Macroporous starPEG-heparin cryogels

Biomacromolecules. 2012 Aug 13;13(8):2349-58. doi: 10.1021/bm300605s. Epub 2012 Jul 3.

Abstract

Macroporous scaffolds with adaptable mechanical and biomolecular properties can be instrumental in enabling cell-based therapies. To meet these requirements, a cryostructuration method was adapted to prepare spongy hydrogels based on chemically cross-linked star-shaped poly(ethylene glycol) (starPEG) and heparin. Subzero temperature treatment of the gel forming reaction mixtures and subsequent lyophilization of the incompletely frozen gels resulted in macroporous biohybrid cryogels showing rapid swelling, porosity of up to 92% with interconnected large pores (30-180 μm), low bulk stiffness, and high mechanical stability upon compression. The applicability of the cryogel scaffolds was investigated using human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Cell attachment and three-dimensional spreading resulted in evenly distributed viable cells within the macroporous starPEG-heparin materials, demonstrating the significant translational potential of the developed three-dimensional cell carriers.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adsorption
  • Algorithms
  • Animals
  • Biocompatible Materials / chemical synthesis
  • Biocompatible Materials / chemistry
  • Cell Adhesion
  • Cell Survival
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Compressive Strength
  • Cross-Linking Reagents / chemistry
  • Cryogels / chemical synthesis*
  • Cryogels / chemistry
  • Elastic Modulus
  • Ethyldimethylaminopropyl Carbodiimide / chemistry
  • Heparin / chemistry*
  • Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells / physiology
  • Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells / ultrastructure
  • Humans
  • Molecular Conformation
  • Permeability
  • Polyethylene Glycols / chemistry*
  • Porosity
  • Tissue Scaffolds / chemistry*
  • Water / chemistry

Substances

  • Biocompatible Materials
  • Cross-Linking Reagents
  • Cryogels
  • Water
  • Polyethylene Glycols
  • Heparin
  • Ethyldimethylaminopropyl Carbodiimide