In vitro small intestinal epithelial cell growth on a nanocomposite polycaprolactone scaffold

Abstract

Tissue engineering of the small intestine remains experimental despite worldwide attempts to develop a functional substitute for short bowel syndrome. Most published studies have reported predominant use of PLLA (poly-L-lactide acid)/PGA (polyglycolic acid) copolymer as the scaffold material, and studies have been limited by in vivo experiments. This lack of progress has inspired a fresh perspective and provoked further investigation and development in this field of tissue engineering. In the present paper, we exploit a relatively new nanocomposite of POSS (polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane) and PCL [poly(caprolactone-urea)urethane] as a material to develop porous scaffolds using a solvent casting/particulate leaching technique to fabricate porous scaffolds in different pore sizes and porosities. Scaffolds were characterized for pore morphology and porosity using scanning electron microscopy and micro-computed tomography. Rat intestinal epithelial cells were then seeded on to the polymer scaffolds for an in vitro study of cell compatibility and proliferation, which was assessed by Alamar Blue™ and lactate dehydrogenase assays performed for 21 days post-seeding. The results obtained demonstrate that POSS–PCL nanocomposite was produced as a macroporous scaffold with porosity over the range of 40–80% and pore size over the range of 150–250 μm. This scaffold was shown to support epithelial cell proliferation and growth. In conclusion, as a further step in investigating small intestinal tissue engineering, the nanocomposite employed in this study may prove to be a useful alternative to poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) in the future.

Effects of sterilization treatments on bulk and surface properties of nanocomposite biomaterials

“…[9][10][11][12] In conjunction with POSS-PCU, a POSS-modified biodegradable aliphatic caprolactone polyurethane, poly(caprolactone-urea) urethane (POSS-PCL), was also developed for tissue engineering applications. 13 The POSS-based materials developed in our laboratory are beginning to find clinical use, with the most recent example being a porous synthetic scaffold for use in a tracheobronchial transplant. 14 The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of the sterilization technique on the bulk and surface properties of solid samples, referred to as cast sheets, and porous membranes of POSS-PCU and POSS-PCL polymers developed in our laboratory.…”

Fabrication of a multi-layer three-dimensional scaffold with controlled porous micro-architecture for application in small intestine tissue engineering

“…SBS stems from surgical removal or disease of the SI, leading to malabsorption of nutrients. 7,8 Improving the patient's nutrition through enteral and parenteral feeding has been a helpful treatment for patients with SBS; however, there is high morbidity and high cost associated with parenteral treatment. 7 Current surgical procedures used to treat SBS include increasing the length of the intestinal loop as well as intestinal transplantation.…”

“…7,8 Improving the patient's nutrition through enteral and parenteral feeding has been a helpful treatment for patients with SBS; however, there is high morbidity and high cost associated with parenteral treatment. 7 Current surgical procedures used to treat SBS include increasing the length of the intestinal loop as well as intestinal transplantation. Procedures to increase the length of intestinal loop have not met with much success with long-term survival rates at 45% in pediatric patients 9 and complications such as fistula formation and sepsis in adults.…”

“…Procedures to increase the length of intestinal loop have not met with much success with long-term survival rates at 45% in pediatric patients 9 and complications such as fistula formation and sepsis in adults. 10 With intestinal transplantation, issues include graft rejection, limited availability of organ donors, and poor patient survival rates, 7 indicating a need for better treatment options of SBS.…”

ROS-inducing potential, influence of different porogens and in vitro degradation of poly (D,L-lactide-co-glycolide)-based material

“…A variety of materials have been used for replacement and repair of damaged or traumatized tissues [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8].These materials include metals, ceramics, polymers (natural and synthetic) and their combinations. Polymers have great design flexibility because their composition and structure can be tailored to the specific needs [9,10].…”