Composite scaffolds for cartilage tissue engineering based on natural polymers of bacterial origin, thermoplastic poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate) and micro‐fibrillated bacterial cellulose

Abstract

Cartilage tissue engineering is an emerging therapeutic strategy that aims to regenerate damaged cartilages caused by disease, trauma, ageing or developmental disorder. Since cartilage lacks regenerative capabilities, it is essential to develop approaches that deliver the appropriate cells, biomaterials, and signalling factors to the defect site. Materials and fabrication technologies are therefore critically important for cartilage tissue engineering in designing temporary, artificial extracellular matrices (scaffolds), which support threedimensional cartilage formation. Hence, this work aimed to investigate the use of Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate), P(3HB)/microfibrillated bacterial cellulose (MFC) composites as 3D-scaffolds for potential application in cartilage tissue engineering. The compression moulding/particulate leaching technique employed in the study resulted in good dispersion, and a strong adhesion between the MFC and P(3HB) matrix. Furthermore, the composite scaffold produced displayed better mechanical properties than the neat P(3HB) scaffold.Addition of 10, 20, 30, and 40 wt% MFC to the P(3HB) matrix, the compressive modulus was found to have increased by 35, 37, 64 and 124%, while the compression yield strength increased by 95, 97, 98 and 102% resepectively with respect to neat P(3HB). Both cell attachment and proliferation was found to be optimal on the polymer-based 3D composite scaffolds produced, indicating a non-toxic and highly compatible surface for the adhesion and proliferation of the mouse chondrogenic ATDC5 cells. The large pores sizes (60-83 µm) in the 3D scaffold allowed infiltration and migration of ATDC5 cells deep into the porous network of the scaffold material. Overall this work confirmed the potential of P(3HB)/MFC composites as novel materials in cartilage tissue engineering.

Latest Advances on Bacterial Cellulose‐Based Materials for Wound Healing, Delivery Systems, and Tissue Engineering

“…Akaraonye et al . developed a BC‐poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate) (P(3HB)) 3D composite scaffold, using sucrose as a porogen, with good dispersion and strong adhesion between BC and P(3HB).…”

Biotechnological wound dressings based on bacterial cellulose and degradable copolymer P(3HB/4HB)

“…With PHB content increasing from 60% to 90% in the blend nanofiber, the tensile strength, elongation at break, and Young's modulus increased from 4.52 ± 0.34 MPa, 6.53 ± 0.48%, and 806.9 ± 168.2 MPa to 7.86 ± 0.67 MPa, 16.7 ± 1.52%, and 854.2 ± 187.6 MPa, respectively. In a study by Akaraonye et al [29], the compressive modulus of porous composites based on P3HB was 0.08 ± 0.01 MPa, but the addition of microfibrillated cellulose (10, 20, 30, and 40 wt%) increased it by 35%, 37%, 64%, and 124%, respectively. BC/poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) composites with different PHB contents (25-90 wt%) were prepared by Barud et al [27] from BC Fig.…”

“…One of the new lines of research is constructing composite materials and implants based on BC and PHA to repair tissue defects. Preparation of the BC/PHA composite materials and their characterization are described in a number of studies [27][28][29][30][31][32].…”

Engineering Bacterial Cellulose for Diverse Biomedical Applications

“…In the case of osteoregenerative properties, BC scaffolds have shown comparable cell proliferation rates to collagen scaffolds but were capable of sustaining a higher porosity [112]. The use of bacterial cellulose with increasing pore sizes has been shown to enhance the cell proliferation ( Figure 8) [113]. Nanoskin®, a bacterial cellulose skin graft, has also recently been demonstrated as a means for regeneration of large scale dermal tissue.…”

“…Bacterial Cellulose derived artificial extracellular scaffold for cartilage formation. Reproduced with permissions from Akaraonye et al[113] …”