A silanized hydroxypropyl methylcellulose hydrogel for the three-dimensional culture of chondrocytes

Nanocellulose-based hydrogels as versatile materials with interesting functional properties for tissue engineering applications

Tissue engineering has emerged as a remarkable field aiming to restore or replace damaged tissues through the use of biomimetic constructs. Among the diverse materials investigated for this purpose, nanocellulose-based hydrogels have garnered attention due to their intriguing biocompatibility, tunable mechanical properties, and sustainability. Over the past few years, numerous research works have been published focusing on the successful use of nanocellulose-based hydrogels as artificial extracellular matrices for regenerating various types of tissues. The review emphasizes the importance of tissue engineering, highlighting hydrogels as biomimetic scaffolds, and specifically focuses on the role of nanocellulose in composites that mimic the structures, properties, and functions of the native extracellular matrix for regenerating damaged tissues. It also summarizes the types of nanocellulose, as well as their structural, mechanical, and biological properties, and their contributions to enhancing the properties and characteristics of functional hydrogels for tissue engineering of skin, bone, cartilage, heart, nerves and blood vessels. Additionally, recent advancements in the application of nanocellulose-based hydrogels for tissue engineering have been evaluated and documented. The review also addresses the challenges encountered in their fabrication while exploring the potential future prospects of these hydrogel matrices for biomedical applications.

Clickable Dynamic Bioinks Enable Post-Printing Modifications of Construct Composition and Mechanical Properties Controlled over Time and Space

Bioprinting is a booming technology, with numerous applications in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. However, most biomaterials designed for bioprinting depend on the use of sacrificial baths and/or non-physiological stimuli. Printable biomaterials also often lack tunability in terms of their composition and mechanical properties. To address these challenges, the authors introduce a new biomaterial concept that they have termed "clickable dynamic bioinks". These bioinks use dynamic hydrogels that can be printed, as well as chemically modified via click reactions to fine-tune the physical and biochemical properties of printed objects after printing. Specifically, using hyaluronic acid (HA) as a polymer of interest, the authors investigate the use of a boronate ester-based crosslinking reaction to produce dynamic hydrogels that are printable and cytocompatible, allowing for bioprinting. The resulting dynamic bioinks are chemically modified with bioorthogonal click moieties to allow for a variety of post-printing modifications with molecules carrying the complementary click function. As proofs of concept, the authors perform various post-printing modifications, including adjusting polymer composition (e.g., HA, chondroitin sulfate, and gelatin) and stiffness, and promoting cell adhesion via adhesive peptide immobilization (i.e., RGD peptide). The results also demonstrate that these modifications can be controlled over time and space, paving the way for 4D bioprinting applications.

Silylated biomolecules: Versatile components for bioinks

Physical hydrogels prepared from natural biopolymers are the most popular components for bioinks. However, to improve the mechanical properties of the network, in particular its durability for long-lasting tissue engineering applications or its stiffness for bone/cartilage applications, covalent chemical hydrogels have to be considered. For that purpose, biorthogonal reactions are required to allow the inclusion of living cells within the bioink reservoir before the 3D printing procedure. Interestingly, such reactions also unlock the possibility to further multifunctionalize the network, adding bioactive moieties to tune the biological properties of the resulting printed biomaterial. Surprisingly, compared to the huge number of studies disclosing novel bioink compositions, no extensive efforts have been made by the scientific community to develop new chemical reactions meeting the requirements of both cell encapsulation, chemical orthogonality and versatile enough to be applied to a wide range of molecular components, including fragile biomolecules. That could be explained by the domination of acrylate photocrosslinking in the bioprinting field. On the other hand, proceeding chemoselectively and allowing the polymerization of any type of silylated molecules, the sol-gel inorganic polymerization was used as a crosslinking reaction to prepare hydrogels. Recent development of this strategy includes the optimization of biocompatible catalytic conditions and the silylation of highly attractive biomolecules such as amino acids, bioactive peptides, proteins and oligosaccharides. When one combines the simplicity and the versatility of the process, with the ease of functionalization of any type of relevant silylated molecules that can be combined in an infinite manner, it was obvious that a family of bioinks could emerge quickly. This review presents the sol-gel process in biocompatible conditions and the various classes of relevant silylated molecules that can be used as bioink components. The preparation of hydrogels and the kinetic considerations of the sol-gel chemistry which at least allowed cell encapsulation and extrusion-based bioprinting are discussed.

Passive Control of Silane Diffusion for Gradient Application of Surface Properties

Liquid lithography represents a robust technique for fabricating three-dimensional (3D) microstructures on a two-dimensional template. Silanization of a surface is often a key step in the liquid lithography process and is used to alter the surface energy of the substrate and, consequently, the shape of the 3D microfeatures produced. In this work, we present a passive technique that allows for the generation of silane gradients along the length of a substrate. The technique relies on a secondary diffusion chamber with a single opening, leading to a directional introduction of silane to the substrate via passive diffusion. The secondary chamber geometry influences the deposited gradient, which is shown to be well captured by Monte Carlo simulations that incorporate the passive diffusion and grafting processes. The technique ultimately allows the user to generate a range of substrate wettabilities on a single chip, enhancing throughput for organ-on-a-chip applications by mimicking the spatial variability of tissue topographies present in vivo.

Nanocellulose-Based Scaffolds for Chondrogenic Differentiation and Expansion

Nanocellulose deserves special attention among the large group of biocompatible biomaterials. It exhibits good mechanical properties, which qualifies it for potential use as a scaffold imitating cartilage. However, the reconstruction of cartilage is a big challenge due to this tissue's limited regenerative capacity resulting from its lack of vascularization, innervations, and sparsely distributed chondrocytes. This feature restricts the infiltration of progenitor cells into damaged sites. Unfortunately, differentiated chondrocytes are challenging to obtain, and mesenchymal stem cells have become an alternative approach to promote chondrogenesis. Importantly, nanocellulose scaffolds induce the differentiation of stem cells into chondrocyte phenotypes. In this review, we present the recent progress of nanocellulose-based scaffolds promoting the development of cartilage tissue, especially within the emphasis on chondrogenic differentiation and expansion.

A Collagen-Mimetic Organic-Inorganic Hydrogel for Cartilage Engineering

Promising strategies for cartilage regeneration rely on the encapsulation of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) in a hydrogel followed by an injection into the injured joint. Preclinical and clinical data using MSCs embedded in a collagen gel have demonstrated improvements in patients with focal lesions and osteoarthritis. However, an improvement is often observed in the short or medium term due to the loss of the chondrocyte capacity to produce the correct extracellular matrix and to respond to mechanical stimulation. Developing novel biomimetic materials with better chondroconductive and mechanical properties is still a challenge for cartilage engineering. Herein, we have designed a biomimetic chemical hydrogel based on silylated collagen-mimetic synthetic peptides having the ability to encapsulate MSCs using a biorthogonal sol-gel cross-linking reaction. By tuning the hydrogel composition using both mono- and bi-functional peptides, we succeeded in improving its mechanical properties, yielding a more elastic scaffold and achieving the survival of embedded MSCs for 21 days as well as the up-regulation of chondrocyte markers. This biomimetic long-standing hybrid hydrogel is of interest as a synthetic and modular scaffold for cartilage tissue engineering.

Structural and biological investigation of chitosan/hyaluronic acid with silanized-hydroxypropyl methylcellulose as an injectable reinforced interpenetrating network hydrogel for cartilage tissue engineering

Cartilage damage continues to pose a threat to humans, but no treatment is currently available to fully restore cartilage function. In this study, a new class of composite hydrogels derived from water-soluble chitosan (CS)/hyaluronic acid (HA) and silanized-hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (Si-HPMC) (CS/HA/Si-HPMC) has been synthesized and tested as injectable hydrogels for cartilage tissue engineering when combined without the addition of a chemical crosslinking agent. Mechanical studies of CS/HA and CS/HA/Si-HPMC hydrogels showed that as Si-HPMC content increased, swelling rate and rheological properties were higher, compressive strength decreased and degradation was faster. Our results demonstrate that the CS and HA-based hydrogel scaffolds, especially the ones with 3.0% (w/v) Si-HPMC and 2.5/4.0% (w/v) CS/HA, have suitable physical performance and bioactive properties, thus provide a potential opportunity to be used for cartilage tissue engineering. In vitro studies of CS/HA and CS/HA/Si-HPMC hydrogels encapsulated in chondrocytes have shown that the proper amount of Si-HPMC increases the proliferation and deposition of the cartilage extracellular matrix. The regeneration rate of the CS/HA/Si-HPMC (3%) hydrogel reached about 79.5% at 21 days for long retention periods, indicating relatively good in vivo bone regeneration. These CS/HA/Si-HPMC hydrogels are promising candidates for tissue compatibility injectable scaffolds. The data provide proof of the principle that the resulting hydrogel has an excellent ability to repair joint cartilage using a tissue-engineered approach.

RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS

An injectable hydrogel based on CS/HA/Si-HPMC composites was developed.

The CS/HA/Si-HPMC hydrogel displays the tunable rheological with mechanical properties.

The CS/HA/Si-HPMC hydrogel is highly porous with high swelling and degradation ratio.

Increasing concentration of Si-HPMC promote an organized network in CS/HA/Si-HPMC hydrogels.

Injectable CS/HA/Si-HPMC hydrogels have a high potential for cartilage tissue engineering.

Hydrogels and Dentin-Pulp Complex Regeneration: From the Benchtop to Clinical Translation

Dentin-pulp complex is a term which refers to the dental pulp (DP) surrounded by dentin along its peripheries. Dentin and dental pulp are highly specialized tissues, which can be affected by various insults, primarily by dental caries. Regeneration of the dentin-pulp complex is of paramount importance to regain tooth vitality. The regenerative endodontic procedure (REP) is a relatively current approach, which aims to regenerate the dentin-pulp complex through stimulating the differentiation of resident or transplanted stem/progenitor cells. Hydrogel-based scaffolds are a unique category of three dimensional polymeric networks with high water content. They are hydrophilic, biocompatible, with tunable degradation patterns and mechanical properties, in addition to the ability to be loaded with various bioactive molecules. Furthermore, hydrogels have a considerable degree of flexibility and elasticity, mimicking the cell extracellular matrix (ECM), particularly that of the DP. The current review presents how for dentin-pulp complex regeneration, the application of injectable hydrogels combined with stem/progenitor cells could represent a promising approach. According to the source of the polymeric chain forming the hydrogel, they can be classified into natural, synthetic or hybrid hydrogels, combining natural and synthetic ones. Natural polymers are bioactive, highly biocompatible, and biodegradable by naturally occurring enzymes or via hydrolysis. On the other hand, synthetic polymers offer tunable mechanical properties, thermostability and durability as compared to natural hydrogels. Hybrid hydrogels combine the benefits of synthetic and natural polymers. Hydrogels can be biofunctionalized with cell-binding sequences as arginine-glycine-aspartic acid (RGD), can be used for local delivery of bioactive molecules and cellularized with stem cells for dentin-pulp regeneration. Formulating a hydrogel scaffold material fulfilling the required criteria in regenerative endodontics is still an area of active research, which shows promising potential for replacing conventional endodontic treatments in the near future.

Dual-function membranes based on alginate/methyl cellulose composite for control drug release and proliferation enhancement of fibroblast cells

Membranes based on natural polymers are highly promising therapies for skin damaged sites as they can mimic its biological microstructure to support the fibroblasts cells survival and proliferation. In addition, these membranes could be loaded with active molecules that help in skin regeneration and eliminate the potential bacterial infection. This research aims to formulate novel medicated membranes for controlled release and cytocompatibility elevation of fibroblast cells for engineering of soft tissue. Pre-formulation researches have been conducted for membranes of sodium alginate (Alg)/methyl cellulose (MC) that used loaded with undoped, Bi doped and Bi, Cu co-doped SrTiO₃ using solvent casting technique. In addition, another group of these membranes were loaded with DOXycycline antibiotic (DOX) as model drug as well as for eliminating the potential bacterial infections. The prepared membranes were evaluated by XRD, SEM-EDX, FTIR, Zetasizer, and swelling behaviour was also tested. Profiles of the released drug were determined using phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) (pH 7.4) at 37 °C for 30 days. The investigation of the cytocompatibility and proliferation of fibroblast cells with the prepared membranes were conducted. The XRD, FTIR and SEM data recognised the possible interaction that takes place among Alg and MC, through presence of hydrogen bonds. Existence of the nano-particles within the membrane polymer matrix enhanced the membrane stability and enhanced the drug release rate (from 20 to 45%). Medication release mechanism elucidated that DOX was released from all the fabricated membranes through the relaxation of polymer matrix that takes place after swelling. The filler type and/or dopant type possess no remarkable influence on the cytotoxicity of the membranes against the investigated cells when compared to their individual influence on the same cells. Cells attachments results have revealed an impressive effect for DOX-loaded membranes on the cells affinity and growth. These membranes are recommended for treatments of skin infections.

Quantifying Oxygen Levels in 3D Bioprinted Cell-Laden Thick Constructs with Perfusable Microchannel Networks

The survival and function of thick tissue engineered implanted constructs depends on pre-existing, embedded, functional, vascular-like structures that are able to integrate with the host vasculature. Bioprinting was employed to build perfusable vascular-like networks within thick constructs. However, the improvement of oxygen transportation facilitated by these vascular-like networks was directly quantified. Using an optical fiber oxygen sensor, we measured the oxygen content at different positions within 3D bioprinted constructs with and without perfusable microchannel networks. Perfusion was found to play an essential role in maintaining relatively high oxygen content in cell-laden constructs and, consequently, high cell viability. The concentration of oxygen changes following switching on and off the perfusion. Oxygen concentration depletes quickly after pausing perfusion but recovers rapidly after resuming the perfusion. The quantification of oxygen levels within cell-laden hydrogel constructs could provide insight into channel network design and cellular responses.

A Self-Setting Hydrogel of Silylated Chitosan and Cellulose for the Repair of Osteochondral Defects: From in vitro Characterization to Preclinical Evaluation in Dogs

Articular cartilage (AC) may be affected by many injuries including traumatic lesions that predispose to osteoarthritis. Currently there is no efficient cure for cartilage lesions. In that respect, new strategies for regenerating AC are contemplated with interest. In this context, we aim to develop and characterize an injectable, self-hardening, mechanically reinforced hydrogel (Si-HPCH) composed of silanised hydroxypropymethyl cellulose (Si-HPMC) mixed with silanised chitosan. The in vitro cytocompatibility of Si-HPCH was tested using human adipose stromal cells (hASC). In vivo, we first mixed Si-HPCH with hASC to observe cell viability after implantation in nude mice subcutis. Si-HPCH associated or not with canine ASC (cASC), was then tested for the repair of osteochondral defects in canine femoral condyles. Our data demonstrated that Si-HPCH supports hASC viability in culture. Moreover, Si-HPCH allows the transplantation of hASC in the subcutis of nude mice while maintaining their viability and secretory activity. In the canine osteochondral defect model, while the empty defects were only partially filled with a fibrous tissue, defects filled with Si-HPCH with or without cASC, revealed a significant osteochondral regeneration. To conclude, Si-HPCH is an injectable, self-setting and cytocompatible hydrogel able to support the in vitro and in vivo viability and activity of hASC as well as the regeneration of osteochondral defects in dogs when implanted alone or with ASC.

Chondroprotective Properties of Human-Enriched Serum Following Polyphenol Extract Absorption: Results from an Exploratory Clinical Trial

Polyphenols are widely acknowledged for their health benefits, especially for the prevention of inflammatory and age-related diseases. We previously demonstrated that hydroxytyrosol (HT) and procyanidins (PCy), alone or in combination, drive preventive anti-osteoathritic effects in vivo. However, the lack of sufficient clinical evidences on the relationship between dietary phytochemicals and osteoarthritis remains. In this light, we investigated in humans the potential osteoarticular benefit of a grapeseed and olive extract (OPCO) characterized for its hydroxytyrosol (HT) and procyanidins (PCy) content. We first validated, in vitro, the anti-inflammatory and chondroprotective properties of the extract on primary cultured human articular chondrocytes stimulated by interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 β). The sparing effect involved a molecular mechanism dependent on the nuclear transcription factor-kappa B (NF-κB) pathway. To confirm the clinical relevance of such a nutritional strategy, we designed an innovative clinical approach taking into account the metabolites that are formed during the digestion process and that appear in circulation after the ingestion of the OPCO extract. Blood samples from volunteers were collected following ingestion, absorption, and metabolization of the extract and then were processed and applied on human primary chondrocyte cultures. This original ex vivo methodology confirmed at a clinical level the chondroprotective properties previously observed in vitro and in vivo.

Chasing Chimeras - The elusive stable chondrogenic phenotype

The choice of the best-suited cell population for the regeneration of damaged or diseased cartilage depends on the effectiveness of culture conditions (e.g. media supplements, three-dimensional scaffolds, mechanical stimulation, oxygen tension, co-culture systems) to induce stable chondrogenic phenotype. Herein, advances and shortfalls in in vitro, preclinical and clinical setting of various in vitro microenvironment modulators on maintaining chondrocyte phenotype or directing stem cells towards chondrogenic lineage are critically discussed. Chondrocytes possess low isolation efficiency, limited proliferative potential and rapid phenotypic drift in culture. Mesenchymal stem cells are relatively readily available, possess high proliferation potential, exhibit great chondrogenic differentiation capacity, but they tend to acquire a hypertrophic phenotype when exposed to chondrogenic stimuli. Embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cells, despite their promising in vitro and preclinical data, are still under-investigated. Although a stable chondrogenic phenotype remains elusive, recent advances in in vitro microenvironment modulators are likely to develop clinically- and commercially-relevant therapies in the years to come.

Application of Millifluidics to Encapsulate and Support Viable Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells in a Polysaccharide Hydrogel

Human adipose-derived stromal cells (hASCs) are widely known for their immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties. This study proposes a method to protect cells during and after their injection by encapsulation in a hydrogel using a droplet millifluidics technique. A biocompatible, self-hardening biomaterial composed of silanized-hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (Si-HPMC) hydrogel was used and dispersed in an oil continuous phase. Spherical particles with a mean diameter of 200 μm could be obtained in a reproducible manner. The viability of the encapsulated hASCs in the Si-HPMC particles was 70% after 14 days in vitro, confirming that the Si-HPMC particles supported the diffusion of nutrients, vitamins, and glucose essential for survival of the encapsulated hASCs. The combination of droplet millifluidics and biomaterials is therefore a very promising method for the development of new cellular microenvironments, with the potential for applications in biomedical engineering.

Evaluation of a hydrogel membrane on bone regeneration in furcation periodontal defects in dogs

The aim of the study was to evaluate bone regeneration using a canine model with surgically created periodontal defects filled for 12 weeks using a stratified biomaterial consisting in a biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) covered with a crosslinking hydrogel acting as polymer membrane of silated hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (Si-HPMC) as the tested new concept. Bilateral, critical-sized, defects were surgically created at the mandibular premolar teeth of six adult beagle dogs. The defects were randomly allocated and: (i) left empty for spontaneous healing or filled with: (ii) BCP and a collagen membrane; (iii) BCP and hydrogel Si-HPMC membrane. At 12 weeks, the experimental conditions resulted in significantly enhanced bone regeneration in the test BCP/Si-HPMC group. Within the limits of this study, we suggest that the hydrogel Si-HPMC may act as an occlusive barrier to protect bone area from soft connective tissue invasion and then effectively contribute to enhance bone regeneration.

A Cellulose/Laponite Interpenetrated Polymer Network (IPN) Hydrogel: Controllable Double-Network Structure with High Modulus

Laponite XLS™, which is a synthetic clay of nanometric dimensions containing a peptizing agent, has been associated with silanized hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (Si-HPMC) to form, after crosslinking, a novel composite hydrogel. Different protocols of sample preparation were used, leading to different morphologies. A key result was that the storage modulus of Si-HPMC/XLS composite hydrogel could be increased ten times when compared to that of pure Si-HPMC hydrogel using 2 wt % of Laponite. The viscoelastic properties of the composite formulations indicated that chemical and physical network structures co-existed in the Si-HPMC/XLS composite hydrogel. Images that were obtained from confocal laser scanning microscopy using labelled Laponite XLS in the composite hydrogels show two co-continuous areas: red light area and dark area. The tracking of fluorescent microspheres motions in the composite formulations revealed that the red-light area was a dense structure, whereas the dark area was rather loose without aggregated Laponite. This novel special double-network structure facilitates the composite hydrogel to be an adapted biomaterial for specific tissue engineering. Unfortunately, cytotoxicity’s assays suggested that XLS Laponites are cytotoxic at low concentration. This study validates that the hybrid interpenetrated network IPN hydrogel has a high modulus that has adapted for tissue engineering, but the cell’s internalization of Laponites has to be controlled.

Biopolymer-based strategies in the design of smart medical devices and artificial organs

Advances in regenerative medicine and in modern biomedical therapies are fast evolving and set goals causing an upheaval in the field of materials science. This review discusses recent developments involving the use of biopolymers as smart materials, in terms of material properties and stimulus-responsive behavior, in the presence of environmental physico-chemical changes. An overview on the transformations that can be triggered in natural-based polymeric systems (sol-gel transition, polymer relaxation, cross-linking, and swelling) is presented, with specific focus on the benefits these materials can provide in biomedical applications.

Two Methods for Decellularization of Plant Tissues for Tissue Engineering Applications

The autologous, synthetic, and animal-derived grafts currently used as scaffolds for tissue replacement have limitations due to low availability, poor biocompatibility, and cost. Plant tissues have favorable characteristics that make them uniquely suited for use as scaffolds, such as high surface area, excellent water transport and retention, interconnected porosity, preexisting vascular networks, and a wide range of mechanical properties. Two successful methods of plant decellularization for tissue engineering applications are described here. The first method is based on detergent baths to remove cellular matter, which is similar to previously established methods used to clear mammalian tissues. The second is a detergent-free method adapted from a protocol that isolates leaf vasculature and involves the use of a heated bleach and salt bath to clear the leaves and stems. Both methods yield scaffolds with comparable mechanical properties and low cellular metabolic impact, thus allowing the user to select the protocol which better suits their intended application.

Synthesis, thermal properties and cell-compatibility of photocrosslinked cinnamoyl-modified hydroxypropyl cellulose

Biocompatibility of cinnamoyl-modified carbohydrate materials is not well-known, while they are attracting attention as a photoreactive material. In order to investigate biocompatible properties of cinnamoyl-modified carbohydrate, hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC) was reacted with cinnamoyl chloride to yield cinnamoyl-modified HPC (HPC-C) for a cell proliferation test. HPC-Cs with three different degrees of substitution (DS) were prepared by changing a feed ratio of cinnamoyl chloride to HPC. The DS of the products ranged from 1.3 to 3.0 per one hydroxylpropyl anhydroglucose unit. Thermal analysis using DSC and TGA showed that the HPC-C with higher DS has a glass transition temperature and higher thermal stability. Ultraviolet (UV) light was irradiated on the HPC-C thin films, and changes in the UV-vis spectrum of the films were examined. In the course of UV irradiation, the absorbance at 280 nm was reduced. Fibroblast cells were cultured on the photocrosslinked HPC-C films, and cell growth was examined. The cell proliferation test revealed that the photocrosslinked HPC-C films have good compatibility with fibroblast cells.

Inorganic polymerization: an attractive route to biocompatible hybrid hydrogels

The sol–gel process is one of the main techniques leading to hybrid hydrogels that can be used in a wide scope of applications, especially in the biomedical field.

Polysaccharide Hydrogels Support the Long-Term Viability of Encapsulated Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Their Ability to Secrete Immunomodulatory Factors

While therapeutically interesting, the injection of MSCs suffers major limitations including cell death upon injection and a massive leakage outside the injection site. We proposed to entrap MSCs within spherical particles derived from alginate, as a control, or from silanized hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (Si-HPMC). We developed water in an oil dispersion method to produce small Si-HPMC particles with an average size of about 68 μm. We evidenced a faster diffusion of fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran in Si-HPMC particles than in alginate ones. Human adipose-derived MSCs (hASC) were encapsulated either in alginate or in Si-HPMC, and the cellularized particles were cultured for up to 1 month. Both alginate and Si-HPMC particles supported cell survival, and the average number of encapsulated hASC per alginate and Si-HPMC particle (7102 and 5100, resp.) did not significantly change. The stimulation of encapsulated hASC with proinflammatory cytokines resulted in the production of IDO, PGE₂, and HGF whose concentration was always higher when cells were encapsulated in Si-HPMC particles than in alginate ones. We have demonstrated that Si-HPMC and alginate particles support hASC viability and the maintenance of their ability to secrete therapeutic factors.

Application of Extrusion-Based Hydrogel Bioprinting for Cartilage Tissue Engineering

Extrusion-based bioprinting (EBB) is a rapidly developing technique that has made substantial progress in the fabrication of constructs for cartilage tissue engineering (CTE) over the past decade. With this technique, cell-laden hydrogels or bio-inks have been extruded onto printing stages, layer-by-layer, to form three-dimensional (3D) constructs with varying sizes, shapes, and resolutions. This paper reviews the cell sources and hydrogels that can be used for bio-ink formulations in CTE application. Additionally, this paper discusses the important properties of bio-inks to be applied in the EBB technique, including biocompatibility, printability, as well as mechanical properties. The printability of a bio-ink is associated with the formation of first layer, ink rheological properties, and crosslinking mechanisms. Further, this paper discusses two bioprinting approaches to build up cartilage constructs, i.e., self-supporting hydrogel bioprinting and hybrid bioprinting, along with their applications in fabricating chondral, osteochondral, and zonally organized cartilage regenerative constructs. Lastly, current limitations and future opportunities of EBB in printing cartilage regenerative constructs are reviewed.

Bioreactor mechanically guided 3D mesenchymal stem cell chondrogenesis using a biocompatible novel thermo-reversible methylcellulose-based hydrogel

Autologous chondrocyte implantation for cartilage repair represents a challenge because strongly limited by chondrocytes' poor expansion capacity in vitro. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can differentiate into chondrocytes, while mechanical loading has been proposed as alternative strategy to induce chondrogenesis excluding the use of exogenous factors. Moreover, MSC supporting material selection is fundamental to allow for an active interaction with cells. Here, we tested a novel thermo-reversible hydrogel composed of 8% w/v methylcellulose (MC) in a 0.05 M Na₂SO₄ solution. MC hydrogel was obtained by dispersion technique and its thermo-reversibility, mechanical properties, degradation and swelling were investigated, demonstrating a solution-gelation transition between 34 and 37 °C and a low bulk degradation (<20%) after 1 month. The lack of any hydrogel-derived immunoreaction was demonstrated in vivo by mice subcutaneous implantation. To induce in vitro chondrogenesis, MSCs were seeded into MC solution retained within a porous polyurethane (PU) matrix. PU-MC composites were subjected to a combination of compression and shear forces for 21 days in a custom made bioreactor. Mechanical stimulation led to a significant increase in chondrogenic gene expression, while histological analysis detected sulphated glycosaminoglycans and collagen II only in loaded specimens, confirming MC hydrogel suitability to support load induced MSCs chondrogenesis.

Smart Polymeric Hydrogels for Cartilage Tissue Engineering: A Review on the Chemistry and Biological Functions

Stimuli responsive hydrogels (SRHs) are attractive bioscaffolds for tissue engineering. The structural similarity of SRHs to the extracellular matrix (ECM) of many tissues offers great advantages for a minimally invasive tissue repair. Among various potential applications of SRHs, cartilage regeneration has attracted significant attention. The repair of cartilage damage is challenging in orthopedics owing to its low repair capacity. Recent advances include development of injectable hydrogels to minimize invasive surgery with nanostructured features and rapid stimuli-responsive characteristics. Nanostructured SRHs with more structural similarity to natural ECM up-regulate cell-material interactions for faster tissue repair and more controlled stimuli-response to environmental changes. This review highlights most recent advances in the development of nanostructured or smart hydrogels for cartilage tissue engineering. Different types of stimuli-responsive hydrogels are introduced and their fabrication processes through physicochemical procedures are reported. The applications and characteristics of natural and synthetic polymers used in SRHs are also reviewed with an outline on clinical considerations and challenges.

Olive and grape seed extract prevents post-traumatic osteoarthritis damages and exhibits in vitro anti IL-1β activities before and after oral consumption

Polyphenols exert a large range of beneficial effects in the prevention of age-related diseases. We sought to determine whether an extract of olive and grape seed standardized according to hydroxytyrosol (HT) and procyanidins (PCy) content, exerts preventive anti-osteoathritic effects. To this aim, we evaluated whether the HT/PCy mix could (i) have in vitro anti-inflammatory and chondroprotective actions, (ii) exert anti-osteoarthritis effects in two post-traumatic animal models and (iii) retain its bioactivity after oral administration. Anti-inflammatory and chondroprotective actions of HT/PCy were tested on primary cultured rabbit chondrocytes stimulated by interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β). The results showed that HT/PCy exerts anti-inflammatory and chondroprotective actions in vitro. The preventive effect of HT/PCy association was assessed in two animal models of post-traumatic OA in mice and rabbits. Diet supplementation with HT/PCy significantly decreased the severity of post-traumatic osteoarthritis in two complementary mice and rabbit models. The bioavailability and bioactivity was evaluated following gavage with HT/PCy in rabbits. Regular metabolites from HT/PCy extract were found in sera from rabbits following oral intake. Finally, sera from rabbits force-fed with HT/PCy conserved anti-IL-1β effect, suggesting the bioactivity of this extract. To conclude, HT/PCy extract may be of clinical significance for the preventive treatment of osteoarthritis.

Interpenetrated Si-HPMC/alginate hydrogels as a potential scaffold for human tissue regeneration

Interpenetrated gels of biocompatible polysaccharides alginate and silanized hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (Si-HPMC) have been studied in order to assess their potential as scaffolds for the regeneration of human tissues. Si-HPMC networks were formed by reduction of the pH to neutral and alginate networks were formed by progressive in situ release of Ca(2+). Linear and non-linear mechanical properties of the mixed gels at different polymer and calcium concentrations were compared with those of the corresponding single gels. The alginate/Si-HPMC gels were found to be stiffer than pure Si-HPMC gels, but weaker and more deformable than pure alginate gels. No significant difference was found for the maximum stress at rupture measured during compression for all these gels. The degrees of swelling or contraction in excess water at pH 7 as well as the release of Ca(2+) was measured as a function of time. Pure alginate gels contracted by as much as 50 % and showed syneresis, which was much reduced or even eliminated for mixed gels. The important release of Ca(2+) upon ageing for pure alginate gels was much reduced for the mixed gels. Furthermore, results of cytocompatibility assays indicated that there was no cytotoxicity of Si-HPMC/alginate hydrogels in 2D and 3D culture of human SW1353 cells. The results show that using interpenetrated Si-HPMC/alginate gels has clear advantages over the use of single gels for application in tissue regeneration.

Cartilage tissue engineering: From biomaterials and stem cells to osteoarthritis treatments

Articular cartilage is a non-vascularized and poorly cellularized connective tissue that is frequently damaged as a result of trauma and degenerative joint diseases such as osteoarthrtis. Because of the absence of vascularization, articular cartilage has low capacity for spontaneous repair. Today, and despite a large number of preclinical data, no therapy capable of restoring the healthy structure and function of damaged articular cartilage is clinically available. Tissue-engineering strategies involving the combination of cells, scaffolding biomaterials and bioactive agents have been of interest notably for the repair of damaged articular cartilage. During the last 30 years, cartilage tissue engineering has evolved from the treatment of focal lesions of articular cartilage to the development of strategies targeting the osteoarthritis process. In this review, we focus on the different aspects of tissue engineering applied to cartilage engineering. We first discuss cells, biomaterials and biological or environmental factors instrumental to the development of cartilage tissue engineering, then review the potential development of cartilage engineering strategies targeting new emerging pathogenic mechanisms of osteoarthritis.

A simple and effective approach to prepare injectable macroporous calcium phosphate cement for bone repair: Syringe-foaming using a viscous hydrophilic polymeric solution

In this study, we propose a simple and effective strategy to prepare injectable macroporous calcium phosphate cements (CPCs) by syringe-foaming via hydrophilic viscous polymeric solution, such as using silanized-hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (Si-HPMC) as a foaming agent. The Si-HPMC foamed CPCs demonstrate excellent handling properties such as injectability and cohesion. After hardening the foamed CPCs possess hierarchical macropores and their mechanical properties (Young's modulus and compressive strength) are comparable to those of cancellous bone. Moreover, a preliminary in vivo study in the distal femoral sites of rabbits was conducted to evaluate the biofunctionality of this injectable macroporous CPC. The evidence of newly formed bone in the central zone of implantation site indicates the feasibility and effectiveness of this foaming strategy that will have to be optimized by further extensive animal experiments.

STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE

A major challenge in the design of biomaterial-based injectable bone substitutes is the development of cohesive, macroporous and self-setting calcium phosphate cement (CPC) that enables rapid cell invasion with adequate initial mechanical properties without the use of complex processing and additives. Thus, we propose a simple and effective strategy to prepare injectable macroporous CPCs through syringe-foaming using a hydrophilic viscous polymeric solution (silanized-hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, Si-HPMC) as a foaming agent, that simultaneously meets all the aforementioned aims. Evidence from our in vivo studies shows the existence of newly formed bone within the implantation site, indicating the feasibility and effectiveness of this foaming strategy, which could be used in various CPC systems using other hydrophilic viscous polymeric solutions.

A preclinical evaluation of an autologous living hyaline-like cartilaginous graft for articular cartilage repair: a pilot study

In this pilot study, an autologous synthetic scaffold-free construct with hyaline quality, termed living hyaline cartilaginous graft (LhCG), was applied for treating cartilage lesions. Implantation of autologous LhCG was done at load-bearing regions of the knees in skeletally mature mini-pigs for 6 months. Over the course of this study, significant radiographical improvement in LhCG treated sites was observed via magnetic resonance imaging. Furthermore, macroscopic repair was effected by LhCG at endpoint. Microscopic inspection revealed that LhCG engraftment restored cartilage thickness, promoted integration with surrounding native cartilage, produced abundant cartilage-specific matrix molecules, and re-established an intact superficial tangential zone. Importantly, the repair efficacy of LhCG was quantitatively shown to be comparable to native, unaffected cartilage in terms of biochemical composition and biomechanical properties. There were no complications related to the donor site of cartilage biopsy. Collectively, these results imply that LhCG engraftment may be a viable approach for articular cartilage repair.

Current advances and future perspectives in extrusion-based bioprinting

Extrusion-based bioprinting (EBB) is a rapidly growing technology that has made substantial progress during the last decade. It has great versatility in printing various biologics, including cells, tissues, tissue constructs, organ modules and microfluidic devices, in applications from basic research and pharmaceutics to clinics. Despite the great benefits and flexibility in printing a wide range of bioinks, including tissue spheroids, tissue strands, cell pellets, decellularized matrix components, micro-carriers and cell-laden hydrogels, the technology currently faces several limitations and challenges. These include impediments to organ fabrication, the limited resolution of printed features, the need for advanced bioprinting solutions to transition the technology bench to bedside, the necessity of new bioink development for rapid, safe and sustainable delivery of cells in a biomimetically organized microenvironment, and regulatory concerns to transform the technology into a product. This paper, presenting a first-time comprehensive review of EBB, discusses the current advancements in EBB technology and highlights future directions to transform the technology to generate viable end products for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.

Enriching a cellulose hydrogel with a biologically active marine exopolysaccharide for cell-based cartilage engineering

The development of biologically and mechanically competent hydrogels is a prerequisite in cartilage engineering. We recently demonstrated that a marine exopolysaccharide, GY785, stimulates the in vitro chondrogenesis of adipose stromal cells. In the present study, we thus hypothesized that enriching our silated hydroxypropyl methylcellulose hydrogel (Si-HPMC) with GY785 might offer new prospects in the development of scaffolds for cartilage regeneration. The interaction properties of GY785 with growth factors was tested by surface plasmon resonance (SPR). The biocompatibility of Si-HPMC/GY785 towards rabbit articular chondrocytes (RACs) and its ability to maintain and recover a chondrocytic phenotype were then evaluated in vitro by MTS assay, cell counting and qRT-PCR. Finally, we evaluated the potential of Si-HPMC/GY785 associated with RACs to form cartilaginous tissue in vivo by transplantation into the subcutis of nude mice for 3 weeks. Our SPR data indicated that GY785 was able to physically interact with BMP-2 and TGFβ. Our analyses also showed that three-dimensionally (3D)-cultured RACs into Si-HPMC/GY785 strongly expressed type II collagen (COL2) and aggrecan transcripts when compared to Si-HPMC alone. In addition, RACs also produced large amounts of extracellular matrix (ECM) containing glycosaminoglycans (GAG) and COL2. When dedifferentiated RACs were replaced in 3D in Si-HPMC/GY785, the expressions of COL2 and aggrecan transcripts were recovered and that of type I collagen decreased. Immunohistological analyses of Si-HPMC/GY785 constructs transplanted into nude mice revealed the production of a cartilage-like extracellular matrix (ECM) containing high amounts of GAG and COL2. These results indicate that GY785-enriched Si-HPMC appears to be a promising hydrogel for cartilage tissue engineering. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

A novel injectable, cohesive and toughened Si-HPMC (silanized-hydroxypropyl methylcellulose) composite calcium phosphate cement for bone substitution

This study reports on the incorporation of the self-setting polysaccharide derivative hydrogel (silanized-hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, Si-HPMC) into the formulation of calcium phosphate cements (CPCs) to develop a novel injectable material for bone substitution. The effects of Si-HPMC on the handling properties (injectability, cohesion and setting time) and mechanical properties (Young's modulus, fracture toughness, flexural and compressive strength) of CPCs were systematically studied. It was found that Si-HPMC could endow composite CPC pastes with an appealing rheological behavior at the early stage of setting, promoting its application in open bone cavities. Moreover, Si-HPMC gave the composite CPC good injectability and cohesion, and reduced the setting time. Si-HPMC increased the porosity of CPCs after hardening, especially the macroporosity as a result of entrapped air bubbles; however, it improved, rather than compromised, the mechanical properties of composite CPCs, which demonstrates a strong toughening and strengthening effect. In view of the above, the Si-HPMC composite CPC may be particularly promising as bone substitute material for clinic application.

The association of hydrogel and biphasic calcium phosphate in the treatment of dehiscence-type peri-implant defects: an experimental study in dogs

Hydrogel polymers have many applications in regenerative medicine. The aim of this study in dogs was to investigate bone regeneration in dehiscence-type peri-implant defects created surgically and treated with (i) biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) granules alone; (ii) a composite putty hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC)/BCP (MBCP/putty); and (iii) a polymer crosslinked membrane of silanized-HPMC (Si-HPMC/BCP) compared with empty controls. At 3 months, new bone formation was significantly more important in defects filled with HPMC/BCP or Si-HPMC/BCP compared with spontaneous healing in control (P = 0.032 and P = 0.046 respectively) and more substantial compared with BCP alone. Furthermore, new bone formation in direct contact with the implant surface was observed in all three groups treated with BCP. The addition of HPMC to the BCP granules may have enhanced the initial stability of the material within the blood clot in these large and complex osseous defects. The Si-HPMC hydrogel may also act as an occlusive membrane covering the BCP, which could improve the stability of the granules in the defect area. However, the crosslinking time of the Si-HPMC is too long for easy handling and the mechanical properties remain to be improved. The composite MBCP/putty appears to be a valuable bone-graft material in complex defects in periodontology and implantology. These encouraging results should now be confirmed in clinical studies.

Nanocomposite hydrogels for cartilage tissue engineering: mesoporous silica nanofibers interlinked with siloxane derived polysaccharide

Injectable materials for mini-invasive surgery of cartilage are synthesized and thoroughly studied. The concept of these hybrid materials is based on providing high enough mechanical performances along with a good medium for chondrocytes proliferation. The unusual nanocomposite hydrogels presented herein are based on siloxane derived hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (Si-HPMC) interlinked with mesoporous silica nanofibers. The mandatory homogeneity of the nanocomposites is checked by fluorescent methods, which show that the silica nanofibres dispersion is realized down to nanometric scale, suggesting an efficient immobilization of the silica nanofibres onto the Si-HPMC scaffold. Such dispersion and immobilization are reached thanks to the chemical affinity between the hydrophilic silica nanofibers and the pendant silanolate groups of the Si-HPMC chains. Tuning the amount of nanocharges allows tuning the resulting mechanical features of these injectable biocompatible hybrid hydrogels. hASC stem cells and SW1353 chondrocytic cells viability is checked within the nanocomposite hydrogels up to 3 wt% of silica nanofibers.

Effects of in vitro low oxygen tension preconditioning of adipose stromal cells on their in vivo chondrogenic potential: application in cartilage tissue repair

Purpose

Multipotent stromal cell (MSC)-based regenerative strategy has shown promise for the repair of cartilage, an avascular tissue in which cells experience hypoxia. Hypoxia is known to promote the early chondrogenic differentiation of MSC. The aim of our study was therefore to determine whether low oxygen tension could be used to enhance the regenerative potential of MSC for cartilage repair.

Methods

MSC from rabbit or human adipose stromal cells (ASC) were preconditioned in vitro in control or chondrogenic (ITS and TGF-β) medium and in 21 or 5% O₂. Chondrogenic commitment was monitored by measuring COL2A1 and ACAN expression (real-time PCR). Preconditioned rabbit and human ASC were then incorporated into an Si-HPMC hydrogel and injected (i) into rabbit articular cartilage defects for 18 weeks or (ii) subcutaneously into nude mice for five weeks. The newly formed tissue was qualitatively and quantitatively evaluated by cartilage-specific immunohistological staining and scoring. The phenotype of ASC cultured in a monolayer or within Si-HPMC in control or chondrogenic medium and in 21 or 5% O₂ was finally evaluated using real-time PCR.

Results/Conclusions

5% O₂ increased the in vitro expression of chondrogenic markers in ASC cultured in induction medium. Cells implanted within Si-HPMC hydrogel and preconditioned in chondrogenic medium formed a cartilaginous tissue, regardless of the level of oxygen. In addition, the 3D in vitro culture of ASC within Si-HPMC hydrogel was found to reinforce the pro-chondrogenic effects of the induction medium and 5% O₂. These data together indicate that although 5% O₂ enhances the in vitro chondrogenic differentiation of ASC, it does not enhance their in vivo chondrogenesis. These results also highlight the in vivo chondrogenic potential of ASC and their potential value in cartilage repair.

Intramyocardial delivery of mesenchymal stem cell-seeded hydrogel preserves cardiac function and attenuates ventricular remodeling after myocardial infarction

Background

To improve the efficacy of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy targeted to infarcted myocardium, we investigated whether a self-setting silanized hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (Si-HPMC) hydrogel seeded with MSC (MSC+hydrogel) could preserve cardiac function and attenuate left ventricular (LV) remodeling during an 8-week follow-up study in a rat model of myocardial infarction (MI).

Methodology/Principal Finding

Si-HPMC hydrogel alone, MSC alone or MSC+hydrogel were injected into the myocardium immediately after coronary artery ligation in female Lewis rats. Animals in the MSC+hydrogel group showed an increase in cardiac function up to 28 days after MI and a mid-term prevention of cardiac function alteration at day 56. Histological analyses indicated that the injection of MSC+hydrogel induced a decrease in MI size and an increase in scar thickness and ultimately limited the transmural extent of MI. These findings show that intramyocardial injection of MSC+hydrogel induced short-term recovery of ventricular function and mid-term attenuation of remodeling after MI.

Conclusion/Significance

These beneficial effects may be related to the specific scaffolding properties of the Si-HPMC hydrogel that may provide the ability to support MSC injection and engraftment within myocardium.