Hybrid Hydrogel Composed of Hyaluronic Acid, Gelatin, and Extracellular Cartilage Matrix for Perforated TM Repair

Abstract

A novel series of composite hydrogels, built from the three components 1), hyaluronic acid methacryloyl (HAMA); 2), gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA), and 3), extracellular cartilage matrix (ECM), was prepared and studied regarding the possible utility in the surgical repair of damaged (perforated) tympanic membrane (TM). Noteworthy is component 3), which was harvested from the ribs of α-1,3-galactosidyltransferase-knockout (α-1,3 GalT-KO) pigs. The absence of α-1,3-galactosyl glycoprotein is hypothesized to prevent rejection due to foreign-body immunogenicity. The composite hydrogels were characterized by various aspects, using a variety of physicochemical techniques: aqueous swelling, structural degradation, behavior under compression, and morphology, e.g., in vitro biocompatibility was assessed by the CCK-8 and live–dead assays and through cytoskeleton staining/microscopy. Alcian blue staining and real-time PCR (RT-PCR) were performed to examine the chondrogenic induction potential of the hydrogels. Moreover, a rat TM defect model was used to evaluate the in vivo performance of the hydrogels in this particular application. Taken together, the results from this study are surprising and promising. Much further development work will be required to make the material ready for surgical use.

Unveiling the versatility of gelatin methacryloyl hydrogels: a comprehensive journey into biomedical applications

“…Cartilage tissue engineering [220] (Continued.) Tympanic membrane (TM) repair [196] Decellularized porcine bone powder (DCB)/GelMA hydrogel…”

Microfluidic Brain‐on‐a‐Chip: From Key Technology to System Integration and Application

“…These reserved natural ingredients have specific biochemical clues for iPSC directional differentiation into correct brain organoids and later neurogenesis. [84] At present, dECM hydrogels have been widely used in the field of regenerative medicine, such as bone defect filling, [85] tympanic membrane repair, [86] nerve repair after brain injury, [87,88] and tissue organoid production. [84] Simsa et al processed decellularized adult porcine brain ECM into a hydrogel for the formation of brain organoids.…”

Three‐dimensional printed biomimetic multilayer scaffolds coordinated with sleep‐related small extracellular vesicles: A strategy for extracellular matrix homeostasis and macrophage polarization to enhance osteochondral regeneration

“…However, the poor mechanical properties of GelMA restrict its application in cartilage regeneration. Compared to pure HAMA and GelMA hydrogels, HAMA/GelMA double network (HG) hydrogel exhibits outstanding mechanical properties and thermosensitivity, which has a promising application prospect in tissue regeneration 22–24 …”

“…Compared to pure HAMA and GelMA hydrogels, HAMA/GelMA double network (HG) hydrogel exhibits outstanding mechanical properties and thermosensitivity, which has a promising application prospect in tissue regeneration. [22][23][24] Three-dimensional printed scaffolds combined with bioactive factors that possess immunomodulatory property is a common strategy to promote osteochondral repair. Melatonin (MT), an endogenous hormone secreted by the pineal gland, is associated with metabolic homeostasis and tissue repair.…”