Silk ProteinsEnriched Nanocomposite Hydrogels Based on Modified MMT Clay and Poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate-co-2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane Sulfonic Acid) Display Favorable Properties for Soft Tissue Engineering

Abstract

Due to their remarkable structures and properties, three-dimensional hydrogels and nanostructured clay particles have been extensively studied and have shown a high potential for tissue engineering as solutions for tissue defects. In this study, four types of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate/2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid/montmorillonite (HEMA/AMPSA/MMT) hydrogels enriched with sericin, and fibroin were prepared and studied in the context of regenerative medicine for soft tissue regenerative medicine. Our aim was to obtain crosslinked hydrogel structures using modified montmorillonite clay as a crosslinking agent. In order to improve the in vitro and in vivo biocompatibility, silk proteins were further incorporated within the hydrogel matrix. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy with attenuated total reflectance (FTIR-ATR) were performed to prove the chemical structures of the modified MMT and nanocomposite hydrogels. Swelling and rheological measurements showed the good elastic behavior of the hydrogels due to this unique network structure in which modified MMT acts as a crosslinking agent. Hydrogel biocompatibility was assessed by MTT, LDH and LIVE/DEAD assays. The hydrogels were evaluated for their potential to support adipogenesis in vitro and human stem cells isolated from adipose tissue were seeded in them and induced to differentiate. The progress was assessed by evaluation of expression of adipogenic markers (ppar-γ2, perilipin) evaluated by qPCR. The potential of the materials to support tissue regeneration was further evaluated on animal models in vivo. All materials proved to be biocompatible, with better results on the 95% HEMA 5% AMPSA enriched with sericin and fibroin material. This composition promoted a better development of adipogenesis compared to the other compositions studied, due the addition of sericin and fibroin. The results were confirmed in vivo as well, with a better progress of soft tissue regeneration after implantation in mice. Therefore, hydrogel 95% HEMA 5% AMPSA enriched with sericin as well as fibroin showed the best results that recommend it for future soft tissue engineering application.

Engineering and Development of a Tissue Model for the Evaluation of Microneedle Penetration Ability, Drug Diffusion, Photothermal Activity, and Ultrasound Imaging: A Promising Surrogate to Ex Vivo and In Vivo Tissues

“…[ 22 ] C‐reactive protein (CRP) is a proinflammatory induction and stimulates the production of IL‐1 by monocyte. [ 24 ] Figure 7I shows the effects of the subcutaneously implanted tissue model in mice on the level of serum CRP. [ 25 ] The results indicate the prepared tissue model displayed similar CRP level in treated group compared to the control group after 2 and 7 days with CRP levels decreasing after day 7 post‐surgery.…”

Improving the Thermal Behavior and Flame-Retardant Properties of Poly(o-anisidine)/MMT Nanocomposites Incorporated with Poly(o-anisidine) and Clay Nanofiller

“…POA nanocomposites have superior heat stability compared with pure polymers, according to this thermogravimetric research (poly( o -anisidine)). The inserted polymer’s consistency and strength are related not only to its unique structure, but also to the steric considerations that prevent the portions sandwiched between MMT clay layers from thermally moving [ 43 ]. The superiority of the benzenoid structure explains the higher thermal stability of nanocomposites.…”

A Commercial Clay-Based Material as a Carrier for Targeted Lysozyme Delivery in Animal Feed

“…When a clay mineral is used as a carrier, the intercalation process is of primary importance in modulating and controlling the availability of the organic molecule [37][38][39][40]. Among the different clays available in nature [39,40], montmorillonites have been reported as the most fit for purpose [32,35,36,[41][42][43].…”