Medical Use of Polycatecholamines + Oxidoreductases-Modified Curdlan Hydrogels—Perspectives

Abstract

Curdlan (β-1,3-glucan), as a biodegradable polymer, is still an underestimated but potentially attractive matrix for the production of dressing materials. However, due to its lack of susceptibility to functionalization, its use is limited. The proposed curdlan modification, using a functional polycatecholamine layer, enables the immobilization of selected oxidoreductases (laccase and peroxidase) on curdlan hydrogel. The following significant changes of biological and mechanical properties of polycatecholamines + oxidoreductases-modified matrices were observed: reduced response of human monocytes in contact with the hydrogels, modulated reaction of human blood, in terms of hemolysis and clot formation, and changed mechanical properties. The lack of toxicity towards human fibroblasts and the suppression of cytokines released by human monocytes in comparison to pristine curdlan hydrogel, seems to make the application of such modifications attractive for biomedical purposes. The obtained results could also be useful for construction of a wide range of biomaterials based on other polymer hydrogels.

Poly(levodopa)-Functionalized Polysaccharide Hydrogel Enriched in Fe3O4 Particles for Multiple-Purpose Biomedical Applications

“…Mechanical tests of all hydrogel samples were performed, as described elsewhere [59], using the EZ Test EX-SX universal testing machine (Shimadzu, Kyoto, Japan) equipped with the Trapezium program and a force sensor of 100 N. The compression test was carried out for hydrogel samples (ø = 13 mm; n = 10) completely soaked in PBS pH 7.4 with a crosshead rate of 5 mm/min. Measurements started after obtaining a force value of 0.05 N to eliminate gaps between the sample and the grips.…”