Hyaluronan Benzyl Ester as a Scaffold for Tissue Engineering

Abstract

Tissue engineering is a multidisciplinary field focused on in vitro reconstruction of mammalian tissues. In order to allow a similar three-dimensional organization of in vitro cultured cells, biocompatible scaffolds are needed. This need has provided immense momentum for research on “smart scaffolds” for use in cell culture. One of the most promising materials for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine is a hyaluronan derivative: a benzyl ester of hyaluronan (HYAFF®). HYAFF® can be processed to obtain several types of devices such as tubes, membranes, non-woven fabrics, gauzes, and sponges. All these scaffolds are highly biocompatible. In the human body they do not elicit any adverse reactions and are resorbed by the host tissues. Human hepatocytes, dermal fibroblasts and keratinocytes, chondrocytes, Schwann cells, bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells and adipose tissue derived mesenchymal stem cells have been successfully cultured in these meshes. The same scaffolds, in tube meshes, has been applied for vascular tissue engineering that has emerged as a promising technology for the design of an ideal, responsive, living conduit with properties similar to that of native tissue.

Biotechnological Production and Application of Hyaluronan

“…Sulphation is performed at the hydroxyl groups of the HA chains, giving products that exhibit an heparin-like activity correlated to the sulphation degree (Magnani et al, 1996). Esterification processes involve the carboxylate moieties of the polymer, that are converted in ester groups, thus causing a decrease in the total polymer charge contemporary increasing hydrophobicity (Vindigni et al, 2009). As a consequence, polymer solubility in water is reduced depending on the degree of modification thus making HA more stable in physiological environment.…”

“…It was successfully applied in the treatment of burns and skin lesions (Lobmann et al, 2003). Hyalograft C Autograft is a commercial 3D HYAFF-11 scaffold enriched with autologous chondrocytes successfully applied for the treatment of cartilage defects since 1999 (Vindigni et al, 2009). …”

A Novel Cross-Linked Hyaluronic Acid Porous Scaffold for Cartilage Repair

“…It serves as the anchor of large proteoglycan aggregates within tissues and maintains tissue hydration by immobilizing ions and water, has a central role in lubrication and shock absorption in joints and modulates cell migration, inflammatory processes, and angiogenesis. 28 In order to prolong its degradation rate and to improve its mechanical stability, modified and cross-linked derivatives have been developed 22,[29][30][31][32][33] and have already found multiple biomedical applications ranging from viscosupplementation, 34,35 viscosurgery, wound healing, and drug delivery 30 to tissue engineering. For its use in tissue engineering, HA can be fabricated in multiple forms: as hydrogels 18,25,36 , woven meshes, 26 nonwoven fibers, 9 and porous sponges.…”

Bioengineered Vascular Scaffolds: The State of the Art

“…All these scaffolds are highly biocompatible. In the human body they do not elicit any adverse reactions and are reabsorbed by the host tissues (59). HA is the only nonsulphated glycosaminoglycan of ECM.…”