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Thada RR, Debata M, Mandal S, Gunasekaran D, Mohan VD, Chandrasekaran N, Sivagnanam UT. In vitro and Ex vivo characterization of nanonized amniotic membrane particles: An untapped modality for ocular surface reconstruction. Exp Eye Res 2023; 231:109471. [PMID: 37086963 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2023.109471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/08/2023] [Indexed: 04/24/2023]
Abstract
The pristine Human Amniotic Membrane (HAM) has portrayed outstanding potential as scaffold for ocular surface reconstruction and regeneration. However, in treatment procedures where the supporting membrane matrix of HAM is not obligatory and only the bioactive molecules are vital, the surgical practise of HAM grafting causes redundant trauma and economic burden to the patient. Hence, in our laboratory we have attempted to break down HAM to nanoscale particles and validate its potential as a competent ocular therapeutic agent; by conducting a comparative analysis between the fresh, lyophilized, micronized and Nanonized Amniotic Membrane (NAM) particles. Our results evidently showcased that the prepared NAM particles was <100 nm and the major biomolecules such as collagen and hyaluronic acid were well retained. Further, the NAM particles eluted significantly higher amounts of proteins and growth factors while maintaining its stability and isotonicity when stored at 4 °C. Its biostability was assayed in the presence of lysozyme enzyme. Its remarkable ability to promote cell proliferation in rabbit corneal cells and negative cytotoxicity is an added advantage for ocular application. The ocular biocompatibility of NAM, evaluated by the ex vivo assessment of corneal thickness, transparency, histopathology, immunohistochemistry and corneal permeability clearly indicated its suitability for ophthalmic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raja Rajeshwari Thada
- Biological Materials Laboratory, CSIR-Central Leather Research Institute, Adyar, Chennai, India; Department of Leather Technology, (Housed at CSIR-Central Leather Research Institute), Alagappa College of Technology, Anna University, Chennai, India.
| | - Mayadhar Debata
- Advanced Materials Technology Department, CSIR-Institute of Minerals and Materials Technology, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India.
| | - Shuvam Mandal
- Advanced Materials Technology Department, CSIR-Institute of Minerals and Materials Technology, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, India.
| | - Deebasuganya Gunasekaran
- Biological Materials Laboratory, CSIR-Central Leather Research Institute, Adyar, Chennai, India; Department of Leather Technology, (Housed at CSIR-Central Leather Research Institute), Alagappa College of Technology, Anna University, Chennai, India.
| | - Vimala Devi Mohan
- Biological Materials Laboratory, CSIR-Central Leather Research Institute, Adyar, Chennai, India; Department of Leather Technology, (Housed at CSIR-Central Leather Research Institute), Alagappa College of Technology, Anna University, Chennai, India.
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Xu L, Wang H, Luo L, Deng J, Chen F, Wang Y, Tang J, Wu Z, Zhou Q, Chen J. Aspartic acid and epidermal growth factor modified decellularized rabbit conjunctiva for conjunctival reconstruction. BIOMATERIALS ADVANCES 2022; 143:213164. [PMID: 36343391 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioadv.2022.213164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Revised: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 10/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Conjunctival reconstruction is an indispensable part of ocular surface regeneration. Decellularized matrix has been considered as an ideal conjunctival substitution for conjunctival reconstruction. In the present study, we report the use of a decellularized rabbit conjunctiva (DRC) for conjunctival reconstruction in the rabbit surgical trauma model. Prepared by the phospholipase A2 decellularized method, the DRC was nearly DNA free while the collagen structure and natural extracellular matrix (ECM) were well preserved. In order to improve the performance of DRC, aspartic acid (Asp) was used as a spacer arm to crosslink epidermal growth factor (EGF) on the DRC to obtain DRC-Asp-EGF. The conjunctival epithelial cells cultured on the DRC-Asp-EGF showed a higher survival rates and a greater potential to differentiate into conjunctival goblet cells (CGCs) than those on the DRC. Finally, three groups were set to evaluate the transplantation effects in the rabbit surgical trauma model for 28 days: DRC-Asp-EGF group, amniotic membrane (AM) group, and ungrafted group. The DRC-Asp-EGF group was completely re-epithelized, and more CGCs were regenerated than the AM group, while no significant improvements were observed in the ungrafted group. Intact collagen structure, angiogenesis, and no scar formation were also observed in the DRC-Asp-EGF group. These results suggest that DRC-Asp-EGF is a feasible and effective transplant for conjunctival reconstruction and ocular surface regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liling Xu
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine, Ministry of Education, Department of Developmental and Regenerative Biology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hua Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lishi Luo
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China; Shenzhen Eye Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jingyue Deng
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China; Department of Ophthalmology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Fangyuan Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yingwei Wang
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Junjie Tang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China; State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zheng Wu
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine, Ministry of Education, Department of Developmental and Regenerative Biology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Qing Zhou
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Jian Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.
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Sarvari R, Keyhanvar P, Agbolaghi S, Roshangar L, Bahremani E, Keyhanvar N, Haghdoost M, Keshel SH, Taghikhani A, Firouzi N, Valizadeh A, Hamedi E, Nouri M. A comprehensive review on methods for promotion of mechanical features and biodegradation rate in amniotic membrane scaffolds. JOURNAL OF MATERIALS SCIENCE. MATERIALS IN MEDICINE 2022; 33:32. [PMID: 35267104 PMCID: PMC8913518 DOI: 10.1007/s10856-021-06570-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Amniotic membrane (AM) is a biological tissue that surrounds the fetus in the mother's womb. It has pluripotent cells, immune modulators, collagen, cytokines with anti-fibrotic and anti-inflammatory effect, matrix proteins, and growth factors. In spite of the biological characteristics, some results have been released in preventing the adhesion on traumatized surfaces. Application of the AM as a scaffold is limited due to its low biomechanical resistance and rapid biodegradation. Therefore, for using the AM during surgery, its modification by different methods such as cross-linking of the membrane collagen is necessary, because the cross-linking is an effective way to reduce the rate of biodegradation of the biological materials. In addition, their cross-linking is likely an efficient way to increase the tensile properties of the material, so that they can be easily handled or sutured. In this regard, various methods related to cross-linking of the AM subsuming the composite materials, physical cross-linking, and chemical cross-linking with the glutraldehyde, carbodiimide, genipin, aluminum sulfate, etc. are reviewed along with its advantages and disadvantages in the current work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raana Sarvari
- Stem Cell And Regenerative Medicine Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Stem Cell Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Peyman Keyhanvar
- Stem Cell Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
- Department of Medical Nanotechnology, School of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
- Convergence of Knowledge, Technology and Society Network (CKTSN), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tabriz, Iran.
- ARTAN1100 Startup Accelerator, Tabriz, Iran.
| | - Samira Agbolaghi
- Chemical Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, Azarbaijan Shahid Madani University, P.O. BOX: 5375171379, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Leila Roshangar
- Stem Cell Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Erfan Bahremani
- Alavi Ophthalmological Treatment and Educational Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Neda Keyhanvar
- Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Gene Yakhteh Keyhan (Genik) Company (Ltd), Pharmaceutical Biotechnology Incubator, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mehdi Haghdoost
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Saeed Heidari Keshel
- Medical Nanotechnology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Afsaneh Taghikhani
- Department of Chemistry, Tabriz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Nima Firouzi
- Stem Cell and Tissue Engineering Research Laboratory, Chemical Engineering Faculty, Sahand University of Technology, P.O.BOX:51335-1996, Tabriz, Iran
- Phil and Penny Knight Campus for Accelerating Scientific Impact, University of Oregon Eugene, OR, 97403, USA
| | - Amir Valizadeh
- Stem Cell And Regenerative Medicine Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Stem Cell Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Drug Applied Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Elham Hamedi
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Science, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Nouri
- Stem Cell And Regenerative Medicine Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
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Elkhenany H, El-Derby A, Abd Elkodous M, Salah RA, Lotfy A, El-Badri N. Applications of the amniotic membrane in tissue engineering and regeneration: the hundred-year challenge. Stem Cell Res Ther 2022; 13:8. [PMID: 35012669 PMCID: PMC8744057 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-021-02684-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The amniotic membrane (Amnio-M) has various applications in regenerative medicine. It acts as a highly biocompatible natural scaffold and as a source of several types of stem cells and potent growth factors. It also serves as an effective nano-reservoir for drug delivery, thanks to its high entrapment properties. Over the past century, the use of the Amnio-M in the clinic has evolved from a simple sheet for topical applications for skin and corneal repair into more advanced forms, such as micronized dehydrated membrane, amniotic cytokine extract, and solubilized powder injections to regenerate muscles, cartilage, and tendons. This review highlights the development of the Amnio-M over the years and the implication of new and emerging nanotechnology to support expanding its use for tissue engineering and clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hoda Elkhenany
- Center of Excellence for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine (CESC), Zewail City of Science and Technology, October Gardens, 6th of October City, 12582, Giza, Egypt
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, 22785, Egypt
| | - Azza El-Derby
- Center of Excellence for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine (CESC), Zewail City of Science and Technology, October Gardens, 6th of October City, 12582, Giza, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Abd Elkodous
- Center of Excellence for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine (CESC), Zewail City of Science and Technology, October Gardens, 6th of October City, 12582, Giza, Egypt
| | - Radwa A Salah
- Center of Excellence for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine (CESC), Zewail City of Science and Technology, October Gardens, 6th of October City, 12582, Giza, Egypt
| | - Ahmed Lotfy
- Biotechnology and Life Sciences Department, Faculty of Postgraduate Studies for Advanced Sciences (PSAS), Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, 62511, Egypt
| | - Nagwa El-Badri
- Center of Excellence for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine (CESC), Zewail City of Science and Technology, October Gardens, 6th of October City, 12582, Giza, Egypt.
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Kianersi S, Varjani AAA, Solouk A, Ai J, Lee BP. Mussel-inspired polydopamine-coated silk fibroin as a promising biomaterial. BIOINSPIRED BIOMIMETIC AND NANOBIOMATERIALS 2020. [DOI: 10.1680/jbibn.19.00045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Silk fibroin (SF) is one of the natural biomaterials with promising and growing potential in different clinical applications such as corneal transplantation, donor site skin substitute and tympanic membrane. Some of the SFs that are extracted from mulberry silkworm do not have the arginyl–glycyl–aspartic acid (RGD) sequence for properly supporting cell adhesion and proliferation. Therefore, in the current study, polydopamine (PDA)-coated SFs were prepared to provide an RGD sequence, and the effect of PDA coating on different properties of SF was investigated. The results are also compared with those of an amniotic membrane (AM) that is a commercially available natural biomaterial for the mentioned applications. The Raman spectra showed characteristic peaks at 1581 and 1370 cm−1, which demonstrate the formation of the coating layer on the surface of the films. The results showed that coating led to no significant difference in surface hydrophilicity; a smoother surface; and improved cell attachment and distribution; and a little decrease in membrane transparency, but the membrane still being transparent enough to provide vivid vision through it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sogol Kianersi
- Biomedical Engineering Department, Amirkabir University of Technology (Tehran Polytechnic), Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Atefeh Solouk
- Biomedical Engineering Department, Amirkabir University of Technology (Tehran Polytechnic), Tehran, Iran
| | - Jafar Ai
- Department of Tissue Engineering, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Bruce P Lee
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI, USA
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Zhang C, Du T, Mu G, Wang J, Gao X, Long F, Wang Q. Evaluation and ultrastructural changes of amniotic membrane fragility after UVA/riboflavin cross-linking and its effects on biodegradation. Medicine (Baltimore) 2020; 99:e20091. [PMID: 32443319 PMCID: PMC7254827 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000020091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aims to evaluate the changes of fragility and ultrastructure of amniotic membrane after cross-linking by UVA/riboflavin.Forty-nine fresh amniotic membranes were randomly divided into 3 groups. Eighteen were in group A (CX group) and immersed in 0.1% riboflavin solution for 10 min for UVA/riboflavin cross-linking. Sixteen were in group B (B2 group), soaked for 10 min with 0.1% riboflavin. After soaking, membranes in group A and B were transferred into corneal preservation solution. Fifteen pieces were in group C, directly into corneal preservation solution. The biomechanical and ultrastructural changes of the amniotic tissue before and after cross-linking were examined (CX group = 13, B2 group = 11, C group = 15). The amniotic membrane tissue of group A (n = 5) and B (n = 5) was transplanted into 16 eyes of the rabbits, respectively, and the dissolution time of the amniotic membrane tissue was investigated.After cross-linking, compared with the control group, the elastic modulus of the low-stress area of the amniotic membrane (Elow) was higher, while the elastic modulus of the high-stress area of the amniotic membrane (Ehigh) was lower, with no significant difference in the tensile strength. Also, the collagen fibers showed coarse and bamboo-like changes. In group A, amniotic membranes began to dissolve 4 weeks after conjunctiva transplantation, and all amniotic membranes were dissolved and absorbed 6 weeks after conjunctiva transplantation. In group B, some amniotic membrane tissues were still visible 6 weeks after conjunctiva transplantation.This study suggested that after amniotic membrane cross-linking, the brittleness was increased, the hardness was enhanced, and the morphology of the collagen fiber was changed. The cross-linked amniotic membrane showed resistance to tissue dissolution.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Jia Wang
- Shandong Provincial Hospital, Jinan
- Aier Eye Hospital Group, LiaochengAier Eye Hospital, Liaocheng
| | - Xin Gao
- Jinan Second People's Hospital
| | - Fumin Long
- People's Hospital of Taierzhuang District, Zaozhuang, China
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Amination degree of gelatin is critical for establishing structure-property-function relationships of biodegradable thermogels as intracameral drug delivery systems. MATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING. C, MATERIALS FOR BIOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS 2019; 98:897-909. [DOI: 10.1016/j.msec.2019.01.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2018] [Revised: 01/01/2019] [Accepted: 01/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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Utheim TP, Aass Utheim Ø, Salvanos P, Jackson CJ, Schrader S, Geerling G, Sehic A. Concise Review: Altered Versus Unaltered Amniotic Membrane as a Substrate for Limbal Epithelial Cells. Stem Cells Transl Med 2018; 7:415-427. [PMID: 29573222 PMCID: PMC5905228 DOI: 10.1002/sctm.17-0257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2017] [Accepted: 02/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD) can result from a variety of corneal disorders, including chemical and thermal burns, infections, and autoimmune diseases. The symptoms of LSCD may include irritation, epiphora, blepharospasms, photophobia, pain, and decreased vision. There are a number of treatment options, ranging from nonsurgical treatments for mild LSCD to various forms of surgery that involve different cell types cultured on various substrates. Ex vivo expansion of limbal epithelial cells (LEC) involves the culture of LEC harvested either from the patient, a living relative, or a cadaver on a substrate in the laboratory. Following the transfer of the cultured cell sheet onto the cornea of patients suffering from LSCD, a successful outcome can be expected in approximately three out of four patients. The phenotype of the cultured cells has proven to be a key predictor of success. The choice of culture substrate is known to affect the phenotype. Several studies have shown that amniotic membrane (AM) can be used as a substrate for expansion of LEC for subsequent transplantation in the treatment of LSCD. There is currently a debate over whether AM should be denuded (i.e., de-epithelialized) prior to LEC culture, or whether this substrate should remain intact. In addition, crosslinking of the AM has been used to increase the thermal and mechanical stability, optical transparency, and resistance to collagenase digestion of AM. In the present review, we discuss the rationale for using altered versus unaltered AM as a culture substrate for LEC. Stem Cells Translational Medicine 2018;7:415-427.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tor Paaske Utheim
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Oslo University HospitalNorway
- Department of OphthalmologyDrammen Hospital, Vestre Viken Hospital TrustNorway
- Department of OphthalmologyStavanger University HospitalNorway
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of MedicineUniversity of BergenNorway
- Department of Oral Biology, Faculty of DentistryUniversity of OsloNorway
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive SurgeryOslo University HospitalNorway
| | | | - Panagiotis Salvanos
- Department of OphthalmologyDrammen Hospital, Vestre Viken Hospital TrustNorway
| | - Catherine J. Jackson
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Oslo University HospitalNorway
- Department of Oral Biology, Faculty of DentistryUniversity of OsloNorway
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive SurgeryOslo University HospitalNorway
| | | | - Gerd Geerling
- Department of OphthalmologyUniversity of DüsseldorfGermany
| | - Amer Sehic
- Department of Oral Biology, Faculty of DentistryUniversity of OsloNorway
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Chou SF, Luo LJ, Lai JY, Ma DHK. Role of solvent-mediated carbodiimide cross-linking in fabrication of electrospun gelatin nanofibrous membranes as ophthalmic biomaterials. MATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING. C, MATERIALS FOR BIOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS 2017; 71:1145-1155. [PMID: 27987671 DOI: 10.1016/j.msec.2016.11.105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2016] [Revised: 11/18/2016] [Accepted: 11/24/2016] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Due to their ability to mimic the structure of extracellular matrix, electrospun gelatin nanofibers are promising cell scaffolding materials for tissue engineering applications. However, the hydrophilic gelatin molecules usually need stabilization before use in aqueous physiological environment. Considering that biomaterials cross-linked via film immersion technique may have a more homogeneous cross-linked structure than vapor phase cross-linking, this work aims to investigate the chemical modification of electrospun gelatin nanofibrous membranes by liquid phase carbodiimide in the presence of ethanol/water co-solvents with varying ethanol concentrations ranging from 80 to 99.5vol%. The results of characterization showed that increasing water content in the binary reaction solvent system increases the extent of cross-linking of gelatin nanofibers, but simultaneously promotes the effect of biopolymer swelling and distortion in fiber mat structure. As compared to non-cross-linked counterparts, carbodiimide treated gelatin nanofibrous mats exhibited better thermal and biological stability where the shrinkage temperature and resistance to enzymatic degradation varied in response to ethanol/water solvent composition-mediated generation of cross-links. Irrespective of their cross-linking density, all studied membrane samples did not induce any responses in ocular epithelial cell cultures derived from cornea, lens, and retina. Unlike many other cross-linking agents and/or methods (e.g., excessive vapor phase cross-linking) that may pose a risk of toxicity, our study demonstrated that these nanofibrous materials are well tolerated by anterior segment tissues. These findings also indicate the safety of using ethanol/water co-solvents for chemical cross-linking of gelatin to engineer nanofibrous materials with negligible biological effects. In summary, the present results suggest the importance of solvent-mediated carbodiimide cross-linking in modulating structure-property relationship without compromising in vitro and in vivo biocompatibility of electrospun gelatin nanofibers for future ophthalmic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shih-Feng Chou
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Texas at Tyler, Tyler, TX 75799, USA
| | - Li-Jyuan Luo
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Jui-Yang Lai
- Institute of Biochemical and Biomedical Engineering, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan, ROC; Biomedical Engineering Research Center, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan, ROC; Center for Tissue Engineering, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan 33305, Taiwan, ROC; Department of Ophthalmology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan 33305, Taiwan, ROC; Department of Materials Engineering, Ming Chi University of Technology, New Taipei City 24301, Taiwan, ROC.
| | - David Hui-Kang Ma
- Center for Tissue Engineering, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan 33305, Taiwan, ROC; Department of Ophthalmology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan 33305, Taiwan, ROC; Department of Chinese Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan, ROC
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