Injectable gellan-gum/hydroxyapatite-based bilayered hydrogel composites for osteochondral tissue regeneration

last updated: 2018-07-23
ProjectOsteoCart :: publications list
TitleInjectable gellan-gum/hydroxyapatite-based bilayered hydrogel composites for osteochondral tissue regeneration
Publication TypePapers in Scientific Journals
Year of Publication2018
AuthorsPereira D. R., Canadas R. F., Silva-Correia J., da Silva Morais A., Oliveira M. B., Dias I. R., Mano J. F., Marques A. P., Reis R. L., and Oliveira J. M.
EditorsElsevier
Abstract

Multilayer systems capable of simultaneous dual tissue formation are crucial for regeneration of the osteochondral (OC) unit. Despite the tremendous effort in the field there is still no widely accepted system that stands out in terms of superior OC regeneration. Herein, we developed bilayered hydrogel composites (BHC) combining two structurally stratified layers fabricated from naturally derived and synthetic polymers, gellan-gum (GG) and hydroxyapatite (HAp), respectively. Two formulations were made from either low acyl GG (LAGG) alone or in combination with high acyl GG (HAGG) for the cartilage-like layer. Four bone-like layers were made of LAGG incorporating different ratios of hydroxyapatite (HAp). BHC were assembled in one single construct resulting in eight distinct bilayered constructs. Architectural observations by stereomicroscope and micro-CT (μ-CT) demonstrated a connected stratified structure with good ceramic dispersion within the bone-like layer. Swelling and degradation tests as well mechanical analyse showed a stable viscoelastic construct under dynamic forces. In-vitro studies by encapsulating rabbit's chondrocytes and osteoblasts in the respective layers showed the cytocompatibility of the BHC. Further studies comprising subcutaneous implantation in mice displayed a weak immune response after four weeks. OC orthotopic defects in the rabbit's knee were created and injected with the acellular BHC. OC tissue was regenerated four weeks after implantation as confirmed by cartilaginous and bony tissue formation assessed by histologic staining and μ-CT analysis. The successful fabrication of injectable BHC and their in-vitroand in-vivo performance may be seen as advanced engineered platforms to treat the challenging OC defects.

JournalApplied Materials Today
Volume12
Pagination309-321
Date Published2018-07-02
PublisherElsevier
ISSN2352-9407
DOI10.1016/j.apmt.2018.06.005
URLhttps://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352940718301616
Keywordsbilayered hydrogel composites, Gellan-gum, hydroxyapatite, Injectable biomaterials, orthotopic knee model, Osteochondral regeneration
RightsopenAccess
Peer reviewedyes
Statuspublished

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