Surface modification of poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) membrane by grafting acrylamide: an effective way to improve cytocompatibility for chondrocytes

Poly (L-lactic acid) nanofibrous scaffolds support the proliferation and neural differentiation of mouse neural stem and progenitor cells

BACKGROUND

The distribution and growth of cells on nanofibrous scaffolds seem to be an indispensable precondition in cell tissue engineering. The potential use of biomaterial scaffolds in neural stem cell therapy is increasingly attracting attention.

AIM

In this study, we produced porous nanofibrous scaffolds fabricated from random poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) to support neurogenic differentiation of neural stem and progenitor cells (NSPCs), isolated from the subventricular zone (SVZ) of the adult mouse brain.

METHODS

The viability and proliferation of the NSPCs on the nanofibrous PLLA scaffold were also tested by nuclear staining with 4, 6-diamidino-2-phenylindole dihydrochloride (DAPI), 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). To investigate the differentiation potential of NSPCs on the scaffolds, the cells were treated with a neurogenic differentiation medium, and immunostaining was done to detect neuronal and glial cells after 14 and 21 days of cultivation. Furthermore, the morphology of differentiated cells on the scaffold was examined using SEM.

RESULTS

The DAPI staining revealed the proliferation of NSPCs onto the surface of the nanofibrous PLLA scaffold. DAPI-positive cells were counted on days 2 and 5 after cultivation. The mean number of cells in each microscopic field was significantly (p < .05) increased (51 ± 19 on day 2 compared to 77 ± 25 cells on day 5). The results showed that the cell viability on PLLA scaffolds significantly increased compared to control groups. Moreover, cell viability was significantly increased 5 days after culturing (262.3 ± 50.2) as compared to 2 days culture in Vitro (174.2 ± 28.3, p < .05). Scanning electron micrographs also showed that the NSPCs adhered and differentiated on PLLA scaffolds. We found that the neural cell markers, microtubule-associated protein 2 (MAP2) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), were expressed in NSPCs seeded on random PLLA scaffolds after 21 days of cultivation.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that the PLLA nano-scaffolds, due to their biocompatible property, are an appropriate structure for the proliferation, differentiation, and normal growth of NSPCs.

Homing Genes Expression in Fucosyltransferase VI-Treated Umbilical Cord Blood CD133+ Cells which Expanded on Protein-Coated Nanoscaffolds

Umbilical cord blood (UCB)-derived hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) are considered because of their self-renewing, differentiating, proliferating, and readily available properties. Moreover, HSCs' homing to the hematopoietic microenvironment is an important step in their transplantation process. But low content of progenitor cells in one unit of UCB and defect in the bone marrow (BM) homing limit their applications. Hence, we decided to correct this deficiency with ex vivo incubation of CD133+ cells using fucosyltransferase VI and GDP-fucose. Then C-X-C chemokines receptor-4 (CXCR4), very late activation antigen-4 (VLA4), very late activation antigen-5 (VLA5), lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1 (LFA-1), and E-cadherin (E-cad) genes expressions were investigated with the goal of homing evaluation. The purity of MACS isolated CD133+ cells and confirmation of fucosylation were done by flow cytometry, and the viability of cells seeded on protein-coated poly L-lactic acid (PLLA) scaffold was proven via MTT assay. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), CFU assays, and expression assays of CXCR4, VLA4, VLA5, LFA-1 and E-cad by real-time PCR were performed, too. Flow cytometry data showed that isolated cells were suitable for fucosyltransferase VI (FT-VI) incubation and expansion on nanoscaffolds. MTT, CFU assays, and SEM micrographs demonstrated fibronectin (FN)-collagen-selectin (FCS)-coated scaffold serve as best environment for viability, clonogenicity, and cell attachment. High levels of homing genes expression were also observed in cells seeded on FCS-coated scaffolds. Also, CXCR4 flow cytometry analysis confirmed real-time data. FCS-PLLA scaffolds provided optimal conditions for viability of FT-VI-treated CD133+ cells, and clonogenicity with the goal of improving homing following UCB-HSCs transplantation.

In vitro expansion of CD 133+ cells derived from umbilical cord blood in poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) scaffold coated with fibronectin and collagen

CONTEXT

Due to their renewal and potency, umbilical cord blood (UCB) stem cells have the ability to proliferate and serve as an attractive alternative source for bone marrow transplantation. However, insufficient number of haematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) in UCB is still a major constraint in clinical applications.

OBJECTIVE

In vitro expansion of stem cells on fibronectin (Fn)-coated poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) scaffold can be a proper way to overcome this limitation.

MATERIALS AND METHOD

UCB CD133 + cells were isolated by magnetic cell sorting (MACS), and then the flowcytometry method was used for analysing CD133 + cells. Confirmed cells were seeded on the Fn-coated PLLA scaffold; also, collagen-coated PLLA scaffold, PLLA scaffold and two-dimensional (2D) culture system were expanded for 7 days. During this time, we used the flowcytometric method for analysing CD133 + cells and real-time PCR for the expression level of CXCR4 gene. The number of total cells and CD133 + cells, as well as MTT assay and colony-forming unit (CFU) assay were evaluated.

RESULTS

Flowcytometry data indicated that the purity of CD133 + before expansion was 93%. After 7 days, there was higher number of CD133 + cells on the Fn-coated PLLA scaffold compared to other groups. Moreover, results of MTT and colony assays showed higher viability and proliferation of CD133 + on the Fn-coated PLLA scaffold. Also, the quantity of CXCR4 gene expression increased compared to other groups.

DISCUSSION

The Fn-coated scaffold was the most effective scaffold for proliferation and improved the adhesiveness to the scaffold.

CONCLUSION

The Fn-coated PLLA scaffold could be a suitable in vitro mimicry niche over a 2D system.

Effect of Hydrolysis Pretreatment on the Formation of Bone-like Apatite on Poly(L-lactide) by Mineralization in Simulated Body Fluids

A bone-like apatite-coated surface that mediates a positive interaction between materials and bone is key to the development of desirable bone substitute materials. To incorporate apatite-coating on poly(L-lactide) (PLLA) surfaces, the effect of the hydrolysis of PLLA surfaces on the formation ability of bone-like apatite was investigated in this study.PLLA films and porous PLLA scaffolds were hydrolyzed for different time periods in alkaline solution and the hydrolyzed PLLA surfaces were characterized with X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, contact angle, and the measurement of carboxyl density. An apatite coating was formed by mineralizing the hydrolyzed PLLA in simulated body fluids (SBF) for 3 weeks and characterized. The hydrolyzed PLLA surfaces were rich in COOH and OH; the hydrophilicity, surface roughness, and carboxyl density increased with the hydrolysis time. After the incubation in SBF, a bone-like apatite layer with different morphology and composition was formed on the PLLA surfaces. The apatite formation on PLLA surfaces was promoted by the hydrolysis pretreatment and this increases with hydrolysis time. In addition, the compression module of the apatite-coated PLLA scaffolds increased compared with the pure PLLA scaffolds and increased with the hydrolysis time. The hydrolysis pretreatment was important in functionalizing the PLLA surfaces, facilitating subsequent apatite nucleation and apatite growth.

Poly(ε-caprolactone)-based substrates bearing pendant small chemical groups as a platform for systemic investigation of chondrogenesis

OBJECTIVES

Physiochemical properties of biomaterials play critical roles in dictating types of cell behaviour. In this study, a series of poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL)-derived polymers bearing different small chemical groups was employed as a platform to evaluate chondrogenesis of different cell types.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thin films were prepared by spin-coating PCL derivatives. Rabbit articular chondrocytes (rACs) and rabbit bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (rMSCs) were seeded on to the films, and cell adhesion, proliferation, extracellular matrix production and gene expression were evaluated.

RESULTS

The presence of hydrophilic groups (-NH2 , -COOH, -OH and -C=O) promoted adhesion and proliferation of primary rACs and rMSCs. On these polymeric films, chondrogenesis of primary rACs depended on culture time. For passaged cells, re-differentiation was induced on these films by chondrogenic induction, but less for cells of passage 5 compared to passage 3. While films with hydrophilic groups favoured chondrocytic gene expression of both types of passaged cells, production of glycosaminoglycans (GAG) was similar for those of passage 3 on all films, and PCL-CH3 film better supported GAG production for cells of passage 5. Under chondrogenic conditions, rMSCs were more efficient at GAG production on PCL and PCL-NH2 films.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates that different cells displayed distinct responses to substrate surface chemistry, implying that cell-biomaterial interactions can be developmental stage dependent. This provides a novel perspective for developing biomaterials for cartilage regeneration.

Urine-derived stem cells for potential use in bladder repair

Engineered bladder tissues, created with autologous bladder cells seeded on biodegradable scaffolds, are being developed for use in patients who need cystoplasty. However, in individuals with organ damage from congenital disorders, infection, irradiation, or cancer, abnormal cells obtained by biopsy from the compromised tissue could potentially contaminate the engineered tissue. Thus, an alternative cell source for construction of the neo-organ would be useful. Although other types of stem cells have been investigated, autologous mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are most suitable to use in bladder regeneration. These cells are often used as a cell source for bladder repair in three ways - secreting paracrine factors, recruiting resident cells, and trans-differentiation, inducing MSCs to differentiate into bladder smooth muscle cells and urothelial cells. Adult stem cell populations have been demonstrated in bone marrow, fat, muscle, hair follicles, and amniotic fluid. These cells remain an area of intense study, as their potential for therapy may be applicable to bladder disorders. Recently, we have found stem cells in the urine and the cells are highly expandable, and have self-renewal capacity and paracrine properties. As a novel cell source, urine-derived stem cells (USCs) provide advantages for cell therapy and tissue engineering applications in bladder tissue repair because they originate from the urinary tract system. Importantly, USCs can be obtained via a noninvasive, simple, and low-cost approach and induced with high efficiency to differentiate into bladder cells.

Plasma treatment for improving cell biocompatibility of a biodegradable polymer scaffold for vascular graft applications

Biodegradable synthetic scaffolds are being evaluated by many groups for the application of vascular tissue engineering. In addition to the choice of the material and the structure of the scaffold, tailoring the surface properties can have an important effect on promoting adequate tissue regeneration. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of an increased hydrophilicity of a polycaprolactone vascular graft by treatment with a cold air plasma. To this end, treated and untreated scaffolds were characterized, evaluated in vitro with smooth muscle cells, and implanted in vivo in the rat model for 3 weeks, both in the subcutaneous location and as an aortic replacement. The plasma treatment significantly increased the hydrophilicity of the scaffold, with complete wetting after a treatment of 60 sec, but did not change fiber morphology or mechanical properties. Smooth muscle cells cultured on plasma treated patches adopt a spread out morphology compared to a small, rounded morphology on untreated patches. Subcutaneous implantation revealed a low foreign body reaction for both types of scaffolds and a more extended and dense cellular infiltrate in the plasma treated scaffolds. In the vascular position, the plasma treatment induced a better cellularization of the graft wall, while it did not affect endothelialization rate or intimal hyperplasia. Plasma treatment is therefore an accessible tool to easily increase the biocompatibility of a scaffold and accelerate tissue regeneration without compromising mechanical strength, which are valuable advantages for vascular tissue engineering.

PREPARATION OF PLLA MEMBRANES WITH DIFFERENT MORPHOLOGIES FOR CULTURE OF LIGAMENT CELLS

Poly (lactic acid) is a biodegradable biomedical material that has been used for connective tissue reconstruction. In this work, poly-L-lactide (PLLA) membranes with different morphologies were prepared by phase separation method. Otherwise, biomaterials coated with various extracellular matrix (ECM) have been shown to promote cell adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation. In addition, the in vitro interaction of medial collateral ligament cells (MCLs) and PLLA membranes with dense, porous and particulate morphologies and with ECM coating was investigated. It was found that the cell compatibility of three types of PLLA membranes almost the same before coating ECM. The results also revealed that collagen type I could improve ligament cells adhesion and fibronectin could improve ligament cells growth, and this effect was most obvious in particulate membrane. Therefore, because the PLLA materials with particulate structure could adsorb more ECM which in turn influenced the cell adhesion and cell growth. The PLLA membrane with the particulate morphology satisfies the biomaterial requirement necessary for temporary scaffold to transplanted ligament cells and provides a means for the architectural design of more complex tissue-engineered systems.

Efficient modification on PLLA by ozone treatment for biomedical applications

RGDS (Arg-Gly-Asp-Ser) is immobilized on poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA) with ozone oxidation and the addition of an intermediate reactant, acryl succinimide (ASI) to promote the grafting efficiency. A DPPH (2,2-di(4-tert-octylphenyl)-1-picrylhydrazyl) assay has revealed that the peroxide concentration can be controlled by adjusting the ozone treatment time. The immobilization of ASI is verified by elemental analysis. The peptide concentrations are in the effective order, as shown by means of high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and the grafting efficiency is proven to be relatively high compared with the previous studies. The culture of rat osteosarcoma 17/2.8 (ROS), osteoblastic-like cells, demonstrates that the grafting of RGDS can enhance the attachment and osteogenesis of ROS cells on PLLA. With the addition of ASI, the cultured ROS cells express normal function in proliferation and mineralization. From in vivo experiments, ASI immobilized on the surface is shown to be biocompatible. These results lead to the conclusion that the ozone treatment with the intermediate reactant ASI is an efficient, biocompatible, and easily controllable procedure to modify PLLA. Furthermore, the immobilization of RGDS in significant amounts following the ozone oxidation could further promote the biocompatibility and the osteoinduction of PLLA.

Surface modification and property analysis of biomedical polymers used for tissue engineering

The response of host organism in macroscopic, cellular and protein levels to biomaterials is, in most cases, closely associated with the materials' surface properties. In tissue engineering, regenerative medicine and many other biomedical fields, surface engineering of the bio-inert synthetic polymers is often required to introduce bioactive species that can promote cell adhesion, proliferation, viability and enhanced ECM-secretion functions. Up to present, a large number of surface engineering techniques for improving biocompatibility have been well established, the work of which generally contains three main steps: (1) surface modification of the polymeric materials; (2) chemical and physical characterizations; and (3) biocompatibility assessment through cell culture. This review focuses on the principles and practices of surface engineering of biomedical polymers with regards to particular aspects depending on the authors' research background and opinions. The review starts with an introduction of principles in designing polymeric biomaterial surfaces, followed by introduction of surface modification techniques to improve hydrophilicity, to introduce reactive functional groups and to immobilize functional protein molecules. The chemical and physical characterizations of the modified biomaterials are then discussed with emphasis on several important issues such as surface functional group density, functional layer thickness, protein surface density and bioactivity. Three most commonly used surface composition characterization techniques, i.e. ATR-FTIR, XPS, SIMS, are compared in terms of their penetration depth. Ellipsometry, CD, EPR, SPR and QCM's principles and applications in analyzing surface proteins are introduced. Finally discussed are frequently applied methods and their principles to evaluate biocompatibility of biomaterials via cell culture. In this section, current techniques and their developments to measure cell adhesion, proliferation, morphology, viability, migration and gene expression are reviewed.

Surface modification of poly( L ‐lactic acid) by entrapment of chitosan and its derivatives to promote osteoblasts‐like compatibility

Surface modification of biomaterials has been adopted over the years to improve their biocompatibility. In this study, aiming to promote hydrophilicity and to introduce natural recognition sites onto poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA) films, chitosan and its derivatives, carboxymethyl chitosan (CMC) and N-methylene phosphonic chitosan (NPC), were used to modify the surface of PLLA films by an entrapment method. The surface properties of original and modified PLLA films were measured by using water contact angle measurement and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Subsequently, the cytocompatibility of these PLLA films was investigated by testing osteoblasts-like cytocompatibility, cell attachment, cell proliferation, alkaline phosphatase activity, and cell cycle. Experimental results indicated that the hydrophilicity of the modified films was improved and the surface of the modified PLLA films became enriched with chitosan and its derivatives. Moreover, the surface modification with chitosan and its derivatives significantly promoted osteoblasts-like compatibility of PLLA films. This surface modification, combining the individual advantages of PLLA with good mechanical property and chitosan as well as its derivatives with good cytocompatibility, is a promising method to prepare desirable biomaterials.

ElastoPHB membrane systems with immobilized bone marrow stromal cells optimize conditions for regeneration of damaged tissue

The effects of autologous bone marrow stromal cells immobilized on ElastoPHB membranes on reparative processes were studied on a model of rat skeletal muscle injury. Bone marrow stromal cells inhibited substitute (sclerosing) regeneration and activated reparative (reconstructive) regeneration of tissues.

Anterior cruciate ligament regeneration using braided biodegradable scaffolds: in vitro optimization studies

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is the most commonly injured intra-articular ligament of the knee, and limitations in existing reconstruction grafts have prompted an interest in tissue engineered solutions. Previously, we reported on a tissue-engineered ACL scaffold fabricated using a novel, three-dimensional braiding technology. A critical factor in determining cellular response to such a graft is material selection. The objective of this in vitro study was to optimize the braided scaffold, focusing on material composition and the identification of an appropriate polymer. The selection criteria are based on cellular response, construct degradation, and the associated mechanical properties. Three compositions of poly-alpha-hydroxyester fibers, namely polyglycolic acid (PGA), poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), and polylactic-co-glycolic acid 82:18 (PLAGA) were examined. The effects of polymer composition on scaffold mechanical properties and degradation were evaluated in physiologically relevant solutions. Prior to culturing with primary rabbit ACL cells, scaffolds were pre-coated with fibronectin (Fn, PGA-Fn, PLAGA-Fn, PLLA-Fn), an important protein which is upregulated during ligament healing. Cell attachment and growth were examined as a function of time and polymer composition. While PGA scaffolds measured the highest tensile strength followed by PLLA and PLAGA, its rapid degradation in vitro resulted in matrix disruption and cell death over time. PLLA-based scaffolds maintained their structural integrity and exhibited superior mechanical properties over time. The response of ACL cells was found to be dependent on polymer composition, with the highest cell number measured on PLLA-Fn scaffolds. Surface modification of polymer scaffolds with Fn improved cell attachment efficiency and effected the long-term matrix production by ACL cells on PLLA and PLAGA scaffolds. Therefore based on the overall cellular response and its temporal mechanical and degradation properties in vitro, the PLLA braided scaffold pre-coated with Fn was found to be the most suitable substrate for ACL tissue engineering.

Laser surface modification of silicone rubber to reduce platelet adhesion in vitro

To improve the blood compatibility, the surface of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) films were irradiated using a CO2-pulsed laser. Acrylamide (AAm) was grafted onto a pre-irradiated surface. The AAm-grafted and laser-treated films were characterized using different techniques. Platelet adhesion and activation onto the AAm-grafted PDMS, laser-treated (ungrafted) and unmodified PDMS film surfaces were compared. Data from in vitro assays indicated that the platelet adhesion was reduced on the AAm-grafted PDMS and laser treated PDMS films in comparison with the unmodified PDMS. The laser-irradiated sample showed the minimum platelet adhesion. It seems that laser irradiation onto a silicone rubber surface is a versatile technique to produce anti-thrombogenic surface for biomaterial applications.

Endothelial cell functionsin vitro cultured on poly(L-lactic acid) membranes modified with different methods

We recently developed several methods to enhance the cell-polymer interactions. Optimal conditions for each method have been revealed separately by in vitro cell culture. As a practical consideration for construction of tissue-engineered organs, it is necessary to consider which is the most suitable and convenient in clinical applications. To compare the efficiency of these methods with respect to cell functions, poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) was selected as matrix being modified by 1) aminolysis (PLLA-NH(2)), 2) collagen immobilization with GA (PLLA-GA-Col), 3) chondroitin sulfate (CS)/collagen layer-by-layer (LBL) assembly (PLLA-CS/Col), 4) photo-induced grafting copolymerization of hydrophilic methacrylic acid (MAA) (PLLA-g-PMAA), and 5) further immobilization of collagen with 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylamino propyl) carbodiimide hydrochloride (EDAC) (PLLA-g-PMAA-Col). The surface wettability of the modified PLLA was determined by water contact angle measurements. The cell response to the modified PLLA was quantitatively assessed and compared by using human umbilical endothelial cells (HUVECs) culture. Our results indicate that all the modifications can improve the cytocompatibility of PLLA (e.g., cells can attach with spreading morphology, proliferate and secret vWF and 6-keto-PGF(1 alpha)). All the collagen-modified PLLA showed more positive cell response than those purely aminolyzed or PMAA grafted. Among all the methods, collagen immobilization by LBL assembly or GA bridging after aminolysis is more acceptable for the convenience and applicability to scaffolds.