Combination of bioactive factors and IEIK13 self‐assembling peptide hydrogel promotes cartilage matrix production by human nasal chondrocytes

Abstract

Nasal reconstruction remains a challenge for every reconstructive surgeon. Alloplastic implants are proposed to repair nasal cartilaginous defects but they are often associated with high rates of extrusion and infection and poor biocompatibility. In this context, a porous polymeric scaffold filled with an autologous cartilage gel would be advantageous. In this study, we evaluated the capacity of IEIK13 self‐assembling peptide (SAP) to serve as support to form such cartilage gel. Human nasal chondrocytes (HNC) were first amplified with FGF‐2 and insulin, and then redifferentiated in IEIK13 with BMP‐2, insulin, and T3 (BIT). Our results demonstrate that IEIK13 fosters HNC growth and survival. HNC phenotype was assessed by RT‐PCR analysis and neo‐synthesized extracellular matrix was characterized by western blotting and immunohistochemistry analysis. BIT‐treated cells embedded in IEIK13 displayed round morphology and expressed cartilage‐specific markers such as type II and type IX collagens and aggrecan. In addition, we did not detect significant production of type I and type X collagens and gene products of dedifferentiated and hypertrophic chondrocytes that are unwanted in hyaline cartilage. The whole of these results indicates that the SAP IEIK13 represents a suitable support for hydrogel‐based tissue engineering of nasal cartilage. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 107A: 893–903, 2019.

Evaluation of the biocompatibility and stability of allogeneic tissue-engineered cartilage in humanized mice

“…It is well-known that amplification of chondrocytes induces their dedifferentiation [38] and we have previously reported that the FI cocktail, besides its proliferative effect on HACs, also stimulates their dedifferentiation [16]. We have also shown that, after FI-induced dedifferentiation, the BIT cocktail can drive redifferentiation of human nasal chondrocytes seeded in self-assembling peptide hydrogel [39] and of HACs seeded in porous collagen sponge [16,23], with production of type II collagen and other cartilage-characteristic molecules such as type IX collagen and sulfated proteoglycans.…”

Tissue engineering applications in otolaryngology—The state of translation

“…Twenty‐six articles were found to involve TE applications for nasal reconstruction since 2014 (Figure 3). While the total study number is relatively small, these studies present a suitable evaluation of histologic characteristics, mechanical properties, regenerative potential, and the ability to create a 3D construct using primarily in vitro and small in vivo models 8,10‐19 . There has been an absence of testing in large animal models, however, there have been multiple attempts (four studies) to replace nasal cartilage subunits in humans 9,20‐22 …”

“…Heatmap representing the proportion of publications by year that utilized specific translational research methodologies from construct characterization to human trial to investigate nasal tissue engineering 8‐24,98‐106 …”

Treatment with functionalized designer self‐assembling peptide hydrogels promotes healing of experimental periodontal defects

“…SAP hydrogels provide a three‐dimensional (3‐D) environment that fosters proliferation and migration of many types of cells 9,10 . They have been shown not to elicit immunogenic or inflammatory responses 11‐13 . An SAP hydrogel, RADA16, has been proposed as a scaffold because it has unique 3‐D structure 6,14 .…”

“…9,10 They have been shown not to elicit immunogenic or inflammatory responses. [11][12][13] An SAP hydrogel, RADA16, has been proposed as a scaffold because it has unique 3-D structure. 6,14 In pre-clinical models, bone regeneration was achieved by using RADA16.…”