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Elvitigala KCML, Mohan L, Mubarok W, Sakai S. Phototuning of Hyaluronic-Acid-Based Hydrogel Properties to Control Network Formation in Human Vascular Endothelial Cells. Adv Healthc Mater 2024; 13:e2303787. [PMID: 38684108 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202303787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
In vitro network formation by endothelial cells serves as a fundamental model for studies aimed at understanding angiogenesis. The morphogenesis of these cells to form a network is intricately regulated by the mechanical and biochemical properties of the extracellular matrix. Here the effects of modulating these properties in hydrogels derived from phenolated hyaluronic acid (HA-Ph) and phenolated gelatin (Gelatin-Ph) are presented. Visible-light irradiation in the presence of tris(2,2'-bipyridyl)ruthenium(II) chloride hexahydrate and sodium persulfate induces the crosslinking of these polymers, thereby forming a hydrogel and degrading HA-Ph. Human vascular endothelial cells form networks on the hydrogel prepared by visible-light irradiation for 45 min (42 W cm-2 at 450 nm) but not on the hydrogels prepared by irradiation for 15, 30, or 60 min. The irradiation time-dependent degradation of HA-Ph and the changes in the mechanical stiffness of the hydrogels, coupled with the expressions of RhoA and β-actin genes and CD44 receptors in the cells, reveal that the network formation is synergistically influenced by the hydrogel stiffness and HA-Ph degradation. These findings highlight the potential of tailoring HA-based hydrogel properties to modulate human vascular endothelial cell responses, which is critical for advancing their application in vascular tissue engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lakshmi Mohan
- Department of Bioengineering, Henry Samueli School of Engineering, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Wildan Mubarok
- Department of Materials Engineering Science, Graduate School of Engineering Science, Osaka University, Toyonaka, Osaka, 560-8531, Japan
| | - Shinji Sakai
- Department of Materials Engineering Science, Graduate School of Engineering Science, Osaka University, Toyonaka, Osaka, 560-8531, Japan
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Elvitigala KCML, Mubarok W, Sakai S. Hydrogels with Ultrasound-Treated Hyaluronic Acid Regulate CD44-Mediated Angiogenic Potential of Human Vascular Endothelial Cells In Vitro. Biomolecules 2024; 14:604. [PMID: 38786011 PMCID: PMC11118219 DOI: 10.3390/biom14050604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2024] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The development of hydrogels that allow vascular endothelial cells to form capillary-like networks is critical for advancing tissue engineering and drug discovery. In this study, we developed hydrogels composed of phenolated hyaluronic acid (HA-Ph) with an average molecular weight of 490-159 kDa via sonication in an aqueous solution. These hydrogels were synthesized by the horseradish peroxidase-catalyzed crosslinking of phenol moieties in the presence of hydrogen peroxide and phenolated gelatin. The sonication-degraded HA-Ph (198 kDa) significantly enhanced the migration ability of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) on cell culture plates when added to the medium compared to the original HA-Ph (490 kDa) and less-degraded HA-Ph (312-399 kDa). In addition, HUVECs cultured on these hydrogels formed networks that did not occur on hydrogels made from the original HA-Ph. CD44 expression and PI3K gene expression, both markers related to angiogenesis, were 3.5- and 1.8-fold higher, respectively, in cells cultured on sonication-degraded HA-Ph hydrogels than in those cultured on hydrogels comprising the original HA-Ph. These results highlight the potential of hydrogels containing sonication-degraded HA-Ph for tissue engineering and drug-screening applications involving human vascular endothelial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Shinji Sakai
- Department of Materials Engineering Science, Graduate School of Engineering Science, Osaka University, Toyonaka 560-8531, Osaka, Japan; (K.C.M.L.E.); (W.M.)
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Mubarok W, Zhang C, Sakai S. 3D Bioprinting of Sugar Beet Pectin through Horseradish Peroxidase-Catalyzed Cross-Linking. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2024; 7:3506-3514. [PMID: 38696441 DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.4c00418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2024]
Abstract
Horseradish peroxidase (HRP)-mediated hydrogelation, caused by the cross-linking of phenolic groups in polymers in the presence of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), is an effective route for bioink solidification in 3D bioprinting. Sugar beet pectin (SBP) naturally has cross-linkable phenols through the enzymatic reaction. Therefore, chemical modifications are not required, unlike the various polymers that have been used in the enzymatic cross-linking system. In this study, we report the application of SBP in extrusion-based bioprinting including HRP-mediated bioink solidification. In this system, H2O2 necessary for the solidification of inks is supplied in the gas phase. Cell-laden liver lobule-like constructs could be fabricated using bioinks consisting of 10 U/mL HRP, 4.0 and 6.0 w/v% SBP, and 6.0 × 106 cells/mL human hepatoblastoma (HepG2) cells exposed to air containing 16 ppm of H2O2 concurrently during printing and 10 min postprinting. The HepG2 cells enclosed in the printed constructs maintained their viability, metabolic activity, and hepatic functions from day 1 to day 7 of the culture, which indicates the cytocompatibility of this system. Taken together, this result demonstrates the potential of SBP and HRP cross-linking systems for 3D bioprinting, which can be applied in tissue engineering applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wildan Mubarok
- Division of Chemical Engineering, Department of Materials Engineering Science, Graduate School of Engineering Science, Osaka University, 1-3 Machikaneyama-cho, Toyonaka, Osaka 560-8531, Japan
| | - Colin Zhang
- Division of Chemical Engineering, Department of Materials Engineering Science, Graduate School of Engineering Science, Osaka University, 1-3 Machikaneyama-cho, Toyonaka, Osaka 560-8531, Japan
| | - Shinji Sakai
- Division of Chemical Engineering, Department of Materials Engineering Science, Graduate School of Engineering Science, Osaka University, 1-3 Machikaneyama-cho, Toyonaka, Osaka 560-8531, Japan
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Olteanu G, Neacșu SM, Joița FA, Musuc AM, Lupu EC, Ioniță-Mîndrican CB, Lupuliasa D, Mititelu M. Advancements in Regenerative Hydrogels in Skin Wound Treatment: A Comprehensive Review. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3849. [PMID: 38612660 PMCID: PMC11012090 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25073849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
This state-of-the-art review explores the emerging field of regenerative hydrogels and their profound impact on the treatment of skin wounds. Regenerative hydrogels, composed mainly of water-absorbing polymers, have garnered attention in wound healing, particularly for skin wounds. Their unique properties make them well suited for tissue regeneration. Notable benefits include excellent water retention, creating a crucially moist wound environment for optimal healing, and facilitating cell migration, and proliferation. Biocompatibility is a key feature, minimizing adverse reactions and promoting the natural healing process. Acting as a supportive scaffold for cell growth, hydrogels mimic the extracellular matrix, aiding the attachment and proliferation of cells like fibroblasts and keratinocytes. Engineered for controlled drug release, hydrogels enhance wound healing by promoting angiogenesis, reducing inflammation, and preventing infection. The demonstrated acceleration of the wound healing process, particularly beneficial for chronic or impaired healing wounds, adds to their appeal. Easy application and conformity to various wound shapes make hydrogels practical, including in irregular or challenging areas. Scar minimization through tissue regeneration is crucial, especially in cosmetic and functional regions. Hydrogels contribute to pain management by creating a protective barrier, reducing friction, and fostering a soothing environment. Some hydrogels, with inherent antimicrobial properties, aid in infection prevention, which is a crucial aspect of successful wound healing. Their flexibility and ability to conform to wound contours ensure optimal tissue contact, enhancing overall treatment effectiveness. In summary, regenerative hydrogels present a promising approach for improving skin wound healing outcomes across diverse clinical scenarios. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the benefits, mechanisms, and challenges associated with the use of regenerative hydrogels in the treatment of skin wounds. In this review, the authors likely delve into the application of rational design principles to enhance the efficacy and performance of hydrogels in promoting wound healing. Through an exploration of various methodologies and approaches, this paper is poised to highlight how these principles have been instrumental in refining the design of hydrogels, potentially revolutionizing their therapeutic potential in addressing skin wounds. By synthesizing current knowledge and highlighting potential avenues for future research, this review aims to contribute to the advancement of regenerative medicine and ultimately improve clinical outcomes for patients with skin wounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Olteanu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory and Food Safety, Faculty of Pharmacy, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020956 Bucharest, Romania; (G.O.); (M.M.)
| | - Sorinel Marius Neacșu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Bio-Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020945 Bucharest, Romania; (S.M.N.); (D.L.)
| | - Florin Alexandru Joița
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Bio-Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020945 Bucharest, Romania; (S.M.N.); (D.L.)
| | | | - Elena Carmen Lupu
- Department of Mathematics and Informatics, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Ovidius” University of Constanta, 900001 Constanta, Romania;
| | - Corina-Bianca Ioniță-Mîndrican
- Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020945 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Dumitru Lupuliasa
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Bio-Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020945 Bucharest, Romania; (S.M.N.); (D.L.)
| | - Magdalena Mititelu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory and Food Safety, Faculty of Pharmacy, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020956 Bucharest, Romania; (G.O.); (M.M.)
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Kotani T, Mubarok W, Hananouchi T, Sakai S. Horseradish Peroxidase-Mediated Bioprinting via Bioink Gelation by Alternately Extruded Support Material. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2023; 9:5804-5812. [PMID: 37738620 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.3c00996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/24/2023]
Abstract
Horseradish peroxidase (HRP)-mediated extrusion bioprinting has a significant potential in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. However, they often face challenges in terms of printing fidelity and structural integrity when using low-viscosity inks. To address this issue, a method that alternately extrudes bioinks and support material was developed in this study. The bioinks consisting of cells, HRP, and phenolated polymers, and the support material contained hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). The support material not only prevented the collapse of the constructs but also supplied H2O2 to facilitate the enzymatic reaction. 3D constructs with tall and complex shapes were successfully printed from a low-viscosity ink containing 10 U/mL HRP and 1.0% w/v phenolated hyaluronic acid (HA-Ph), with a support material containing 10 mM H2O2. Over 90% viability of mouse fibroblasts (10T1/2) was achieved following the printing process, along with a morphology and proliferation rate similar to that of nontreated cells. Furthermore, human hepatoblastoma (HepG2) cells showed an increased spheroid size over 14 days in the printed constructs. The 10T1/2 cells adhered and proliferated on the constructs printed from inks containing both phenolated gelatin and HA-Ph. These results demonstrate the great potential of this HRP-mediated extrusion bioprinting technique for tissue engineering applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Kotani
- Division of Chemical Engineering, Department of Materials Engineering Science, Graduate School of Engineering Science, Osaka University, 1-3 Machikaneyama-Cho, Toyonaka, Osaka 560-8531, Japan
| | - Wildan Mubarok
- Division of Chemical Engineering, Department of Materials Engineering Science, Graduate School of Engineering Science, Osaka University, 1-3 Machikaneyama-Cho, Toyonaka, Osaka 560-8531, Japan
| | - Takehito Hananouchi
- Medical Engineering Laboratory, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Osaka Sangyo University, Daito, Osaka 574-8530, Japan
- Biodesign Division, Department of Academia-Government-Industry Collaboration, Office of Research and Academia-Government-Community Collaboration, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Hiroshima 734-8551, Japan
| | - Shinji Sakai
- Division of Chemical Engineering, Department of Materials Engineering Science, Graduate School of Engineering Science, Osaka University, 1-3 Machikaneyama-Cho, Toyonaka, Osaka 560-8531, Japan
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Mubarok W, Elvitigala KCML, Kotani T, Sakai S. Visible light photocrosslinking of sugar beet pectin for 3D bioprinting applications. Carbohydr Polym 2023; 316:121026. [PMID: 37321724 DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2023.121026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Herein, we report the hydrogelation of sugar beet pectin (SBP) via visible light-mediated photocrosslinking and its applications in extrusion-based 3D bioprinting. Rapid hydrogelation (<15 s) was achieved by applying 405 nm visible light to an SBP solution in the presence of tris(bipyridine)ruthenium(II) chloride hexahydrate ([Ru(bpy)3]2+) and sodium persulfate (SPS). The mechanical properties of the hydrogel could be tuned by controlling the visible light irradiation time and concentrations of SBP, [Ru(bpy)3]2+, and SPS. High-fidelity 3D hydrogel constructs were fabricated by extruding inks containing 3.0 wt% SBP, 1.0 mM [Ru(bpy)3]2+, and 1.0 mM SPS. Human hepatoblastoma (HepG2) cells encapsulated in SBP hydrogels remained viable and metabolically active after 14 d of culture. Overall, this study demonstrates the feasibility of applying SBP and a visible light-mediated photocrosslinking system to the 3D bioprinting of cell-laden constructs for tissue engineering applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wildan Mubarok
- Division of Chemical Engineering, Department of Materials Engineering Science, Graduate School of Engineering Science, Osaka University, 1-3 Machikaneyama-cho, Toyonaka, Osaka 560-8531, Japan.
| | - Kelum Chamara Manoj Lakmal Elvitigala
- Division of Chemical Engineering, Department of Materials Engineering Science, Graduate School of Engineering Science, Osaka University, 1-3 Machikaneyama-cho, Toyonaka, Osaka 560-8531, Japan.
| | - Takashi Kotani
- Division of Chemical Engineering, Department of Materials Engineering Science, Graduate School of Engineering Science, Osaka University, 1-3 Machikaneyama-cho, Toyonaka, Osaka 560-8531, Japan.
| | - Shinji Sakai
- Division of Chemical Engineering, Department of Materials Engineering Science, Graduate School of Engineering Science, Osaka University, 1-3 Machikaneyama-cho, Toyonaka, Osaka 560-8531, Japan.
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Elvitigala KCML, Mubarok W, Sakai S. Tuning the crosslinking and degradation of hyaluronic acid/gelatin hydrogels using hydrogen peroxide for muscle cell sheet fabrication. SOFT MATTER 2023; 19:5880-5887. [PMID: 37439099 DOI: 10.1039/d3sm00560g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
Cell sheets have immense potential for medical and pharmaceutical applications including tissue regeneration, drug testing, and disease modelling. In this study, composite hydrogels were prepared from a mixture of phenolated hyaluronic acid (HA-Ph) and gelatin (Gelatin-Ph), with a controlled degree of polymer crosslinking and degradation, to fabricate muscle cell sheets from myoblasts. These hydrogels were obtained via hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-mediated crosslinking catalysed by horseradish peroxidase (HRP) and peroxide-mediated cleavage of the polymer chains. The degrees of crosslinking and degradation were modulated by altering the exposure time to air containing H2O2. The results showed that exposing a solution of 2% w/v HA-Ph, 0.75% w/v Gelatin-Ph, and 1 unit mL-1 HRP to air with 16 ppm H2O2 for 60 min yielded a stiffer hydrogel (7.16 kPa Young's modulus) than exposure times of 15 min (0.46 kPa) and 120 min (3.98 kPa). Moreover, mouse myoblast C2C12 cells cultured on a stiff hydrogel and induced to undergo myogenic differentiation formed longer and higher-density myotubes than those on softer hydrogels. The cell sheets were readily detached within 5 min by immersing the HA-Ph/Gelatin-Ph hydrogels covered with a monolayer of cells in a medium containing hyaluronidase. Our findings demonstrate that composite hydrogels with properties tuned by controlling the exposure time to H2O2, show great promise as platforms for muscle cell sheet fabrication.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Wildan Mubarok
- Department of Materials Engineering Science, Graduate School of Engineering Science, Osaka University, Toyonaka, Osaka, 560-8531, Japan.
| | - Shinji Sakai
- Department of Materials Engineering Science, Graduate School of Engineering Science, Osaka University, Toyonaka, Osaka, 560-8531, Japan.
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Namjoo AR, Abrbekoh FN, Saghati S, Amini H, Saadatlou MAE, Rahbarghazi R. Tissue engineering modalities in skeletal muscles: focus on angiogenesis and immunomodulation properties. Stem Cell Res Ther 2023; 14:90. [PMID: 37061717 PMCID: PMC10105969 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-023-03310-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Muscular diseases and injuries are challenging issues in human medicine, resulting in physical disability. The advent of tissue engineering approaches has paved the way for the restoration and regeneration of injured muscle tissues along with available conventional therapies. Despite recent advances in the fabrication, synthesis, and application of hydrogels in terms of muscle tissue, there is a long way to find appropriate hydrogel types in patients with congenital and/or acquired musculoskeletal injuries. Regarding specific muscular tissue microenvironments, the applied hydrogels should provide a suitable platform for the activation of endogenous reparative mechanisms and concurrently deliver transplanting cells and therapeutics into the injured sites. Here, we aimed to highlight recent advances in muscle tissue engineering with a focus on recent strategies related to the regulation of vascularization and immune system response at the site of injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atieh Rezaei Namjoo
- Stem Cell Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | | | - Sepideh Saghati
- Department of Tissue Engineering, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Hassan Amini
- Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- General and Vascular Surgery Department, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | | | - Reza Rahbarghazi
- Stem Cell Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
- Department of Applied Cell Sciences, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
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Wang Y, Wei Q. Editorial on the Special Issue "Modification of Hydrogels and Their Applications in Biomedical Engineering". Gels 2023; 9:gels9040263. [PMID: 37102875 PMCID: PMC10137481 DOI: 10.3390/gels9040263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Hydrogels and hydrophilic polymer networks play an important role in biomedical engineering due to their good biocompatibility, biodegradability, hydrophilicity, and mechanical properties, similarly to some soft tissues [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanen Wang
- Department of Indurstry and Engineering, School of Mechanical Engineering, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an 710072, China
- Bio-Additive Manufacturing University-Enterprise Joint Research Center of Shaanxi Province, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an 710072, China
| | - Qinghua Wei
- Department of Indurstry and Engineering, School of Mechanical Engineering, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an 710072, China
- Bio-Additive Manufacturing University-Enterprise Joint Research Center of Shaanxi Province, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an 710072, China
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Herczeg CK, Song J. Sterilization of Polymeric Implants: Challenges and Opportunities. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2022; 5:5077-5088. [PMID: 36318175 PMCID: PMC9691608 DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.2c00793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Degradable and environmentally responsive polymers have been actively developed for drug delivery and regenerative medicine applications, yet inadequate consideration of their compatibility with terminal sterilization presents notable barriers to clinical translation. This Review discusses industry-established terminal sterilization methods and aseptic processing and contrasts them with innovative approaches aimed at preserving the integrity of polymeric implants. Regulatory guidelines, fiscal considerations, and potential pitfalls are discussed to encourage early integration of sterility regulatory considerations in material designs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chloe K Herczeg
- Department of Orthopedics and Physical Rehabilitation, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, UMass Chan Medical School, 55 Lake Avenue North, Worcester, Massachusetts 01655, United States
| | - Jie Song
- Department of Orthopedics and Physical Rehabilitation, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biotechnology, UMass Chan Medical School, 55 Lake Avenue North, Worcester, Massachusetts 01655, United States
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Elvitigala KCML, Mubarok W, Sakai S. Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells Form a Network on a Hyaluronic Acid/Gelatin Composite Hydrogel Moderately Crosslinked and Degraded by Hydrogen Peroxide. Polymers (Basel) 2022; 14:polym14225034. [PMID: 36433161 PMCID: PMC9696239 DOI: 10.3390/polym14225034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The study of the capillary-like network formation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) in vitro is important for understanding the factors that promote or inhibit angiogenesis. Here, we report the behavior of HUVECs on the composite hydrogels containing hyaluronic acid (HA) and gelatin with different degrees of degradation, inducing the different physicochemical properties of the hydrogels. The hydrogels were obtained through horseradish peroxidase (HRP)-catalyzed hydrogelation consuming hydrogen peroxide (H2O2, 16 ppm) supplied from the air, and the degradation degree was tuned by altering the exposure time to the air. The HUVECs on the composite hydrogel with intermediate stiffness (1.2 kPa) obtained through 120 min of the exposure were more elongated than those on the soft (0.4 kPa) and the stiff (2.4 kPa) composite hydrogels obtained through 15 min and 60 min of the exposure, respectively. In addition, HUVECs formed a capillary-like network only on the stiff composite hydrogel although those on the hydrogels with comparable stiffness but containing gelatin alone or alginate instead of HA did not form the network. These results show that the HA/gelatin composite hydrogels obtained through the H2O2-mediated crosslinking and degradation could be a tool for studies using HUVECs to understand the promotion and inhibition of angiogenesis.
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