In vivo chondrocyte and transforming growth factor-β1 delivery using the thermosensitive chitosan/starch/β-glycerol phosphate hydrogel

Abstract

In present study, the chitosan/starch/β-glycerol phosphate hydrogel was investigated as an effective carrier for chondrocytes and delivery of transforming growth factor-β1. In vitro study indicated that transforming growth factor-β1 was released sustainably for 14 days with its biological activity to stimulate chondrocyte functions, as indicated by the strong expression of type II collagen protein. Subcutaneous implantation to rats revealed the strong expressions of type II collagen and aggrecan messenger ribonucleic acids, and also type II collagen protein was observed in the hydrogel in combination with transforming growth factor-β1 within 2 weeks. Our collective results showed the potential of chitosan/starch/β-glycerol phosphate hydrogel for effective delivery of chondrocytes and transforming growth factor-β1, and preserve chondrocytes' phenotype and functions in vitro.

The application of a thermoresponsive chitosan/β‐GP gel to enhance cell repopulation of decellularized vascular scaffolds

“…Growth factors, if delivered effectively in sufficient concentrations have also been shown to aid cell infiltration and remodeling both in vitro and in vivo . Here, we used HGF as it has been shown to promote the migration of MSCs, and chitosan gel as it has been previously employed as a delivery vehicle for cells and small molecules . This study has identified a quick, efficient and repeatable method of combining these therapeutics within a decellularized scaffold.…”

“…In addition, certain chitosan hydrogels particularly chitosan/β‐glycerophosphate (β‐GP) hydrogels are thermosensitive, whereby the thermoresponse can be manipulated to create suitable injectable gels for in vivo use . Similarly, chitosan gel properties can be tailored to allow sustained local release of cells, small‐molecule drugs, and proteins such as growth factors, making it an ideal vehicle for biotherapeutic delivery.…”

Chitosan Hydrogels for Regenerative Engineering

“…The hydrogel showed controlled release of the growth factor for up to 14 days and maintained proper functioning of the chondrocytes. Subcutaneous implantation of the hydrogel with chondrocytes and TGF-β1 in rat model showed the expression of collagen and aggrecan transcripts that are important ECM molecules [112]. To increase the bioactivity of chitosan-based hydrogels, Choi et al developed a photocrosslinked chitosan hydrogel containing ECM constituents such as collagen II and chondroitin sulfate for cartilage repair.…”

Injectable chitosan/dextran-polylactide/glycerophosphate hydrogels and their biodegradation

“…An effort was related to M A N U S C R I P T A C C E P T E D ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT 4 incorporation of collagen into the chitosan/GP gel considering that collagen is a natural polymer with doable tensile strength, and hence, it could be able to enhance the chitosan/GP gel while retaining the injectable nature of the resulting gel [21]. Another effort involved the addition of starch to the chitosan/GP gel, and the resulting chitosan/starch/GP gel had a lowered sol-gel transition temperature in comparison to chitosan/GP gel while showing certain enhanced strength [11,22]. In addition, some chopped silk fibers have also been incorporated into the chitosan/GP gel, and the resulting gels show enhanced strength while retaining thermosensitive characteristics [23].…”

“…In principle, mechanically strong hydrogels are associated with high G′ values, and meanwhile, G′ of strong hydrogels is usually one order or even two orders of magnitude greater than their G″ [37,44,50]. the suggested measurement frequency [11,22], and relevant data are graphed in Fig. 4(C).…”