Physico-mechanical Characterization of Liquid versus Solid Applications of Visible Light Cross-Linked Tissue Sealants

Abstract

The limitations of commercially available tissue sealants have resulted in the need for a new tissue adhesives with adequate adhesion, improved mechanical properties, and innocuous degradation products. To address current limitations, a visible light cross-linking method for the preparation of hydrogel tissue sealants, based on natural polymers (chitosan or alginate), is presented. Water-soluble chitosan was generated via modification with vinyl groups. To form hydrogels, alginate and chitosan were cross-linked by green light illumination, with or without the use of a bifunctional cross-linker. Evaluation of the mechanical properties through rheological characterization demonstrated an increased viscosity of polymer blends, and differences in shear moduli despite similar gelation points upon photo-cross-linking. A comparative study on the burst pressure properties of liquid versus solid material applications was performed to determine if the tissue sealants can perform under physiological lung pressures and beyond using different application methods. Higher burst pressure values were obtained for the sealants applied as a liquid compared to the solid application. The hydrogel tissue sealants revealed no cytotoxic effects toward primary human mesenchymal stem cells. This is the first report of a direct comparison between hydrogel tissue sealants of the same formulation applied in liquid versus solid form.

Whey Protein Isolate Composites as Potential Scaffolds for Cultivated Meat

“…To achieve a broader impact, the structure, specific composition, and mechanical and biological properties of the WPI and alginate hydrogel scaffolds can be fine-tuned for distinct functions, such as texture, flavor, etc. , The health benefits of dairy proteins and their biological influence are still being discovered, adding value to the scaffolds. Thus, WPI-based scaffolds are advantageous for applications in various fields due to the versatility in the fabrication and range of properties possible.…”

“…AlgMA was synthesized using an aqueous reaction as previously described by our group in the literature. − Alg was dissolved in deionized (DI) water to form a 1% (w/v) solution, and a 20 molar excess of MA was added. WPI-MA was also synthesized using a 24-molar excess of MA, WPI was dissolved in 1× PBS to form a 5% (w/v) solution, and the pH was adjusted to 8.0.…”

“…The control (AlgMA) and experimental sample solutions (WPI/AlgMA, WPI-MA/AlgMA) were blended with a photoinitiator system, 1 mM eosin Y, 125 mM TEAO, and 20 mM VP, and then injected into circular molds. The solutions were exposed to green light for 10 min at room temperature. ,,,− …”

Physico-mechanical and ex vivo analysis of aloe-alginate hydrogels for cervical cancer treatment

“…[18][19][20][21][22][23][24] We have reported on the tissue adhesive properties of alginate-based hydrogels. [25][26][27] Aloe gel and alginate hydrogels have been studied as tissue engineering scaffolds and drug depots, and the materials showed promise for wound healing. [28][29][30] However, the comparison between the anti-cancer activity of aloe gel has not been compared to that of aloe gel and DOX together using alginate hydrogels; that is, whether or not DOX is necessary to treat cervical cancer in the presence of aloe gel.…”