Author(s):
Correia, Joana Silva 
; Zavan, B. ; Vindigni, V. ; Oliveira, M. B. ; Mano, J. F. ; Pereira, H. ; Oliveira, Joaquim M. ; Mendes, João Espregueira ; Abatangelo, G. ; Reis, R. L.
Date: 2012
Persistent ID: http://hdl.handle.net/1822/23145
Origin: RepositóriUM - Universidade do Minho
Subject(s): Gellan gum-based hydrogels; Nucleus pulposus; Tissue engineering
Description
Ionic- (iGG-MA) and photo-crosslinked (phGG-MA) methacrylated
gellan gum hydrogels have been proposed as biomaterials for supporting
nucleus pulposus (NP) regeneration and/or repair. In this study, the
mechanical stability and biocompatibility of these hydrogels have been
evaluated in vitro. Human intervertebral disc cells obtained from herniated
patients were cultured within both hydrogels, for 1–21 days.
Dynamic mechanical analysis and biological characterization (Live/ Dead assay, ATP and DNA quantification, PCR and immunocytochemistry)
were performed after specific times of culturing. The in vitro study
showed that both cell loading and culturing time do not affect the
mechanical properties of hydrogels. In addition, the iGG-MA and
phGG-MA hydrogels showed to be effective on supporting cells encapsulation
and viability up to 21 days of culturing. In vivo biocompatibility
screening was also performed, by subcutaneous implantation of
both hydrogels in Lewis rats for the period of 10 and 18 days. Haematoxylin
& eosin staining revealed that the hydrogels do not elicit necrosis,
calcification or acute inflammatory reaction. The present study
demonstrates that the iGG-MA and phGG-MA hydrogels support cells
encapsulation and viability, and are well-tolerated, stable and non-cytotoxic
in vitro and in vivo, thus possessing promising features for finding
application as viable NP substitutes.
