Development of biomimetic microengineered hydrogel fibers for tendon regeneration

last updated: 2015-09-13
TitleDevelopment of biomimetic microengineered hydrogel fibers for tendon regeneration
Publication TypeConference Abstract -ISI Web of Science Indexed
Year of Publication2015
AuthorsCosta-Almeida R., Gasperini L., Rodrigues M. T., Babo P. S., Mano J. F., Reis R. L., and Gomes M. E.
Abstract

Musculoskeletal diseases are one of the leading causes of disability worldwide. Tendon injuries are responsible for substantial morbidity, pain and disability. Tissue engineering strategies aim at translating tendon structure into biomimetic materials. The main goal of the present study is to develop microengineered hydrogel fibers through the combination of microfabrication and chemical interactions between oppositely charged polyelectrolytes. For this, methacrylated hyaluronic acid (MeHA) and chondroitin sulfate (MeCS) were combined with chitosan (CHT). Hydrogel fibers were obtained by injecting polymer solutions (either MeHA or MeHA/MeCS and CHT) in separate microchannels that join at a y-junction, with the materials interacting upon contact at the interface. To evaluate cell behavior, human tendon derived cells (hTDCs) were isolated from tendon surplus samples during orthopedic surgeries and seeded on top of the fibers. hTDCs adhered to the surface of the fibers, remaining viable, and were found to be expressing CD44, the receptor for hyaluronic acid. The synthesis of hydrogel fibers crosslinkable through both physical and chemical mechanisms combined with microfabrication technology allows the development of biomimetic structures with parallel fibers being formed towards the replication of tendon tissue architecture.

JournalTissue Engineering Part A
Conference Name2015 4th TERMIS World Congress
Volume21
IssueS1
PaginationS377
Date Published2015-08-28
Conference LocationBoston, Massachussets, USA
DOI10.1089/ten.tea.2015.5000.abstracts
KeywordsHydrogel fibers, Microfluidics, Polyelectrolyte complexation, Tendon
RightsopenAccess
Peer reviewedyes
Statuspublished

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