In vitro and in vivo proves of concept for the use of a chemically cross-linked poly(ester-urethane-urea) scaffold as an easy handling elastomeric biomaterial for bone regeneration

Abstract

Bone loss can occur as a result of various pathologies, traumas and injuries and poor bone healing leads to functionally debilitating condition, loss of self-sufficiency and deterioration in life quality. Given the increasing incidence of facial trauma and the emergence of new procedural techniques, advanced scaffolds are currently developed as substitutes for bone tissue engineering. In this study, we investigated the capability of a chemically cross-linked ε-caprolactone-based poly(ester-urethane-urea) (PCLU) scaffold to support bone regeneration. In vitro assays demonstrated that PCLU scaffolds could be colonized by cells through direct cell seeding and cell migration from outside to scaffold inside. Moreover, PCLU scaffolds could provide a suitable environment for stem cells proliferation in a 3D spatial arrangement, and allowed osteogenic differentiation under appropriate induction. In vivo results revealed the osteogenic properties of PCLU scaffolds through a drilled-hole femoral bone defect repair improvement in rats. Using histology and microtomography analysis, we showed that PCLU scaffolds fit well the bone cavity and were eventually entrapped between the newly formed trabeculae. Finally, no sign of inflammation or rejection was noticed. We envision that PCLU scaffolds can provide the clinicians with a substitute having appropriate characteristics for the treatment of bone defects.

The Use of Platelet-Rich Plasma to Promote Cell Recruitment into Low-Molecular-Weight Fucoidan-Functionalized Poly(Ester-Urea-Urethane) Scaffolds for Soft-Tissue Engineering

“…However, it can affect the strength, molecular weight and structural properties of biodegradable scaffolds [64]. In a previous study, we developed a method in order to steam sterilize under wet conditions poly(ester-urea-urethane)-based scaffolds without high adverse post-sterilization effects [34]. Here again, the micro-structural properties of PEUUF scaffolds was not affected by the sterilization process.…”

“…To estimate the over long timescale of scaffold degradation, accelerated aging was performed at 90 °C, and allowed to estimate the PEUUF scaffold life-time at 37 °C in the range of 14.2–46.5 months. The enhanced wettability of PEUUF scaffolds, due to the fucoidan immobilization, increased the degradation rate by comparison with non-functionalized scaffolds which exhibited a life-time at 37 °C in the range of 19.4–63.4 months [34]. It is well known that scaffold life-time is reduced in vivo because of more severe conditions.…”

“…Porous biodegradable scaffolds based on poly(ester-urea-urethane) (PEUU) were developed in our laboratory with various multi-scale and interconnected porosities. The scaffolds were appropriate for cell adhesion, allowed cell spreading over the pore walls, as well as a proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of stem cells seeded onto the scaffold [33,34]. Preliminary in vivo experiments dedicated to bone regeneration demonstrated the biocompatibility and the osteoconductive and osteoinductive properties of the PEUU scaffolds.…”

“…Preliminary in vivo experiments dedicated to bone regeneration demonstrated the biocompatibility and the osteoconductive and osteoinductive properties of the PEUU scaffolds. Indeed, PEEU scaffolds were capable of recruiting resident osteoblastic progenitor cells, guiding cell migration and proliferation into the scaffold and inducing cell differentiation into mature osteoblasts [34]. With the aim of developing scaffolds for cell-free based-soft tissue engineering that can allow cell recruitment and scaffold colonization, keeping in mind that cell infiltration, migration, proliferation, as well as collagenous matrix making must be enhanced, the present study focuses on the PEUU scaffold bio-activation through a convenient surface modification, that can provide an appropriate surface chemistry for growth factors retention and extracellular matrix deposit.…”

Combination of in vitro thermally-accelerated ageing and Fourier-Transform Infrared spectroscopy to predict scaffold lifetime

“…In previous studies [17][18][19], we have developed elastomeric cross-linked poly(ester-urethaneurea) (PEUU) scaffolds through an emulsion technique allowing to produce highly interconnected porous structure used for hard and soft tissue regeneration. As a matter of fact, variation of the emulsion parameters can lead to a range of functionalities and possible applications.…”