Biodendrimer-Based Hydrogel Scaffolds for Cartilage Tissue Repair

Abstract

Photo-crosslinkable dendritic macromolecules are attractive materials for the preparation of cartilage tissue engineering scaffolds that may be optimized for in situ formation of hydrated, mechanically stable, and well-integrated hydrogel scaffolds supporting chondrocytes and chondrogenesis. We designed and synthesized a novel hydrogel scaffold for cartilage repair, based on a multivalent and water-soluble tri-block copolymer consisting of a poly(ethylene glycol) core and methacrylated poly(glycerol succinic acid) dendrimer terminal blocks. The terminal methacrylates allow mild and biocompatible photo-crosslinking with a visible light, facilitating in vivo filling of irregularly shaped defects with the dendrimer-based scaffold. The multivalent dendrimer constituents allow high crosslink densities that inhibit swelling after crosslinking while simultaneously introducing biodegradation sites. The mechanical properties and water content of the hydrogel can easily be tuned by changing the biodendrimer concentration. In vitro chondrocyte encapsulation studies demonstrate significant synthesis of neocartilaginous material, containing proteoglycans and type II collagen.

Polyester Dendrimers

“…By esterifying the dendrimers with succinic acid monomethylallyl ether, and photochemically polymerizing the alkenes, soft gels were produced [213]. These materials are used as corneal adhesives [215,216] and for cartilage repair [217,218]. Scheme 51.…”

In-Situ Forming Biomimetic Hydrogels for Tissue Regeneration

“…In another study, Chung et al noticed that a higher macromer concentration potentially compromised cell viability and growth (Chung et al, 2006). Besides, a higher polymer concentration also resulted in a decreased accumulation of matrix components such as proteoglycans and collagen type II (Sontjens et al, 2006). Recent studies showed that the degradation properties of the gels may have a significant influence on the matrix production and distribution as well.…”

Dendrimer-Encapsulated Camptothecins: Increased Solubility, Cellular Uptake, and Cellular Retention Affords Enhanced Anticancer Activity In vitro

“…We are synthesizing and evaluating dendrimers composed of natural metabolites such as glycerol and succinic acid for medical uses (34)(35)(36)(37)(38)(39). We have found that crosslinkable derivatives of these dendrimers are useful for the repair of ophthalmic wounds and articular cartilage (35,37,(40)(41)(42).…”

“…We have found that crosslinkable derivatives of these dendrimers are useful for the repair of ophthalmic wounds and articular cartilage (35,37,(40)(41)(42). Recently, we described the encapsulation characteristics of a poly(glycerol-succinic acid) (PGLSA) dendrimer and the use of this macromolecule as a potential vehicle for drug delivery (43).…”