Multifunctional chondroitin sulphate for cartilage tissue–biomaterial integration

Abstract

A biologically active, high-strength tissue adhesive is needed for numerous medical applications in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Integration of biomaterials or implants with surrounding native tissue is crucial for both immediate functionality and long-term performance of the tissue. Here, we use the biopolymer chondroitin sulphate (CS), one of the major components of cartilage extracellular matrix, to develop a novel bioadhesive that is readily applied and acts quickly. CS was chemically functionalized with methacrylate and aldehyde groups on the polysaccharide backbone to chemically bridge biomaterials and tissue proteins via a twofold covalent link. Three-dimensional hydrogels (with and without cells) bonded to articular cartilage defects. In in vitro and in vivo functional studies this approach led to mechanical stability of the hydrogel and tissue repair in cartilage defects.

3D Hydrogel Scaffolds for Articular Chondrocyte Culture and Cartilage Generation

“…In addition, CS has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties in the arthritic joint. The biomimetic hydrogel may also be used as a scaffolding material for cell delivery in cartilage repair, and may be chemically modified to facilitate better tissue-biomaterial integration 17,18 .…”

Introductory Chapter: Multi-Aspect Bibliographic Analysis of the Synergy of Technical, Biological and Medical Sciences Concerning Materials and Technologies Used for Medical and Dental Implantable Devices

“…Chemical cross-linking hydrogels having convalescent bonds include photo-cross-linkable poly(ethylene glycol)-diacrylate (PEGDA), poly(ethylene glycol)-dimethacrylate (PEGDMA), poly(propylene fumarate) (PPF) and oligo(poly(ethylene glyco) fumarate) (OPF) [481][482][483][484][485], and also natural hydrogels such as dextran, alginate, chitosan and hyaluronic acid synthesised from PEGDA/PEGDMA [486][487][488][489] and Michael-type addition reaction [490][491][492] and Schiff base-cross-linked hydrogels [465,[493][494][495]. In the case of enzyme-mediated cross-linking [458], transglutaminases (including Factor Xllla) and horseradish peroxidases (HRP) [459] are used for the catalysis of star-shaped PEG hydrogels [496] and tissue transglutaminase catalysed PEG hydrogels [497].…”

Strategies for Improving the Repair of Focal Cartilage Defects

“…In comparison to solid scaffolds, hydrogels allow cells to have a more round morphology, characteristic of the chondrogenic phenotype, which reduces the formation of fibrous tissues [58]. Nevertheless, hydrogels have limited mechanical properties, and then more prone to failure, which is a main disadvantage as articular cartilage is subject to high mechanical loads.…”

“…In the laboratory stage of development, hydrogels are being modified to include adhesive properties for an increased integration in the tissue [58][59][60] Review Abdel-Sayed & Pioletti charides with methacrylate and aldehyde groups to covalently link the cartilage proteins with the polyethylene glycols-based hydrogel they developed [58]. They have tested their material in chondral defects (3.2 mm diameter) in the femoropatellar groove of New Zealand white rabbits, and they have shown that with their multifunctional approach they can induce cartilage repair with a mechanical stability.…”