Heterogeneous PHPMA hydrogels for tissue repair and axonal regeneration in the injured spinal cord

• Published in: Journal of biomaterials science. Polymer ed. Vol. 9; no. 7; pp. 681 - 711
• Main Authors: Woerly, S., Pinet, E., De Robertis, L., Bousmina, M., Laroche, G., Roitback, T., Vargová, L., Syková, E.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Taylor & Francis Group 01.01.1998
• Subjects: Animals; Axons - physiology; Biocompatible Materials - therapeutic use; Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein - analysis; Hydrogel; Hydrogels - chemistry; Hydrogels - therapeutic use; immunocytochemistry; Immunohistochemistry; Implants, Experimental; infrared spectroscopy; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; Microscopy, Fluorescence; Neovascularization, Physiologic; Nerve Regeneration; Neural Conduction; neural tissue; Polymethacrylic Acids - chemistry; Polymethacrylic Acids - therapeutic use; porosimetry; Porosity; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; regeneration; Rheology; scanning electron microscopy; spinal cord; Spinal Cord Injuries - physiopathology; Spinal Cord Injuries - therapy; Surface Properties
• ISSN: 0920-5063; 1568-5624
• DOI: 10.1163/156856298X00091

A biocompatible heterogeneous hydrogel of poly[N-(2-hydroxypropyl) methacrylamide] (PHPMA) showing an open porous structure, viscoelastic properties similar to the neural tissue and a large surface area available for cell interaction, was evaluated for its ability to promote tissue repair and axonal regeneration in the transected rat spinal cord. After implantation, the polymer hydrogel could correctly bridge the tissue defect, form a permissive interface with the host tissue to favour cell ingrowth, angiogenesis and axonal growth occurred within the microstructure of the network. Within 3 months the polymer implant was invaded by host derived tissue, glial cells, blood vessels and axons penetrated the hydrogel implant. Such polymer hydrogel matrices which show neuroinductive and neuroconductive properties have the potential to repair tissue defects in the central nervous system by promoting the formation of a tissue matrix and axonal growth by replacing the lost of tissue.