A dopamine-methacrylated hyaluronic acid hydrogel as an effective carrier for stem cells in skin regeneration therapy

Abstract

Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) show potential in skin regeneration research. A previous study reported the failure of full-thickness skin self-repair in an injury area exceeding 4 cm in diameter. Stem cell therapies have shown promise in accelerating skin regeneration; however, the low survival rate of transplanted cells due to the lack of protection during and after transplantation leads to low efficacy. Hence, effective biomaterials for the delivery and retention of ADSCs are urgently needed for skin regeneration purposes. Here, we covalently crosslinked hyaluronic acid with methacrylic anhydride and then covalently crosslinked the product with dopamine to engineer dopamine-methacrylated hyaluronic acid (DA-MeHA). Our experiments suggested that the DA-MeHA hydrogel firmly adhered to the skin wound defect and promoted cell proliferation in vitro and skin defect regeneration in vivo. Mechanistic analyses revealed that the beneficial effect of the DA-MeHA hydrogel combined with ADSCs on skin defect repair may be closely related to the Notch signaling pathway. The ADSCs from the DA-MeHA hydrogel secrete high levels of growth factors and are thus highly efficacious for promoting skin wound healing. This DA-MeHA hydrogel may be used as an effective potential carrier for stem cells as it enhances the efficacy of ADSCs in skin regeneration.

Accelular nanofibrous bilayer scaffold intrapenetrated with polydopamine network and implemented into a full-thickness wound of a white-pig model affects inflammation and healing process

“…Most in vivo studies, including bilayer dressings, are evaluated in small mammals, especially rats, mice, rabbits, or guinea pigs due to their cost and easy-to-handle processes [62][63][64]. Recently, in vivo studies were performed with dopamine-modified materials that have also been shown to heal wounds in these small mammals, including rats and mice [65][66][67][68]. To our knowledge, only a few studies have used the pig model, as a result of expensive studies and difficulties due to its size [69][70][71].…”

Designing biomimetic scaffolds for skin tissue engineering

“…74 Hyaluronic acid can bind to stem cells and can be useful for accelerating wound healing. Gong et al 75 developed a novel hyaluronic acid-based scaffold for skin regeneration therapy. The hyaluronic acid was covalently cross-linked with methacrylate anhydride, and then the product was covalently cross-linked with dopamine to design dopamine-methacrylate hyaluronic acid (DA-MeHA).…”

Multifunctional conductive hyaluronic acid hydrogels for wound care and skin regeneration

“…Bioadhesiveness in HA hydrogels, which facilities the reconnection of skin tissue in a fast and efficient way, has been acquired by taking inspiration from mussels and, thus, introducing protein–catechol groups, either as PDA NPs 73 or by chemical modification of the HA backbone. 74,75 In fact, the tendency now is to prepare smart bioadhesive materials, in that they incorporate a biosensing function (in some cases wireless) that allows for real-time and precise evaluation of the healing stage. 76 Within this context, by using Li + and Na + as conductive ions, Lv et al designed mussel-inspired conductive HA hydrogels by employing borax as a dynamic cross-linking agent.…”