Tunable collagen hydrogels are modified by the therapeutic agents they are designed to deliver

Development and Characterization of a Collagen-Based Matrix for Vascularization and Cell Delivery

Since the development of the Edmonton protocol, islet transplantation is increasingly encouraging as a treatment for type 1 diabetes. Strategies to ameliorate problems with the intraportal site include macroencapsulating the islets in diverse biomaterials. Characterization of these biomaterials is important to optimally tune the properties to support islets and promote vascularization. In this study, we characterize the cross-linker-dependent properties of collagen-based matrices containing chondroitin-6-sulfate, chitosan, and laminin, cross-linked with 7.5, 30, or 120 mM of 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide and N-hydroxysuccinimide. The swelling ratio was found to be significantly negatively correlated with increasing cross-linker concentrations (p<0.0001; R2=0.718). The matrix released insulin in a reproducible logarithmic manner (R2 of 0.99 for all concentrations), demonstrating cross-linker-dependent control of drug release. The matrices with the highest cross-linker concentrations resisted degradation by collagenase for longer than the lowest concentrations (58.13%±2.22% vs. 13.69%±7.67%; p<0.05). Scanning electron microscopy images of the matrices revealed that the matrices had uniform topography and porosity, indicating efficient cross-linking and incorporation of the polymer components. Matrices were transplanted subcutaneously in naive BALB/c mice, and the number and size of vessels were quantified using von Willebrand factor staining; matrices with higher cross-linking concentrations had significantly larger capillaries at every time point up to 4 weeks after transplantation compared to the lowest cross-linker concentration group. CD31 staining visualized the capillaries at each time point. Taken together, these data show that this collagen-based matrix is reproducible with cross-linking-dependent properties that can be optimized to support vascularization and islet function.

Evaluation of a collagen-chitosan hydrogel for potential use as a pro-angiogenic site for islet transplantation

Islet transplantation to treat type 1 diabetes (T1D) has shown varied long-term success, due in part to insufficient blood supply to maintain the islets. In the current study, collagen and collagen:chitosan (10:1) hydrogels, +/- circulating angiogenic cells (CACs), were compared for their ability to produce a pro-angiogenic environment in a streptozotocin-induced mouse model of T1D. Initial characterization showed that collagen-chitosan gels were mechanically stronger than the collagen gels (0.7 kPa vs. 0.4 kPa elastic modulus, respectively), had more cross-links (9.2 vs. 7.4/µm(2)), and were degraded more slowly by collagenase. After gelation with CACs, live/dead staining showed greater CAC viability in the collagen-chitosan gels after 18 h compared to collagen (79% vs. 69%). In vivo, collagen-chitosan gels, subcutaneously implanted for up to 6 weeks in a T1D mouse, showed increased levels of pro-angiogenic cytokines over time. By 6 weeks, anti-islet cytokine levels were decreased in all matrix formulations ± CACs. The 6-week implants demonstrated increased expression of VCAM-1 in collagen-chitosan implants. Despite this, infiltrating vWF(+) and CXCR4(+) angiogenic cell numbers were not different between the implant types, which may be due to a delayed and reduced cytokine response in a T1D versus non-diabetic setting. The mechanical, degradation and cytokine data all suggest that the collagen-chitosan gel may be a suitable candidate for use as a pro-angiogenic ectopic islet transplant site.

Bioengineering a highly vascularized matrix for the ectopic transplantation of islets

Islet transplantation is a promising treatment for Type 1 diabetes; however limitations of the intra-portal site and poor revascularization of islets must be overcome. We hypothesize that engineering a highly vascularized collagen-based construct will allow islet graft survival and function in alternative sites. In this study, we developed such a collagen-based biomaterial. Neonatal porcine islets (NPIs) were embedded in collagen matrices crosslinked with 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide and N-hydroxysuccinimide containing combinations of chondroitin-6-sulfate, chitosan, and laminin, and compared with controls cultured in standard media. Islets were examined for insulin secretory activity after 24 h and 4 d and for apoptotic cell death and matrix integrity after 7 d in vitro. These same NPI/collagen constructs were transplanted subcutaneously in immunoincompetent B6.Rag-/- mice and then assessed for islet survival and vascularization. At all time points assessed during in vitro culture there were no significant differences in insulin secretory activity between control islets and those embedded in the collagen constructs, indicating that the collagen matrix had no adverse effect on islet function. Less cell death was observed in the matrix with all co-polymers compared with the other matrices tested. Immunohistochemical analysis of the grafts post-transplant confirmed the presence of intact insulin-positive islets; grafts were also shown to be vascularized by von Willebrand factor staining. This study demonstrates that a collagen, chondroitin-6-sulfate, chitosan, and laminin matrix supports islet function in vitro and moreover allows islet survival and vascularization post-transplantation; therefore, this bio-engineered vascularized construct is capable of supporting islet survival.