Photoencapsulation of chondrocytes in poly(ethylene oxide)-based semi-interpenetrating networks.

A photopolymerizing hydrogel system provides an efficient method to encapsulate cells. The present work describes the in vitro analysis of bovine and ovine chondrocytes encapsulated in a poly(ethylene oxide)-dimethacrylate and poly(ethylene glycol) semi-interpenetrating network using a photopolymerization process. One day after encapsulation, (3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-y1]-2, 5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide) (MTT) and light microscopy showed chondrocyte survival and a dispersed cell population composed of ovoid and elongated cells. Biochemical analysis demonstrated proteoglycan and collagen contents that increased over 2 weeks of static incubation. Cell content of the gels initially decreased and stabilized. Biomechanical analysis demonstrated the presence of a functional extracellular matrix with equilibrium moduli, dynamic stiffness, and streaming potentials that increased with time. These findings suggest the feasibility of photoencapsulation for tissue engineering and drug delivery purposes.

[1]  J. F. Woessner,et al.  The determination of hydroxyproline in tissue and protein samples containing small proportions of this imino acid. , 1961, Archives of biochemistry and biophysics.

[2]  D. Buttle,et al.  Improved quantitation and discrimination of sulphated glycosaminoglycans by use of dimethylmethylene blue. , 1986, Biochimica et biophysica acta.

[3]  C. Decker,et al.  UV-curing chemistry: past, present, and future , 1987 .

[4]  A. Grodzinsky,et al.  Cartilage electromechanics--I. Electrokinetic transduction and the effects of electrolyte pH and ionic strength. , 1987, Journal of biomechanics.

[5]  A. Grodzinsky,et al.  Fluorometric assay of DNA in cartilage explants using Hoechst 33258. , 1988, Analytical biochemistry.

[6]  A. Grodzinsky,et al.  Chondrocytes in agarose culture synthesize a mechanically functional extracellular matrix , 1992, Journal of orthopaedic research : official publication of the Orthopaedic Research Society.

[7]  J. Vacanti,et al.  Injectable alginate seeded with chondrocytes as a potential treatment for vesicoureteral reflux. , 1993, The Journal of urology.

[8]  J. Hubbell,et al.  Prevention of Postoperative Adhesions in the Rat by In Situ Photopolymerization of Bioresorbable Hydrogel Barriers , 1994, Obstetrics and gynecology.

[9]  Robert Langer,et al.  Biodegradable Polymer Scaffolds for Tissue Engineering , 1994, Bio/Technology.

[10]  Charles A. Vacanti,et al.  Injectable cartilage. Discussion , 1995 .

[11]  J. Vacanti,et al.  De Novo Cartilage Generation Using Calcium Alginate‐Chondrocyte Constructs , 1996, Plastic and reconstructive surgery.

[12]  C. Davidson,et al.  Light initiation of dental resins: dynamics of the polymerization. , 1996, Biomaterials.

[13]  P. Butler,et al.  Injectable Cartilage Using Polyethylene Oxide Polymer Substrates , 1996, Plastic and reconstructive surgery.

[14]  Milan Mrksich,et al.  Micropatterned Surfaces for Control of Cell Shape, Position, and Function , 1998, Biotechnology progress.

[15]  B. Obradovic,et al.  Bioreactor cultivation conditions modulate the composition and mechanical properties of tissue‐engineered cartilage , 1999, Journal of orthopaedic research : official publication of the Orthopaedic Research Society.

[16]  J. Elisseeff,et al.  Transdermal photopolymerization of poly(ethylene oxide)-based injectable hydrogels for tissue-engineered cartilage. , 1999, Plastic and reconstructive surgery.

[17]  M. Yaremchuk,et al.  Injectable tissue-engineered cartilage using a fibrin glue polymer. , 1999, Plastic and reconstructive surgery.

[18]  W McIntosh,et al.  Transdermal photopolymerization for minimally invasive implantation. , 1999, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America.

[19]  G M Whitesides,et al.  Biological surface engineering: a simple system for cell pattern formation. , 1999, Biomaterials.