3D Silk Fiber Construct Embedded Dual-Layer PEG Hydrogel for Articular Cartilage Repair – In vitro Assessment

Abstract

Since articular cartilage does not regenerate itself, researches are underway to heal damaged articular cartilage by applying biomaterials such as a hydrogel. In this study, we have constructed a dual-layer composite hydrogel mimicking the layered structure of articular cartilage. The top layer consists of a high-density PEG hydrogel prepared with 8-arm PEG and PEG diacrylate using thiol-norbornene photo-click chemistry. The compressive modulus of the top layer was 700.1 kPa. The bottom layer consists of a low-density PEG hydrogel reinforced with a 3D silk fiber construct. The low-density PEG hydrogel was prepared with 4-arm PEG using the same cross-linking chemistry, and the compressive modulus was 13.2 kPa. Silk fiber was chosen based on the strong interfacial bonding with the low-density PEG hydrogel. The 3D silk fiber construct was fabricated by moving the silk fiber around the piles using a pile frame, and the compressive modulus of the 3D silk fiber construct was 567 kPa. The two layers were joined through a covalent bond which endowed sufficient stability against repeated torsions. The final 3D silk fiber construct embedded dual-layer PEG hydrogel had a compressive modulus of 744 kPa. Chondrogenic markers confirmed the chondrogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells encapsulated in the bottom layer.

Extraction of Silk Fibroin with Several Sericin Removal Processes and its Importance in Tissue Engineering: A Review

“…But due to a shortage of donors, transplant organs are in short supply. The risk of infection Several pore dimensions and different morphology [122,123] and tumor expansion with the obligation of long-term immune-suppression administration factors are also slender the transplantation surgery. Correspondingly, surgical rejuvenation has a significant impediment like alimentation of the donor site and insufficient availability of donor tissue.…”

Highly Transparent, Self-Healing, and Self-Adhesive Double Network Hydrogel for Wearable Sensors

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Recent Developments and Current Applications of Organic Nanomaterials in Cartilage Repair

“…The main application directions of PEG are involved in the synthesis of hydrogels and for 3D bioprinting [ 119 ]. The hydrogel scaffold composed with the involvement of polyethylene glycol can promote the cell viability of cartilage stem cells and contribute to the attachment and growth of new cells and the generation of ECM [ 120 ]. When polyethylene glycol and filamentous protein are configured together as inks for 3D bioprinting, the printed synthetic cartilage scaffolds will promote differentiation of MSCs and secretion of ECM, and have phase change properties to facilitate implantation into damaged areas [ 121 ].…”