Synthesis and Characterization of Saturated and Unsaturated Poly(Alkylene Tartrate)s and Further Cross-Linking

Saturated and unsaturated polyesters based on l-tartaric acid were prepared and characterized. Two kinds of low molecular weight polyesters were synthesized by the reaction of l-tartaric acid and 1-12 dodecandiol and 1-8 octanediol. Three different kinds of low molecular weight unsaturated polyesters were synthesized by the reaction of l-tartaric acid, 1-12 dodecandiol, and maleic anhydride. The saturated and unsaturated polymers were characterized by means of proton nuclear magnetic resonance (H NMR), infrared analysis (IR), gel permeation chromatography (GPC), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). These functionalized polymers were thermally cross-linked in the presence of a radical initiator and with 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) and/or polyethylene glycol ethyl ether methacrylate) (PEGEEM) to prepare cross-linked polymers for biomedical applications. The films were characterized by means of DSC, TGA, and FTIR. The glass transition temperatures (Tg) of the polymers increase with increasing alkene group length and for the presence of the double bonds. The transition temperatures of the cross-linked films range from about -50°C, for the films contraining PEGEEM, to about 90°C, for the film containing HEMA.

Rheological Characterization of Vocal Folds after Injection Augmentation in a Preliminary Animal Study

The investigation of vocal folds viscoelastic properties in an animal model (rabbit) after injection of various augmentation substances, 6 months after injection, is reported. The injected materials were: hyaluronan-based materials (Hylan B gel and Deflux®), cross-linked collagen (Zyplast®) and polytetrafluoroethylene (Teflon®). Rheological properties of the augmentation substances were also evaluated. The results from these animal experiments indicate that the viscoelastic properties of the vocal folds injected with Deflux®, Zyplast® and Hylan B gel are similar to the healthy vocal folds (non-injected samples) used as control, thus demonstrating that these materials are good candidates for further studies aimed at restoring/preserving the vibratory capacity of the vocal folds with injection treatment in glottal insufficiency.

Novel biomimetic thermosensitive β-tricalcium phosphate/chitosan-based hydrogels for bone tissue engineering

Among the less invasive surgical procedures for tissue engineering application, injectable in situ gelling systems have gained great attention. In this contest, this article is aimed to realize thermosensitive chitosan-based hydrogels, crosslinked with β-glycerophosphate and reinforced via physical interactions with β-tricalcium phosphate. The kinetics of sol-gel transition and the composite hydrogel properties were investigated by rheological analysis. The hydrogels were also characterized by Fourier transform infrared study, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy analysis, and thermal and biological studies. The hydrogels exhibit a gel-phase transition at body temperature, and a three-dimensional network with typical rheological properties of a strong gel. The presence of the inorganic phase, made up of nanocrystals, provides a structure with chemico-physical composition that mimics natural bone tissue, favoring cellular activity. These findings suggest the potential of the materials as promising candidates for hard tissue regeneration.

Hyaluronic-acid-based semi-interpenetrating materials

In order to enhance the mechanical performances of hyaluronic acid (HA) without compromising its biological activity, HA has been interpenetrating with a fibrillar collagen scaffold. The semi-interpenetrating materials were obtained by mixing HA with different molecular weight and a pepsin-solubilized collagen (atelocollagen) solution, and then by inducing collagen fibrillogenesis. Results indicate that molecular weight of HA significantly influences the mechanical properties of the semi-interpenetrating materials and more specifically stronger material results from the use of low-molecular-weight (LMW) HA. According to the dynamic mechanical data the composite collagen-LMW HA has a higher elastic modulus than collagen, whereas the opposite is true for the high-molecular-weight (HMW) HA. This result highlights the role of specific interactions that occur between collagen and HA during the gel formation in controlling the network mechanical stability. LMW HA may, probably, interact more strongly with collagen during the fibrillogenesis process than HMW HA due to the higher mobility of the chains and the weaker homologous interactions. Moreover, morphological observations showed that LMW HA is intimately interdispersed within the collagen network and completely coated the fibrils, which act as mechanical support.

Natural/synthetic porous scaffold designs and properties for fibro-cartilaginous tissue engineering

The goal of this study was to produce and characterize the scaffolds by combining the advantages of both natural and synthetic polymers for engineering fibro-cartilaginous tissues. Porous three-dimensional composite scaffolds were produced based on glycosaminoglycans and hyaluronic acid (HYAFF11) reinforced with polycaprolactone. The mechanical properties of scaffolds were evaluated as a function of time and compared with those of scaffolds seeded with human chondrocytes (constructs) and cultured in vitro up to 6 weeks. The composite scaffolds had a porosity of 68% with interconnected macropores with average pore sizes of 200 μm, an equilibrium swelling of 350%, and a predominant elastic behavior, typical of a macromolecular gel. The composite constructs maintained chondrocyte phenotype and degraded with the deposition of macromolecules synthesized by the cells. The scaffold presented mechanical properties and the ability to dissipate energy similar to the fibro-cartilaginous tissue.

Covalently immobilized RGD gradient on PEG hydrogel scaffold influences cell migration parameters

Understanding the influence of a controlled spatial distribution of biological cues on cell activities can be useful to design "cell instructive" materials, able to control and guide the formation of engineered tissues in vivo and in vitro. To this purpose, biochemical and mechanical properties of the resulting biomaterial must be carefully designed and controlled. In this work, the effect of covalently immobilized RGD peptide gradients on poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate hydrogels on cell behaviour was studied. We set up a mechanical device generating gradients based on a fluidic chamber. Cell response to RGD gradients with different slope (0.7, 1 and 2 mM cm(-1)) was qualitatively and quantitatively assessed by evaluating cell adhesion and, in particular, cell migration, compared to cells seeded on hydrogels with uniform distribution of RGD peptides. To evaluate the influence of RGD gradient and to exclude any concentration effect on cell response, all analyses were carried out in a specific region of the gradients which displayed the same average concentration of RGD (1.5 mM). Results suggest that cells recognize the RGD gradient and adhere onto it assuming a stretched shape. Moreover, cells tend to migrate in the direction of the gradient, as their speed is higher than that of cells migrating on hydrogels with a uniform distribution of RGD and increases by increasing RGD gradient steepness. This increment is due to an augmentation of bias speed component of the mean squared speed, that is, the drift of the cell population migrating on the anisotropic surface provided by the RGD gradient.

Effects of fibronectin and laminin on structural, mechanical and transport properties of 3D collageneous network

Recent studies, on cells cultured in 3D collagen gels, have shown that, beside from their well known biochemical role, fibronectin (FN) and laminin (LM) affect cell functions via a modification of mechanical and structural properties of matrix due to interaction with collagen molecules. Though biochemical properties of FN and LM have been widely studied, little is known about their role in collagen matrix assembly. The aim of this work was to characterize FN- and LM-based collagen semi-interpenetrating polymer networks (semi-IPNs), in order to understand how these biomacromolecular species can affect collagen network assembly and properties. Morphology, viscoelasticity and diffusivity of collagen gels and FN- and LM-based collagen semi-IPNs were analysed by Confocal Laser Scanning microscopy (CLSM), Environmental Scanning Electron microscopy (ESEM), Transmission Electron microscopy (TEM), Rheometry and Fluorescence Recovery After Photobleaching (FRAP) techniques. It was found that FN and LM were organized in aggregates, interspersed in collagen gel, and in thin fibrils, distributed along collagen fibres. In addition, high FN and LM concentrations affected collagen fibre assembly and structure and induced drastic effects on rheological and transport properties.

Evaluation of injection augmentation treatment of hyaluronic acid based materials on rabbit vocal folds viscoelasticity

The viscoelastic properties of vocal folds after injection of hyaluronic acid (hyaluronan, HA) based materials have been studied in an animal model (rabbit) six months after injection. The results indicate that the viscoelastic properties of the vocal folds injected with the HA based materials are similar to the healthy vocal folds (non-injected samples) used as control. Histological analysis has been also performed to investigate on the fate of the injected materials after six months from the implant. The HA based materials remain up to six months and they recruited fibroblasts that induce the ingrowth of new connective tissue resulting in an endogenous soft tissue augmentation. The HA based compounds are good candidate for further studies aimed at restoring/preserving the vibratory capacity of the vocal folds with injection treatment in glottal insufficiency.

Spatial and structural dependence of mechanical properties of porcine intervertebral disc

Structure-function relationship of natural tissues is crucial to design a device mimicking the structures present in human body. For this purpose, to provide guidelines to design an intervertebral disc (IVD) substitute, in this study the influence of the spatial location and structural components on the mechanical properties of porcine IVD was investigated. Local compressive stiffness (LCS) was measured on the overall disc, also constrained between the two adjacent vertebrae: the dependence on the lumbar position was evaluated. The compliance values in the anterior position (A) were higher than both in the central posterior (CP) and in the lateral-posterior (RP, LP) locations. The values of Young's Modulus (74.67+/-6.03 MPa) and compression break load (1.36x10(4)+/-0.09x10(4)N) of the disc were also evaluated by distributed compression test. The NP rheological behavior was typical of weak-gels, with elastic modulus G' always higher than viscous modulus G" all over the frequency range investigated (G' and G" respectively equal to 320 and 85 Pa at 1 Hz) and with the moduli trends were almost parallel to each other.

Hyaluronic acid hydrogel in the treatment of osteoarthritis

In order to overcome the problem of rapid clearance of the polysaccharide hyaluronic acid (Hyal) in the treatment of osteoarthritis (OA), a 50% cross-linked Hyal hydrogel (Hyal 50%) was synthesised. The 50% refers to the amount of COOH groups of the polysaccharide involved in the cross-linking reaction. i.e. 50% of the total amount. The rheological behaviour of the Hyal 50% hydrogel, and in particular the possibility to inject it through a needle, was studied. The results obtained demonstrated that the hydrogel injected through the needle still behaved like a gel, although it showed a reduction of the dynamic moduli. The most appropriate sterilisation technique for this kind of hydrogel was also evaluated. Liophilised Hyal 50% samples were sterilised by steam, Ethylene Oxide (EtO) and gamma-rays. EtO and gamma-rays did not modify the characteristics of the hydrogel in terms of swellability and morphology. Lastly, the in vivo effect of Hyal 50% hydrogel in the treatment of chondral defect in rabbit knee was also studied. The results obtained showed the Hyal 50% injections improved chondrocytes density and matrix appearance. Furthermore, the permanence in situ of the hydrogel was longer than that of the linear Hyal.

Network formation of low molecular weight hyaluronic acid derivatives

The oscillatory and steady shear rheological properties of the benzyl esters of hyaluronic acid (HA), partially esterified (Hyaff 11p50), at low molecular weight (150 kDa) were evaluated and compared to the properties of HA at the same molecular weight. At concentrations up to 40 mg cm(-3) both Hyaff 11p50 solutions and HA solutions, behaved as viscous fluids. At higher concentrations, HA ester solutions exhibited an elastic response typical of weak gels, whereas HA exhibited a viscous behaviour. A solid-like response was also observed by lowering the temperature. These results indicate that hyaluronic acid ester solutions can form a weak gel network. The rheological properties of HA derivatives changed significantly compared to HA solutions. The improved elasticity and residence times of these solutions expand the possible applications of hyaluronic acid in the biomedical field.

Chitosan-based hydrogels: synthesis and characterization

Chitosan (CHI) is a polysaccharide of beta-1,4-linked 2-amino-2-deoxy-D-glucopyranose derived by N-deacetylation of chitin in aqueous alkaline medium. The shells of crustaceans such as crabs, shrimp, and lobster are the current source of chitosan. It is known to be non-toxic, odourless, biocompatible in animal tissues and enzymatically biodegradable. For these reasons much research interest has been paid to its biomedical, ecological, and industrial applications over the past decade. However, its rigid crystalline structure, poor solubility in organic solvents and poor processability have limited its use. To broadening its range of applications, a growth research effort has been devoted to explore ways of modifying Chitosan. Here it has been reported on the synthesis of new hydrogels, obtained by self-curing chitosan with acrylic acid (AA) and methyl acrylate (MA). The hydrogels were characterized by FTIR, swelling and rheological analysis. The results of this study showed that the swelling and mechanical properties of chitosan are highly improved by the presence of poly acrylate. The swelling degree of these materials does not depend upon the ratio MA/AA. It is possible to improve and modulate the mechanical properties of the hydrogels by changing the relative MA/AA ratio.

Synthesis, chemical and rheological characterization of new hyaluronic acid-based hydrogels

New hyaluronic acid-based hydrogels have been synthesized. The carboxylate groups of hyaluronan were activated in order to bind the amino terminal groups of the di-amine cross-linking reagent. Different hydrogels were obtained according to the different di-amine cross-linking agents (1,3-diaminepropane, 1.6-diaminohexane, PEG500 di-amine. and PEG800 di-amine). The cross-linked polymer (C.L.Hyal) was then sulphated (C.L.HyalS) by a heterogeneous reaction using sulphur trioxide pyridine complex (SO3-Py). The thermo-mechanical properties and swelling degree were evaluated and are discussed in relation to the chemical structure and the hydrophilic character of the gels. The different behaviours of C.L.Hyal and C.L.HyalS indicate the important role of sulphated groups.

Comparison between the polymerization behavior of a new bone cement and a commercial one: modeling and in vitro analysis

The polymerization behavior of a new bone cement based on poly(ethylmethacrylate), hydroxyapatite powder and n-butylmethacrylate monomer and a commercial cement have been studied. Polymerization kinetics were analyzed by means of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). DSC data have been used to evaluate a phenomenological model describing the cure kinetics of this new bone cement. The kinetic model coupled with the energy balance was then used to obtain temperature and degree of conversion profiles in the bone-cement-prosthesis system, under non-isothermal conditions, as function of initial temperature and thickness of the cement. Material properties, boundary and initial conditions and the kinetic behavior were the input data for the numerically solved heat-transfer model. The modeling results have been compared with in vitro results.

Isothermal and non-isothermal polymerization of a new bone cement

A new bone cement based on poly(ethylmethacrylate) (PEMA), hydroxyapatite powder (HA) and n-butylmethacrylate monomer (n-BMA) has been studied using isothermal and non-isothermal polymerization. Methacrylate monomers are highly reactive and release a considerable amount of heat during polymerization. A quantitative understanding of the methacrylate polymerization is necessary because the thermal history of the polymerization has considerable influence on the final properties of a bone cement. In the first part, polymerization kinetics are analysed by means of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). DSC data are used to evaluate a phenomenological model describing the cure kinetics of this new bone cement. In the second part, a kinetic model coupled with the energy balance is used to obtain temperature and degree of conversion profiles in the bone-cement-prosthesis system, under non-isothermal conditions, as function of initial temperature and thickness of the cement. Material properties, boundary and initial conditions and the kinetic behaviour are the input data for the numerically solved heat-transfer model. The temperature at the bone/cement interface, can be considered as a weak point, often responsible for total joint replacement failure. For this particular bone cement exhibiting a low exotherm and low glass transition temperature, the interfacial temperature is lower than the threshold level for thermal tissue damage (50 degrees C). The conversion occurs almost completely, avoiding problems with unreacted monomers that can be released by the cement, giving rise to tissue damage.