Pullulan‐based hydrogel for smooth muscle cell culture

Abstract

A hydrogel was prepared from pullulan and evaluated as a novel biomaterial for vascular engineering. Using a crosslinking process with sodium trimetaphosphate in aqueous solution, homogeneous, transparent, and easy-to-handle pullulan gels were obtained with water-content higher than 90%. A circular punch was used to cut 6-mm diameter and 2-mm thickness discs for cell culture. Environmental scanning electron microscopy analysis of hydrated gels revealed a smooth surface, on which rabbit vascular smooth muscle cells were successfully seeded. The absence of cytotoxicity was evidenced by a live/dead assay. Fluorescence-labeled cells were observed adhering and progressively spreading out on the surface of the material. Cellular proliferation was followed for up to 1 week using an MTT assay. In addition, a complete in vitro degradation of the gels was achieved in 3 h upon incubation in a pullulanase solution (44 U/mL). In conclusion, we have shown the feasibility of preparing a biocompatible pullulan-based hydrogel that could support vascular cell culture. Based on these promising results, future studies will focus on the seeding of vascular cells on tubular-shaped hydrogels and the in vivo implantation of these new biomaterials.

A Novel Cross‐linked Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) for Vascular Grafts

“…We have previously reported the biocompatibility of STMP cross-linked polymer scaffolds in vitro and in vivo in rats. [28][29] The new process by crosslinking with STMP and progressive evaporation, described here for the first time, constitutes an original procedure that endows the PVA with very particular features. The mechanisms of the STMP cross-linking reaction for hydroxylated polymers, such as polysaccharides, have been recently described by Lack et al [30] Phosphoesterification of hydroxyl residues is the main reaction, leading to the formation of phosphoester bridges and phosphate hanging groups, which are negatively charged, favoring a high hydration.…”

Cell interactions between human progenitor-derived endothelial cells and human mesenchymal stem cells in a three-dimensional macroporous polysaccharide-based scaffold promote osteogenesis

“…These natural polymers hold promise for healing and regenerating damaged tissues, since they are highly permeable and facilitate the transport of nutrients and metabolites [46]. Here, a macroporous matrix was used, composed of the natural hydrophilic polysaccharides pullulan and dextran, which have already been used in cell therapy [47,48]. Their suitability has been proved for vascular cell growth [49] and for culturing MSCs from adipose tissue [50].…”

Composite pullulan–dextran polysaccharide scaffold with interfacial polyelectrolyte complexation fibers: A platform with enhanced cell interaction and spatial distribution

“…In fact, we showed that, with higher heparin content, the release of VEGF was more sustained in VEGF2 than VEGF1 scaffolds. The crosslinking of pullulan and dextran using STMP is hypothesized to occur through the formation of intermolecular phosphate linkages [29,30], which can also trap the positively charged VEGF. Yet this may be unlikely to occur, since a recent study by Purnama et al showed that plain PD scaffolds loaded with VEGF before freeze-drying exhibited rapid release within 24 h without any marked release thereafter for the next 2 days [31].…”