Oligo (Poly (Ethylene Glycol) Fumarate)-Based Multicomponent Cryogels for Neural Tissue Replacement

Abstract

Synthetic hydrogels provide a promising platform to produce neural tissue analogs with improved control over structural, physical, and chemical properties. In this study, oligo(poly(ethylene glycol) fumarate) (OPF)-based macroporous cryogels were developed as a potential next-generation alternative to a non-porous OPF hydrogel previously proposed as an advanced biodegradable scaffold for spinal cord repair. A series of OPF cryogel conduits in combination with PEG diacrylate and 2-(methacryloyloxy) ethyl-trimethylammonium chloride (MAETAC) cationic monomers were synthesized and characterized. The contribution of each component to viscoelastic and hydration behaviors and porous structure was identified, and concentration relationships for these properties were revealed. The rheological properties of the materials corresponded to those of neural tissues and scaffolds, according to the reviewed data. A comparative assessment of adhesion, migration, and proliferation of neuronal cells in multicomponent cryogels was carried out to optimize cell-supporting characteristics. The results show that OPF-based cryogels can be used as a tunable synthetic scaffold for neural tissue repair with advantages over their hydrogel counterparts.

Metal-Chelating Self-Assembling Peptide Nanofiber Scaffolds for Modulation of Neuronal Cell Behavior

“…The detected weight fractions of the analyzed metals were in the following order: 3.2 wt.% (Zn), 4.7 wt.% (Mn), and 5.6 wt.% (Cu), which is in general agreement with the corresponding affinity as indicated by K d values. PC-12 rat pheochromocytoma cells were used as a neuronal cell model to assess the biocompatibility and biological activities of the materials [30,31]. The cells were seeded onto the surface of formed PA gels to assess cellular behaviors, which relate to cell adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation [32,33].…”

“…PC-12 rat pheochromocytoma cells were used as a neuronal cell model to assess the biocompatibility and biological activities of the materials [30,31]. The cells were seeded onto the surface of formed PA gels to assess cellular behaviors, which relate to cell adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation [32,33].…”