Nanocellulose-Based Interpenetrating Polymer Network (IPN) Hydrogels for Cartilage Applications

• Published in: Biomacromolecules Vol. 17; no. 11; pp. 3714 - 3723
• Main Authors: Naseri, Narges, Deepa, B, Mathew, Aji P, Oksman, Kristiina, Girandon, Lenart
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States American Chemical Society 14.11.2016
• Subjects: Alginates - chemistry; Alginates - pharmacology; cartilage; Cartilage - drug effects; Cartilage - growth & development; cell adhesion; Cell Adhesion - drug effects; cellulose; Cellulose - chemistry; Cellulose - pharmacology; crosslinking; diameter; Dwarfism; Facies; freeze drying; gelatin; Gelatin - chemistry; Gelatin - pharmacology; Glucuronic Acid - chemistry; Glucuronic Acid - pharmacology; Hexuronic Acids - chemistry; Hexuronic Acids - pharmacology; Humans; Hydrogel, Polyethylene Glycol Dimethacrylate - chemistry; Hydrogel, Polyethylene Glycol Dimethacrylate - pharmacology; hydrogels; Microcephaly; nanocrystals; Nanoparticles - chemistry; phosphates; polymers; Polymers - chemistry; Polymers - pharmacology; porosity; roughness; sodium alginate; stem cells; tensile strength; Tensile Strength - drug effects; Tissue Engineering; Trä och bionanokompositer; Wood and Bionanocomposites
• ISSN: 1525-7797; 1526-4602; 1526-4602
• DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.6b01243

Double cross-linked interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) hydrogels of sodium alginate and gelatin (SA/G) reinforced with 50 wt % cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) have been prepared via the freeze-drying process. The IPNs were designed to incorporate CNC with carboxyl surface groups as a part of the network contribute to the structural integrity and mechanical stability of the hydrogel. Structural morphology studies of the hydrogels showed a three-dimensional (3D) network of interconnected pores with diameters in the range of 10–192 μm and hierarchical pores with a nanostructured pore wall roughness, which has potential benefits for cell adhesion. Significant improvements in the tensile strength and strain were achieved in 98% RH at 37 °C for CNC cross-linked IPNs. The high porosity of the scaffolds (>93%), high phosphate buffered saline (PBS) uptake, and cytocompatibility toward mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are confirmed and considered beneficial for use as a substitute for cartilage.