Composite Cellularized Structures Created from an Interpenetrating Polymer Network Hydrogel Reinforced by a 3D Woven Scaffold

Abstract

Biomaterial scaffolds play multiple roles in cartilage tissue engineering, including controlling architecture of newly formed tissue while facilitating growth of embedded cells and simultaneously providing functional properties to withstand the mechanical environment within the native joint. In particular, hydrogels-with high water content and desirable transport properties-while highly conducive to chondrogenesis, often lack functional mechanical properties. In this regard, interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) hydrogels can provide mechanical toughness greatly exceeding that of individual components; however, many IPN materials are not biocompatible for cell encapsulation. In this study, an agarose and poly(ethylene) glycol IPN hydrogel is seeded with human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Results show high viability of MSCs within the IPN hydrogel, with improved mechanical properties compared to constructs comprised of individual components. These properties are further strengthened by integrating the hydrogel with a 3D woven structure. The resulting fiber-reinforced hydrogels display functional macroscopic mechanical properties mimicking those of native articular cartilage, while providing a local microenvironment that supports cellular viability and function. These findings suggest that a fiber-reinforced IPN hydrogel can support stem cell chondrogenesis while allowing for significantly enhanced, complex mechanical properties at multiple scales as compared to individual hydrogel or fiber components.

Triborheological Study under Physiological Conditions of PVA Hydrogel/HA Lubricant as Synthetic System for Soft Tissue Replacement

“…Medical and engineering researchers have tried to reduce the progress of OA and correct its effects with pharmacological interventions, physical therapy, cell therapy, and tissue engineering through surgical methods [ 3 , 27 , 28 ]. AC as an avascular tissue does not regenerate easily, so surgical methods are most commonly used for restoring or replacing cartilage surfaces [ 10 , 29 ]. Tissue engineering has generated advances by repairing cartilage and developing implants for surgery, considering human body mechanics and its response to external agents [ 30 , 31 ].…”

Applications of Functionalized Hydrogels in the Regeneration of the Intervertebral Disc

“…Injection of IPN hydrogel into a nucleus pulposus defect in animal models promoted regeneration of the IVD. Moffat et al [116] developed a hydrogel that consisted of a triple IPN of dextran, chitosan, and sclerostin, which they then injected into the degenerated lumbar IVD of goats. The authors showed that the hydrogel could support the activity of the nucleus pulposus cells and MSCs, possessed the ability to produce ECM in vitro, and could effectively regenerate the degenerative goat lumbar IVD in vivo.…”

Functional tissue engineering of articular cartilage for biological joint resurfacing—The 2021 Elizabeth Winston Lanier Kappa Delta Award

“…70 In follow-up studies to this study, we developed agarose and poly(ethylene) glycol IPN hydrogel that showed high viability of MSCs within the IPN hydrogel, with improved mechanical properties compared to constructs comprised of individual components. 71 We further strengthened these properties by integrating the hydrogel with a 3D woven structure. The resulting fiber-reinforced hydrogels displayed functional macroscopic mechanical properties mimicking those of native articular cartilage while providing a local microenvironment that supports cellular viability and function.…”

“…One of the major advantages of this 3D woven structure is that its high porosity and permeability, which results from a regular, interconnected pore network, allow the uniform infiltration of different materials into the structure, along with living cells. This type of approach provides many advantages such as the delivery of bioactive scaffold materials to enhance tissue growth, or the use of consolidating materials such as hydrogels or polymers to further enhance the mechanical properties of the construct 70–73 . Using this approach, we have performed several studies that show that various composite scaffolds such as this can not only provide fiber reinforcement to greatly enhance the properties of chondrogenic hydrogels and materials but the combination of complex, engineered materials can further enhance the toughness and frictional properties of the 3D woven scaffold.…”