></tr><tr><td>Rocking platform</td><td>VWR</td><td></td><td>Series 100</td></tr><tr><td>Multiskan FC microtiter plate reader</td><td>Thermo Scientific</td><td></td><td>Type 357</td></tr><tr><td>Cell culture incubator</td><td>VWR</td><td></td><td>Model # 2350T</td></tr><tr><td>Purifier class II biosafety cabinet</td><td>Labconco</td><td></td><td>Delta Series</td></tr></tbody></table>

synthesis of thermogelling poly(n-isopropylacrylamide)-graft-chondroitin sulfate composites with alginate microparticles for tissue engineering

Injectable biomaterials are defined as implantable materials that can be introduced into the body as a liquid and solidify in situ. Such materials offer the clinical advantages of being implanted minimally invasively and easily forming space-filling solids in irregularly shaped defects. Injectable biomaterials have been widely investigated as scaffolds for tissue engineering. However, for the repair of certain load-bearing areas in the body, such as the intervertebral disc, scaffolds should possess adhesive properties. This will minimize the risk of dislocation during motion and ensure intimate contact with the surrounding tissue, providing adequate transmission of forces. Here, we describe the preparation and characterization of a scaffold composed of thermally sensitive poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)-graft-chondroitin sulfate (PNIPAAM-g-CS) and alginate microparticles. The PNIPAAm-g-CS copolymer forms a viscous solution in water at RT, into which alginate particles are suspended to enhance adhesion. Above the lower critical solution temperature (LCST), around 30 &#176;C, the copolymer forms a solid gel around the microparticles. We have adapted standard biomaterials characterization procedures to take into account the reversible phase transition of PNIPAAm-g-CS. Results indicate that the incorporation of 50 or 75 mg/ml&#160;alginate particles into 5% (w/v) PNIPAAm-g-CS solutions quadruple the adhesive tensile strength of PNIPAAm-gCS alone (p&#60;0.05). The incorporation of alginate microparticles also significantly increases swelling capacity of PNIPAAm-g-CS (p&#60;0.05), helping to maintain a space-filling gel within tissue defects. Finally, results of the in vitro toxicology assay kit, 2,3-bis-(2-methoxy-4-nitro-5-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium-5-carboxanilide (XTT) and Live/Dead viability assay indicate that the adhesive is capable of supporting the survival and proliferation of encapsulated Human Embryonic Kidney (HEK) 293 cells over 5 days.

A thermally responsive grafted co-polymer was successfully synthesized and characterized for its bioadhesive strength, swelling properties, and in vitro cytocompatibility. We chose to investigate alginate due to its well-established mucoadhesive properties. Alginate microparticles, with an average diameter of 59.7 &#177; 14.9 &#181;m, were blended with 5% (w/v) PNIPAAm-g-CS at concentrations of 25, 50, and 75 mg/ml. These concentrations were based on one-half, equal to, and twice...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Synthesis of Thermogelling PolyN-isopropylacrylamide-graft-chondroitin Sulfate Composites with Alginate Microparticles for Tissue Engineering at JoVE.com

Synthesis of Thermogelling PolyN-isopropylacrylamide-graft-chondroitin Sulfate Composites with Alginate Microparticles for Tissue Engineering

An injectable tissue engineering scaffold composed of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)-graft-chondroitin sulfate (PNIPAAm-g-CS)-containing alginate microparticles was prepared. The adhesive strength, swelling properties and in vitro biocompatibility are analyzed in this study. The characterization techniques developed here may be applicable to other thermogelling systems.

Synthesis of Thermogelling Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)-graft-chondroitin Sulfate Composites with Alginate Microparticles for Tissue Engineering

Injectable biomaterials are defined as implantable materials that can be introduced into the body as a liquid and solidify in situ. Such materials offer ...

synthesis-thermogelling-poly-n-isopropylacrylamide-graft-chondroitin

Research

JoVE Journal

Bioengineering

11.8K Views.  Rowan University.  Injecteerbare tissue engineering scaffold uit poly (N-isopropylacrylamide) -graft-chondroïtinesulfaat (PNIPAAm-g-CS) bevattende alginaat microdeeltjes bereid. De hechtsterkte, zwelvermogen en in vitro biocompatibiliteit geanalyseerd in deze studie. De karakterisering technieken die hier ontwikkeld kan van toepassing zijn op andere thermogelling systemen. 

Video: Synthesis of Thermogelling PolyN-isopropylacrylamide-graft-chondroitin Sulfate Composites with Alginate Microparticles for Tissue Engineering

Generation of Alginate Microspheres for Biomedical Applications

Alginate-based materials have received considerable attention for biomedical applications because of their hydrophilic nature, biocompatibility, and physical architecture. Applications include cell encapsulation, drug delivery, stem cell culture, and tissue engineering scaffolds. In fact, clinical trials are currently being performed in which islets are encapsulated in PLO coated alginate microbeads as a treatment of type I diabetes. However, large numbers of islets are required for efficacy due to poor survival following transplantation. The ability to locally stimulate microvascular network formation around the encapsulated cells may increase their viability through improved transport of oxygen, glucose and other vital nutrients. Fibroblast growth factor-1 (FGF-1) is a naturally occurring growth factor that is able to stimulate blood vessel formation and improve oxygen levels in ischemic tissues. The efficacy of FGF-1 is enhanced when it is delivered in a sustained fashion rather than a single large-bolus administration. The local long-term release of growth factors from islet encapsulation systems could stimulate the growth of blood vessels directly towards the transplanted cells, potentially improving functional graft outcomes. In this article, we outline procedures for the preparation of alginate microspheres for use in biomedical applications. In addition, we describe a method we developed for generating multilayered alginate microbeads. Cells can be encapsulated in the inner alginate core, and angiogenic proteins in the outer alginate layer. The release of proteins from this outer layer would stimulate the formation of local microvascular networks directly towards the transplanted islets.

In the following sections, we outline procedures for the preparation of alginate microspheres for use in biomedical applications. We specifically illustrate a technique for creating multilayered alginate microspheres for the dual purpose of cell and protein encapsulation as a potential treatment for type 1 diabetes.

Alginate-based materials have received considerable attention for biomedical applications because of their hydrophilic nature, biocompatibility, and ...

Medicine

Printing Thermoresponsive Reverse Molds for the Creation of Patterned Two-component Hydrogels for 3D Cell Culture

Bioprinting is an emerging technology that has its origins in the rapid prototyping industry. The different printing processes can be divided into contact bioprinting1-4 (extrusion, dip pen and soft lithography), contactless bioprinting5-7 (laser forward transfer, ink-jet deposition) and laser based techniques such as two photon photopolymerization8. It can be used for many applications such as tissue engineering9-13, biosensor microfabrication14-16 and as a tool to answer basic biological questions such as influences of co-culturing of different cell types17. Unlike common photolithographic or soft-lithographic methods, extrusion bioprinting has the advantage that it does not require a separate mask or stamp. Using CAD software, the design of the structure can quickly be changed and adjusted according to the requirements of the operator. This makes bioprinting more flexible than lithography-based approaches.
Here we demonstrate the printing of a sacrificial mold to create a multi-material 3D structure using an array of pillars within a hydrogel as an example. These pillars could represent hollow structures for a vascular network or the tubes within a nerve guide conduit. The material chosen for the sacrificial mold was poloxamer 407, a thermoresponsive polymer with excellent printing properties which is liquid at 4 &deg;C and a solid above its gelation temperature ~20 &deg;C for 24.5% w/v solutions18. This property allows the poloxamer-based sacrificial mold to be eluted on demand and has advantages over the slow dissolution of a solid material especially for narrow geometries. Poloxamer was printed on microscope glass slides to create the sacrificial mold. Agarose was pipetted into the mold and cooled until gelation. After elution of the poloxamer in ice cold water, the voids in the agarose mold were filled with alginate methacrylate spiked with FITC labeled fibrinogen. The filled voids were then cross-linked with UV and the construct was imaged with an epi-fluorescence microscope.

A bioprinter was used to create patterned hydrogels based on a sacrificial mold. The poloxamer mold was backfilled with a second hydrogel and then eluted, leaving voids which were filled with a third hydrogel. This method uses fast elution and good printability of poloxamer to generate complex architectures from biopolymers.

Bioprinting is an emerging technology that has its origins in the rapid prototyping industry. The different printing processes can be divided into contact ...

Immunology and Infection

Composite Scaffolds of Interfacial Polyelectrolyte Fibers for Temporally Controlled Release of Biomolecules

Various scaffolds used in tissue engineering require a controlled biochemical environment to mimic the physiological cell niche. Interfacial polyelectrolyte complexation (IPC) fibers can be used for controlled delivery of various biological agents such as small molecule drugs, cells, proteins and growth factors. The simplicity of the methodology in making IPC fibers gives flexibility in its application for controlled biomolecule delivery. Here, we describe a method of incorporating IPC fibers into two different polymeric scaffolds, hydrophilic polysaccharide and hydrophobic polycaprolactone, to create a multi-component composite scaffold. We showed that IPC fibers can be easily embedded into these polymeric structures, enhancing the capability for sustained release and improved preservation of biomolecules. We also created a composite polymeric scaffold with topographical cues and sustained biochemical release that can have synergistic effects on cell behavior. Composite polymeric scaffolds with IPC fibers represent a novel and simple method of recreating the cellular niche.

Scaffolds for tissue engineering need to recapitulate the complex biochemical and biophysical microenvironment of the cellular niche. Here, we show the use of interfacial polyelectrolyte complexation fibers as a platform to create composite, multi-component polymeric scaffolds with sustained biochemical release.

Various scaffolds used in tissue engineering require a controlled biochemical environment to mimic the physiological cell niche. Interfacial ...

3D Hydrogel Scaffolds for Articular Chondrocyte Culture and Cartilage Generation

Human articular cartilage is highly susceptible to damage and has limited self-repair and regeneration potential. Cell-based strategies to engineer cartilage tissue offer a promising solution to repair articular cartilage. To select the optimal cell source for tissue repair, it is important to develop an appropriate culture platform to systematically examine the biological and biomechanical differences in the tissue-engineered cartilage by different cell sources. Here we applied a three-dimensional (3D) biomimetic hydrogel culture platform to systematically examine cartilage regeneration potential of juvenile, adult, and osteoarthritic (OA) chondrocytes. The 3D biomimetic hydrogel consisted of synthetic component poly(ethylene glycol) and bioactive component chondroitin sulfate, which provides a physiologically relevant microenvironment for in vitro culture of chondrocytes. In addition, the scaffold may be potentially used for cell delivery for cartilage repair in vivo. Cartilage tissue engineered in the scaffold can be evaluated using quantitative gene expression, immunofluorescence staining, biochemical assays, and mechanical testing. Utilizing these outcomes, we were able to characterize the differential regenerative potential of chondrocytes of varying age, both at the gene expression level and in the biochemical and biomechanical properties of the engineered cartilage tissue. The 3D culture model could be applied to investigate the molecular and functional differences among chondrocytes and progenitor cells from different stages of normal or aberrant development.

Cartilage repair represents an unmet medical challenge and cell-based approaches to engineer human articular cartilage are a promising solution. Here, we describe three-dimensional (3D) biomimetic hydrogels as an ideal tool for the expansion and maturation of human articular chondrocytes.

Human articular cartilage is highly susceptible to damage and has limited self-repair and regeneration potential. Cell-based strategies to engineer ...

Layered Alginate Constructs: A Platform for Co-culture of Heterogeneous Cell Populations

Many load bearing tissues possess structurally and functionally distinct regions, typically accompanied by different cell phenotypes with differential mechanosensing characteristics. Engineering and analysis of these tissue types remain a challenge. Layered hydrogel constructs provide an opportunity for investigating the interactions among multiple cell populations within single constructs. Alginate hydrogels are both biocompatible and allow for easy isolation of cells after experimentation. Here, we describe a method for the development of small sized dual layered alginate hydrogel discs. This process maintains high cell viability of human mesenchymal stem cells during the formation process and these layered discs can withstand unconfined cyclic compression, commonly used for stimulation of hMSCs undergoing chondrogenesis. These layered constructs can potentially be scaled up to include additional levels, and also be used to segregate cell populations initially after layering. This dual layer alginate hydrogel culture platform can be used for many different applications including engineering and analysis of cells of load bearing tissues and co-cultures of other cell types.

Engineering and analysis of load bearing tissues with heterogeneous cell populations are still a challenge. Here, we describe a method for creating bi-layered alginate hydrogel discs as a platform for co-culture of diverse cell populations within one construct.

Many load bearing tissues possess structurally and functionally distinct regions, typically accompanied by different cell phenotypes with differential ...

The Synthesis of RGD-functionalized Hydrogels as a Tool for Therapeutic Applications

The use of polymers as biomaterials has provided significant advantages in therapeutic applications. In particular, the possibility to modify and functionalize polymer chains with compounds that are able to improve biocompatibility, mechanical properties, or cell viability allows the design of novel materials to meet new challenges in the biomedical field. With the polymer functionalization strategies, click chemistry is a powerful tool to improve cell-compatibility and drug delivery properties of polymeric devices. Similarly, the fundamental need of biomedicine to use sterile tools to avoid potential adverse-side effects, such as toxicity or contamination of the biological environment, gives rise to increasing interest in the microwave-assisted strategy.
The combination of click chemistry and the microwave-assisted method is suitable to produce biocompatible hydrogels with desired functionalities and improved performances in biomedical applications. This work aims to synthesize RGD-functionalized hydrogels. RGD (arginylglycylaspartic acid) is a tripeptide that can mimic cell adhesion proteins and bind to cell-surface receptors, creating a hospitable microenvironment for cells within the 3D polymeric network of the hydrogels. RGD functionalization occurs through Huisgen 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition. Some PAA carboxyl groups are modified with an alkyne moiety, whereas RGD is functionalized with azido acid as the terminal residue of the peptide sequence. Finally, both products are used in a copper catalyzed click reaction to permanently link the peptide to PAA. This modified polymer is used with carbomer, agarose and polyethylene glycol (PEG) to synthesize a hydrogel matrix. The 3D structure is formed due to an esterification reaction involving carboxyl groups from PAA and carbomer and hydroxyl groups from agarose and PEG through microwave-assisted polycondensation. The efficiency of the gelation mechanism ensures a high degree of RGD functionalization. In addition, the procedure to load therapeutic compounds or biological tools within this functionalized network is very simple and reproducible.

We present a protocol for the synthesis of RGD-functionalized hydrogels as devices for cell and drug delivery. The procedure involves copper catalyzed alkyne-azide cycloaddition (CuAAC) between alkyne-modified polyacrylic acid (PAA) and a RGD-azide derivative. The hydrogels are formed using microwave-assisted polycondensation and their physicochemical properties are investigated.

The use of polymers as biomaterials has provided significant advantages in therapeutic applications. In particular, the possibility to modify and ...

Core/shell Printing Scaffolds For Tissue Engineering Of Tubular Structures

Three-dimensional (3D) printing of core/shell filaments allows direct fabrication of channel structures with a stable shell that is cross-linked at the interface with a liquid core. The latter is removed post-printing, leaving behind a hollow tube. Integrating an additive manufacturing technique (like the one described here with tailor-made [bio]inks, which structurally and biochemically mimic the native extracellular matrix [ECM]) is an important step towards advanced tissue engineering. However, precise fabrication of well-defined structures requires tailored fabrication strategies optimized for the material in use. Therefore, it is sensible to begin with a set-up that is customizable, simple-to-use, and compatible with a broad spectrum of materials and applications. This work presents an easy-to-manufacture core/shell nozzle with luer-compatibility to explore core/shell printing of woodpile structures, tested with a well-defined, alginate-based scaffold material formulation.

Presented here is a simple-to-use, core/shell, three-dimensional bioprinting set-up for one-step fabrication of hollow scaffolds, suitable for tissue engineering of vascular and other tubular structures.

Three-dimensional (3D) printing of core/shell filaments allows direct fabrication of channel structures with a stable shell that is cross-linked at the ...

Protocols of 3D Bioprinting of Gelatin Methacryloyl Hydrogel Based Bioinks

Gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) has become a popular biomaterial in the field of bioprinting. The derivation of this material is gelatin, which is hydrolyzed from mammal collagen. Thus, the arginine-glycine-aspartic acid (RGD) sequences and target motifs of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) remain on the molecular chains, which help achieve cell attachment and degradation. Furthermore, formation properties of GelMA are versatile. The methacrylamide groups allow a material to become rapidly crosslinked under light irradiation in the presence of a photoinitiator. Therefore, it makes great sense to establish suitable methods for synthesizing three-dimensional (3D) structures with this promising material. However, its low viscosity restricts GelMA's printability. Presented here are methods to carry out 3D bioprinting of GelMA hydrogels, namely the fabrication of GelMA microspheres, GelMA fibers, GelMA complex structures, and GelMA-based microfluidic chips. The resulting structures and biocompatibility of the materials as well as the printing methods are discussed. It is believed that this protocol may serve as a bridge between previously applied biomaterials and GelMA as well as contribute to the establishment of GelMA-based 3D architectures for biomedical applications.

Presented here is a method for the 3D bioprinting of gelatin methacryloyl.

Gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) has become a popular biomaterial in the field of bioprinting. The derivation of this material is gelatin, which is hydrolyzed ...

Fabrication of Size-Controlled and Emulsion-Free Chitosan-Genipin Microgels for Tissue Engineering Applications

Chitosan microgels are of significant interest in tissue engineering due to their wide range of applications, low cost, and immunogenicity. However, chitosan microgels are commonly fabricated using emulsion methods that require organic solvent rinses, which are toxic and harmful to the environment. The present protocol presents a rapid, non-cytotoxic, non-emulsion-based method for fabricating chitosan-genipin microgels without the need for organic solvent rinses. The microgels described herein can be fabricated with precise size control. They exhibit sustained release of biomolecules, making them highly relevant for tissue engineering, biomaterials, and regenerative medicine. Chitosan is crosslinked with genipin to form a hydrogel network, then passed through a syringe filter to produce the microgels. The microgels can be filtered to create a range of sizes, and they show pH-dependent swelling and degrade over time enzymatically. These microgels have been employed in a rat growth plate injury model and were demonstrated to promote increased cartilage tissue repair and to show complete degradation at 28 days in vivo. Due to their low cost, high convenience, and ease of fabrication with cytocompatible materials, these chitosan microgels present an exciting and unique technology in tissue engineering.

The present protocol describes a non-emulsion-based method for the fabrication of chitosan-genipin microgels. The size of these microgels can be precisely controlled, and they can display pH-dependent swelling, degrade in vivo,&#160;and be loaded with therapeutic molecules that release over time in a sustained manner, making them highly relevant for tissue engineering applications.

Chitosan microgels are of significant interest in tissue engineering due to their wide range of applications, low cost, and immunogenicity. However, ...

Microfluidic Synthesis of Microgel Building Blocks for Microporous Annealed Particle Scaffold

The microporous annealed particle (MAP) scaffold platform is a subclass of granular hydrogels. It is composed of an injectable slurry of microgels that can form a structurally stable scaffold with cell-scale porosity in situ following a secondary light-based chemical crosslinking step (i.e.,&#160;annealing). MAP scaffold has shown success in a variety of regenerative medicine applications, including dermal wound healing, vocal fold augmentation, and stem cell delivery. This paper describes the methods for synthesis and characterization of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) microgels as the building blocks to form a MAP scaffold. These methods include the synthesis of a custom annealing macromer (MethMAL), determination of microgel precursor gelation kinetics, microfluidic device fabrication, microfluidic generation of microgels, microgel purification, and basic scaffold characterization, including microgel sizing and scaffold annealing. Specifically, the high-throughput microfluidic methods described herein can produce large volumes of microgels that can be used to generate MAP scaffolds for any desired application, especially in the field of regenerative medicine.

This protocol describes a set of methods for synthesizing the microgel building blocks for microporous annealed particle scaffold, which can be used for a variety of regenerative medicine applications.

The microporous annealed particle (MAP) scaffold platform is a subclass of granular hydrogels. It is composed of an injectable slurry of microgels that ...

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