Synthesis and Characterization of Soybean-Based Hydrogels with an Intrinsic Activity on Cell Differentiation

Abstract

The successful regeneration of large defects in traumatized and diseased tissues depends on the availability of biodegradable and bioactive biomaterials able to guide the tissue during its repair by offering both a physical support and a control of its biological mechanisms. Recently, a novel class of natural, biodegradable biomaterials has been obtained by the thermosetting of defatted soy curd. These biomaterials have been shown to regulate the activity of both tissue and inflammatory cells. Here, soybean-based hydrogels with different physicochemical properties and bioactivity have been obtained with a relatively simple and highly reproducible processing method. The content of the different soy components (e.g., the isoflavones) was tuned varying the solvent system during the extraction procedure, while variations in the material crosslinking provided either loose hydrogels or a bioglue. The biomaterials obtained can be used as either bioadhesives or injectable formulations in regenerative medicine as they were shown to stimulate the synthesis of collagen by fibroblasts and the formation of mineralized bone noduli by osteoblasts.

Evaluation of egg white ovomucin-based porous scaffold as an implantable biomaterial for tissue engineering

“…However, these growth factors are relatively unstable and expensive to be used in their purified and biomaterial‐encapsulated form in clinical treatments, and with carcinogenic potential as relatively high doses are needed for therapeutic efficacy . In contrast, natural polymers bear chemical features that have evolved for the purpose of dynamically controlling biological processes that promote new tissue formation . Herein, we considered a natural component from egg white, OVN, with functional properties such as emulsifying and gelling, aside from its common use in food systems.…”

Pre-clinical evaluation of soybean-based wound dressings and dermal substitute formulations in pig healing and non-healing in vivo models

“…[14,15] Previous studies have also shown that these tissue regeneration properties can be ascribed to the unique combination of the scaffolding properties of these biomaterial and presence of isoflavones, plant estrogens capable of selectively interacting with the estrogen receptor (ER) β of the nuclear membrane rather than the ERa, thus activating cell differentiation rather than proliferation with a consequent induction of the production of extracellular matrix components, that is, collagen. [12,16] Interestingly, it is known that skin is the largest non-reproductive system target for estrogens and their effect is executed through nuclear estrogen receptors ERa and ERβ. [29] ERβ is particularly widespread in skin and expressed in basal keratinocytes, bulge region of hair follicles and papillary dermis.…”

“…These findings confirmed previous in vitro studies showing the inhibition of macrophages and the stimulation of fibroblast collagen synthesis by these biomaterials. [12,16] In particular, a healing model such as the full-thickness punch biopsy showed that soybean-based hydrogels of a relatively loose consistency are suitable for the treatments of relatively small and deep defects such as those of chronic foot ulcers. The fluidity of the biomaterial allow its in-depth penetration into the wound bed where it stimulates the acute inflammation in the early phase and stimulate a gradual deposition of new extracellular matrix where collagen fibers acquire an orientation similar to that of the healthy dermis.…”

“…[12] Briefly, soybean-based hydrogels were obtained by extraction of soybean protein, carbohydrate and isoflavone fraction through a 80/20% ethanol/water extraction process. The extracts were filtered, freeze-dried, reconstituted in a minimum volume of 0.1M CaCl 2 solution to obtain a hydrogel.…”

“…In vitro studies on fibroblasts, osteoblasts and macrophages as well as in vivo studies of bone regeneration have clearly demonstrated the healing properties of these biomaterials. [12–16]…”