Controlling Surface-Induced Platelet Activation by Agarose and Gelatin-Based Hydrogel Films

Abstract

Platelet-surface interaction is of paramount importance in biomedical applications as well as in vitro studies. However, controlling platelet-surface activation is challenging and still requires more effort as they activate immediately when contacting with any nonphysiological surface. As hydrogels are highly biocompatible, in this study, we developed agarose and gelatin-based hydrogel films to inhibit platelet-surface adhesion. We found promising agarose films that exhibit higher surface wettability, better controlled-swelling properties, and greater stiffness compared to gelatin, resulting in a strong reduction of platelet adhesion. Mechanical properties and surface wettability of the hydrogel films were varied by adding magnetite (Fe 3 O 4 ) nanoparticles. While all of the films prevented platelet spreading, films formed by agarose and its nanocomposite repelled platelets and inhibited platelet adhesion and activation stronger than those of gelatin. Our results showed that platelet-surface activation is modulated by controlling the properties of the films underneath platelets and that the bioinert agarose can be potentially translated to the development of platelet storage and other medical applications.

Hydrogel adhesive formed via multiple chemical interactions: from persistent wet adhesion to rapid hemostasis

“…The surface of a highly hydrophilic agarose hydrogel, containing multiple hydroxyl groups, strongly inhibited the adhesion and proliferation of cells. 41 Compared with the agarose hydrogel, the cells were more likely to adhere to the surfaces of the P and the PCT hydrogels, followed by spreading. The surface properties of the hydrogel, including wettability and stiffness, are important mediators in controlling the adhesion and spreading of cells.…”

An Overview on Recent Progress of the Hydrogels: From Material Resources, Properties, to Functional Applications

“…The agarose hydrogels are used as an electroactive material [64] Fabrication of agarose hydrogel with patterned silver nanowires for motion sensor Wearable sensor for human motion detection [158] Controlling surface-induced platelet activation by agarose and gelatin-based hydrogel films Controlling platelet-surface activation [159] Silk fibroin Marginal sealing around integral bilayer scaffolds for repairing osteochondral defects based on photocurable silk hydrogels Methacrylic silk fibroin sealant loaded with TGF-𝛽3 promotes chondrocyte migration and differentiation [138] Stretchable silk fibroin hydrogels A stretchable and tough silk fibroin hydrogels [160] Impacts of blended bombyx mori silk fibroin and recombinant spider silk fibroin hydrogels on cell growth Improve cell activities and affect cell growth [161] The innate immune response of self-assembling silk fibroin hydrogels Quantify the hemocompatibility and inflammatory response of silk fibroin hydrogels [162] Nanocellulose Robust versatile nan cellulose/polyvinyl alcohol/carbon dot hydrogels for biomechanical sensing…”

Predicting the In Vivo Performance of Cardiovascular Biomaterials: Current Approaches In Vitro Evaluation of Blood-Biomaterial Interactions

“…A novelty is the incorporation of nanoparticles into hydrogels to strengthen the network and enhance their physicochemical and biological advantages [ 36 ]. In a recent study, Apte et al show that Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticle incorporation into agarose-based hydrogels modulates the response of platelets to the artificial surface and inhibits platelet adhesion and activation [ 37 ]. They found properties such as stiffness, adhesion force, and wettability—factors which will be discussed below—responsible for the bio-inert characteristics of their nanocomposite hydrogels.…”