Fully synthetic, tunable poly(α-amino acids) as the base of bioinks curable by visible light.

Bioinks play a crucial role in tissue engineering, influencing mechanical and chemical properties of the printed scaffold as well as the behavior of encapsulated cells. Recently, there has been a shift from animal origin materials to their synthetic alternatives. In this context, we present here bioinks based on fully synthetic and biodegradable poly(α,L-amino acids) (PolyAA) as an alternative to animal-based gelatin methacrylate (Gel-Ma) bioinks. Additionally, we first reported the possibility of the visible light photoinitiated incorporation of the bifunctional cell adhesive RGD peptide into the PolyAA hydrogel matrix. The obtained hydrogels are shown to be cytocompatible, and their mechanical properties closely resemble those of gelatin methacrylate-based scaffolds. Moreover, combining the unique properties of PolyAA-based bioinks, the photocrosslinking strategy, and the use of droplet-based printing allows the printing of constructs with high shape fidelity and structural integrity from low-viscosity bioinks without using any sacrificial components. Overall, presented PolyAA-based materials are a promising and versatile toolbox that extends the range of bioinks for droplet bioprinting.

Soft Hydrogels with Double Porosity Modified with RGDS for Tissue Engineering.

This study develops and characterizes novel biodegradable soft hydrogels with dual porosity based on N-(2-hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide (HPMA) copolymers cross-linked by hydrolytically degradable linkers. The structure and properties of the hydrogels are designed as scaffolds for tissue engineering and they are tested in vitro with model mesenchymal stem cells (rMSCs). Detailed morphological characterization confirms dual porosity suitable for cell growth and nutrient transport. The dual porosity of hydrogels slightly improves rMSCs proliferation compared to the hydrogel with uniform pores. In addition, the laminin coating supports the adhesion of rMSCs to the hydrogel surface. However, hydrogels modified by heptapeptide RGDSGGY significantly stimulate cell adhesion and growth. Moreover, the RGDS-modified hydrogels also affect the topology of proliferating rMSCs, ranging from single-cell to multicellular clusters. The 3D reconstruction of the hydrogels with cells obtained by laser scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM) confirms cell penetration into the inner structure of the hydrogel and its corresponding microstructure. The prepared biodegradable oligopeptide-modified hydrogels with dual porosity are suitable candidates for further in vivo evaluation in soft tissue regeneration.

Expandable Sendai-Virus-Reprogrammed Human iPSC-Neuronal Precursors: In Vivo Post-Grafting Safety Characterization in Rats and Adult Pig.

One of the challenges in clinical translation of cell-replacement therapies is the definition of optimal cell generation and storage/recovery protocols which would permit a rapid preparation of cell-treatment products for patient administration. Besides, the availability of injection devices that are simple to use is critical for potential future dissemination of any spinally targeted cell-replacement therapy into general medical practice. Here, we compared the engraftment properties of established human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs)-derived neural precursor cell (NPCs) line once cells were harvested fresh from the cell culture or previously frozen and then grafted into striata or spinal cord of the immunodeficient rat. A newly developed human spinal injection device equipped with a spinal cord pulsation-cancelation magnetic needle was also tested for its safety in an adult immunosuppressed pig. Previously frozen NPCs showed similar post-grafting survival and differentiation profile as was seen for freshly harvested cells. Testing of human injection device showed acceptable safety with no detectable surgical procedure or spinal NPCs injection-related side effects.

Derivation of Sendai-Virus-Reprogrammed Human iPSCs-Neuronal Precursors: In Vitro and In Vivo Post-grafting Safety Characterization.

The critical requirements in developing clinical-grade human-induced pluripotent stem cells-derived neural precursors (hiPSCs-NPCs) are defined by expandability, genetic stability, predictable in vivo post-grafting differentiation, and acceptable safety profile. Here, we report on the use of manual-selection protocol for generating expandable and stable human NPCs from induced pluripotent stem cells. The hiPSCs were generated by the reprogramming of peripheral blood mononuclear cells with Sendai-virus (SeV) vector encoding Yamanaka factors. After induction of neural rosettes, morphologically defined NPC colonies were manually harvested, re-plated, and expanded for up to 20 passages. Established NPCs showed normal karyotype, expression of typical NPCs markers at the proliferative stage, and ability to generate functional, calcium oscillating GABAergic or glutamatergic neurons after in vitro differentiation. Grafted NPCs into the striatum or spinal cord of immunodeficient rats showed progressive maturation and expression of early and late human-specific neuronal and glial markers at 2 or 6 months post-grafting. No tumor formation was seen in NPCs-grafted brain or spinal cord samples. These data demonstrate the effective use of in vitro manual-selection protocol to generate safe and expandable NPCs from hiPSCs cells. This protocol has the potential to be used to generate GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice)-grade NPCs from hiPSCs for future clinical use.

Stimuli-responsive polypeptide nanogels for trypsin inhibition.

A new type of hydrophilic, biocompatible, and biodegradable polypeptide nanogel depots loaded with the natural serine protease inhibitor α1-antitrypsin (AAT) was applied for the inhibition of the inflammatory mediator trypsin. Two types of nanogels were prepared from linear synthetic polypeptides based on biocompatible and biodegradable poly[N 5-(2-hydroxyethyl)-ʟ-glutamine-ran-N 5-propargyl-ʟ-glutamine-ran-N 5-(6-aminohexyl)-ʟ-glutamine]-ran-N 5-[2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethyl)-ʟ-glutamine] (PHEG-Tyr) or biocompatible N α-ʟ-lysine-grafted α,ß-poly[(2-propyne)-ᴅ,ʟ-aspartamide-ran-(2-hydroxyethyl)-ᴅʟ-aspartamide-ran-(2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethyl)-ᴅʟ-aspartamide] (N α-Lys-NG). Both nanogels were prepared by HRP/H2O2-mediated crosslinking in inverse miniemulsions with pH and temperature-stimuli responsive behavior confirmed by dynamic light scattering and zeta potential measurements. The loading capacity of PHEG-Tyr and N α-Lys-NG nanogels and their release profiles were first optimized with bovine serum albumin. The nanogels were then used for loading and release of AAT. PHEG-Tyr and N α-Lys-NG nanogels showed different loading capacities for AAT with the maximum (20%) achieved with N α-Lys-NG nanogel. In both cases, the nanogel depots demonstrated a burst release of AAT during the first 6 h, which could be favorable for quick inhibition of trypsin. A consequent pilot in vitro inhibition study revealed that both PHEG-Tyr and N α-Lys-NG nanogels loaded with AAT successfully inhibited the enzymatic activity of trypsin. Furthermore, the inhibitory efficiency of the AAT-loaded nanogels was higher than that of only AAT. Interestingly, also non-loaded PHEG-Tyr and N α-Lys-NG nanogels were shown to effectively inhibit trypsin because they contain suitable amino acids in their structures that effectively block the active site of trypsin.

Precision spinal gene delivery-induced functional switch in nociceptive neurons reverses neuropathic pain.

Second-order spinal cord excitatory neurons play a key role in spinal processing and transmission of pain signals to the brain. Exogenously induced change in developmentally imprinted excitatory neurotransmitter phenotypes of these neurons to inhibitory has not yet been achieved. Here, we use a subpial dorsal horn-targeted delivery of AAV (adeno-associated virus) vector(s) encoding GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) synthesizing-releasing inhibitory machinery in mice with neuropathic pain. Treated animals showed a progressive and complete reversal of neuropathic pain (tactile and brush-evoked pain behavior) that persisted for a minimum of 2.5 months post-treatment. The mechanism of this treatment effect results from the switch of excitatory to preferential inhibitory neurotransmitter phenotype in dorsal horn nociceptive neurons and a resulting increase in inhibitory activity in regional spinal circuitry after peripheral nociceptive stimulation. No detectable side effects (e.g., sedation, motor weakness, loss of normal sensation) were seen between 2 and 13 months post-treatment in naive adult mice, pigs, and non-human primates. The use of this treatment approach may represent a potent and safe treatment modality in patients suffering from spinal cord or peripheral nerve injury-induced neuropathic pain.

Thiolated poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) hydrogels as a degradable biocompatible scaffold for tissue engineering.

Research of degradable hydrogel polymeric materials exhibiting high water content and mechanical properties resembling tissues is crucial not only in drug delivery systems but also in tissue engineering, medical devices, and biomedical-healthcare sensors. Therefore, we newly offer development of hydrogels based on poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate-co-2-(acetylthio) ethyl methacrylate-co-2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine) [P(HEMA-ATEMA-MPC)] and optimization of their mechanical and in vitro and in vivo degradability. P(HEMA-ATEMA-MPC) hydrogels differed in chemical composition, degree of crosslinking, and starting molar mass of polymers (15, 19, and 30 kDa). Polymer precursors were synthesized by a reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization using 2-(acetylthio)ethyl methacrylate containing protected thiol groups, which enabled crosslinking and gel formation. Elastic modulus of hydrogels increased with the degree of crosslinking (Slaughter et al., 2009) [1]. In vitro and in vivo controlled degradation was confirmed using glutathione and subcutaneous implantation of hydrogels in rats, respectively. We proved that the hydrogels with higher degree of crosslinking retarded the degradation. Also, albumin, γ-globulin, and fibrinogen adsorption on P(HEMA-ATEMA-MPC) hydrogel surface was tested, to simulate adsorption in living organism. Rat mesenchymal stromal cell adhesion on hydrogels was improved by the presence of RGDS peptide and laminin on the hydrogels. We found that rat mesenchymal stromal cells proliferated better on laminin-coated hydrogels than on RGDS-modified ones.

Direct and Indirect Biomimetic Peptide Modification of Alginate: Efficiency, Side Reactions, and Cell Response.

In the fast-developing field of tissue engineering there is a constant demand for new materials as scaffolds for cell seeding, which can better mimic a natural extracellular matrix as well as control cell behavior. Among other materials, polysaccharides are widely used for this purpose. One of the main candidates for scaffold fabrication is alginate. However, it lacks sites for cell adhesion. That is why one of the steps toward the development of suitable scaffolds for cells is the introduction of the biofunctionality to the alginate structure. In this work we focused on bone-sialoprotein derived peptide (TYRAY) conjugation to the molecule of alginate. Here the comparison study on four different approaches of peptide conjugation was performed including traditional and novel modification methods, based on 1-Ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide/N-hydroxy succinimide (EDC/NHS), 4-(4,6-dimethoxy-1,3,5-triazine-2-yl)-4-methylmorpholinium chloride (DMTMM), thiol-Michael addition and Cu-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition reactions. It was shown that the combination of the alginate amidation with the use of and subsequent Cu-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition led to efficient peptide conjugation, which was proven with both NMR and XPS methods. Moreover, the cell culture experiment proved the positive effect of peptide presence on the adhesion of human embryonic stem cells.

Biocompatible polypeptide nanogel: Effect of surfactants on nanogelation in inverse miniemulsion, in vivo biodistribution and blood clearance evaluation.

Horseradish peroxidase (HRP)/H2O2-mediated crosslinking of polypeptides in inverse miniemulsion is a promising approach for the development of next-generation biocompatible and biodegradable nanogels. Herein, we present a fundamental investigation of the effects of three surfactants and their different concentrations on the (HRP)/H2O2-mediated nanogelation of poly[N5-(2-hydroxyethyl)-l-glutamine-ran-N5-propargyl-l-glutamine-ran-N5-(6-aminohexyl)-l-glutamine]-ran-N5-[2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethyl)-l-glutamine] (PHEG-Tyr) in inverse miniemulsion. The surfactants sorbitan monooleate (SPAN 80), polyoxyethylenesorbitan trioleate (TWEEN 85), and dioctyl sulfosuccinate sodium salt (AOT) were selected and their influence on the nanogel size, size distribution, and morphology was evaluated. The most effective nanogelation stabilization was achieved with 20 wt% nonionic surfactant SPAN 80. The diameter of the hydrogel nanoparticles was 230 nm (dynamic light scattering, DLS) and was confirmed also by nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA) which showed the diameters ranging from 200 to 300 nm. Microscopy and image analyses showed that the nanogel in the dry state was spherical in shape and had number-average diameter Dn = 26 nm and dispersity Р= 1.91. In the frozen-hydrated state, the nanogel appeared porous and was larger in size with Dn = 182 nm and Р= 1.52. Our results indicated that the nanogelation of the polymer precursor required a higher concentration of surfactant than classical inverse miniemulsion polymerization to ensure effective stabilization. The developed polypeptide nanogel was radiolabeled with 125I, and in vivo biodistribution and blood clearance evaluations were performed. We found that the 125I-labeled nanogel was well-biodistributed in the bloodstream, cleared from mouse blood during 48 h by renal and hepatic pathways and did not provoke any sign of toxic effects.

RGDS-Modified Superporous Poly(2-Hydroxyethyl Methacrylate)-Based Scaffolds as 3D In Vitro Leukemia Model.

Superporous poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate-co-2-aminoethyl methacrylate) (P(HEMA-AEMA)) hydrogel scaffolds are designed for in vitro 3D culturing of leukemic B cells. Hydrogel porosity, which influences cell functions and growth, is introduced by adding ammonium oxalate needle-like crystals in the polymerization mixture. To improve cell vitality, cell-adhesive Arg-Gly-Asp-Ser (RGDS) peptide is immobilized on the N-(γ-maleimidobutyryloxy)succinimide-activated P(HEMA-AEMA) hydrogels via reaction of SH with maleimide groups. This modification is especially suitable for the survival of primary chronic lymphocytic leukemia cells (B-CLLs) in 3D cell culture. No other tested stimuli (interleukin-4, CD40 ligand, or shaking) can further improve B-CLL survival or metabolic activity. Both unmodified and RGDS-modified P(HEMA-AEMA) scaffolds serve as a long-term (70 days) 3D culture platforms for HS-5 and M2-10B4 bone marrow stromal cell lines and MEC-1 and HG-3 B-CLL cell lines, although the adherent cells retain their physiological morphologies, preferably on RGDS-modified hydrogels. Moreover, the porosity of hydrogels allows direct cell lysis, followed by efficient DNA isolation from the 3D-cultured cells. P(HEMA-AEMA)-RGDS thus serves as a suitable 3D in vitro leukemia model that enables molecular and metabolic assays and allows imaging of cell morphology, interactions, and migration by confocal microscopy. Such applications can prospectively assist in testing of drugs to treat this frequently recurring or refractory cancer.

Enzymatically Cross-linked Hydrogels Based on Synthetic Poly(α-amino acid)s Functionalized with RGD Peptide for 3D Mesenchymal Stem Cell Culture.

Injectable hydrogel scaffolds combined with stem cell therapy represent a promising approach for minimally invasive surgical tissue repair. In this study, we developed and characterized a fully synthetic, biodegradable poly(N5-(2-hydroxyethyl)-l-glutamine)-based injectable hydrogel modified with integrin-binding arginine-glycine-aspartic acid (RGD) peptide (PHEG-Tyr-RGD). The biodegradable hydroxyphenyl polymer precursor derivative of PHEG-Tyr was enzymatically cross-linked to obtain injectable hydrogels with different physicochemical properties. The gelation time, gel yield, swelling behavior, and storage modulus of the PHEG-Tyr hydrogels were tuned by varying the concentrations of the PHEG-Tyr precursors and horseradish peroxidase as well as the nH2O2/nTyr ratio. The mechanical properties and gelation time of the PHEG-Tyr hydrogel were optimized for the encapsulation of rat mesenchymal stem cells (rMSCs). We focused on the 2D and 3D spreading and viability of rMSCs within the PHEG-Tyr-RGD hydrogels with different physicochemical microenvironments in vitro. Encapsulation of rMSCs shows long-term survival and exhibits cell-matrix and cell-cell interactions reflective of both the RGD concentration and hydrogel stiffness. The presented biomaterial represents a suitable biological microenvironment to guide 3D spreading and may act as a promising 3D artificial extracellular matrix for stem cell therapy.

Surface Design of Antifouling Vascular Constructs Bearing Biofunctional Peptides for Tissue Regeneration Applications.

Antifouling polymer layers containing extracellular matrix-derived peptide motifs offer promising new options for biomimetic surface engineering. In this contribution, we report the design of antifouling vascular grafts bearing biofunctional peptide motifs for tissue regeneration applications based on hierarchical polymer brushes. Hierarchical diblock poly(methyl ether oligo(ethylene glycol) methacrylate-block-glycidyl methacrylate) brushes bearing azide groups (poly(MeOEGMA-block-GMA-N3)) were grown by surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization (SI-ATRP) and functionalized with biomimetic RGD peptide sequences. Varying the conditions of copper-catalyzed alkyne-azide "click" reaction allowed for the immobilization of RGD peptides in a wide surface concentration range. The synthesized hierarchical polymer brushes bearing peptide motifs were characterized in detail using various surface sensitive physicochemical methods. The hierarchical brushes presenting the RGD sequences provided excellent cell adhesion properties and at the same time remained resistant to fouling from blood plasma. The synthesis of anti-fouling hierarchical brushes bearing 1.2 × 103 nmol/cm2 RGD biomimetic sequences has been adapted for the surface modification of commercially available grafts of woven polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fibers. The fiber mesh was endowed with polymerization initiator groups via aminolysis and acylation reactions optimized for the material. The obtained bioactive antifouling vascular grafts promoted the specific adhesion and growth of endothelial cells, thus providing a potential avenue for endothelialization of artificial conduits.

Monodisperse Core-Shell NaYF4:Yb3+/Er3+@NaYF4:Nd3+-PEG-GGGRGDSGGGY-NH2 Nanoparticles Excitable at 808 and 980 nm: Design, Surface Engineering, and Application in Life Sciences.

Lanthanide-doped upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) have a unique capability of upconverting near-infrared (NIR) excitation into ultraviolet, visible, and NIR emission. Conventional UCNPs composed of NaYF4:Yb3+/Er3+(Tm3+) are excited by NIR light at 980 nm, where undesirable absorption by water can cause overheating or damage of living tissues and reduce nanoparticle luminescence. Incorporation of Nd3+ ions into the UCNP lattice shifts the excitation wavelength to 808 nm, where absorption of water is minimal. Herein, core-shell NaYF4:Yb3+/Er3+@NaYF4:Nd3+ nanoparticles, which are doubly doped by sensitizers (Yb3+ and Nd3+) and an activator (Er3+) in the host NaYF4 matrix, were synthesized by high-temperature coprecipitation of lanthanide chlorides in the presence of oleic acid as a stabilizer. Uniform core (24 nm) and core-shell particles with tunable shell thickness (~0.5-4 nm) were thoroughly characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy-dispersive analysis, selected area electron diffraction, and photoluminescence emission spectra at 808 and 980 nm excitation. To ensure dispersibility of the particles in biologically relevant media, they were coated by in-house synthesized poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)-neridronate terminated with an alkyne (Alk). The stability of the NaYF4:Yb3+/Er3+@NaYF4:Nd3+-PEG-Alk nanoparticles in water or 0.01 M PBS and the presence of PEG on the surface were determined by dynamic light scattering, ζ-potential measurements, thermogravimetric analysis, and FTIR spectroscopy. Finally, the adhesive azidopentanoyl-modified GGGRGDSGGGY-NH2 (RGDS) peptide was immobilized on the NaYF4:Yb3+/Er3+@NaYF4:Nd3+-PEG-Alk particles via Cu(I)-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition. The toxicity of the unmodified core-shell NaYF4:Yb3+/Er3+@NaYF4:Nd3+, NaYF4:Yb3+/Er3+@NaYF4:Nd3+-PEG-Alk, and NaYF4:Yb3+/Er3+@NaYF4:Nd3+-PEG-RGDS nanoparticles on both Hep-G2 and HeLa cells was determined, confirming no adverse effect on their survival and proliferation. The interaction of the nanoparticles with Hep-G2 cells was monitored by confocal microscopy at both 808 and 980 nm excitation. The NaYF4:Yb3+/Er3+@NaYF4:Nd3+-PEG-RGDS nanoparticles were localized on the cell membranes due to specific binding of the RGDS peptide to integrins, in contrast to the NaYF4:Yb3+/Er3+@NaYF4:Nd3+-PEG-Alk particles, which were not engulfed by the cells. The NaYF4:Yb3+/Er3+@NaYF4:Nd3+-PEG-RGDS nanoparticles thus appear to be promising as a new non-invasive probe for specific bioimaging of cells and tissues. This development makes the nanoparticles useful for diagnostic and/or, after immobilization of a bioactive compound, even theranostic applications in the treatment of various fatal diseases.

Spinal parenchymal occupation by neural stem cells after subpial delivery in adult immunodeficient rats.

Neural precursor cells (NSCs) hold great potential to treat a variety of neurodegenerative diseases and injuries to the spinal cord. However, current delivery techniques require an invasive approach in which an injection needle is advanced into the spinal parenchyma to deliver cells of interest. As such, this approach is associated with an inherent risk of spinal injury, as well as a limited delivery of cells into multiple spinal segments. Here, we characterize the use of a novel cell delivery technique that employs single bolus cell injections into the spinal subpial space. In immunodeficient rats, two subpial injections of human NSCs were performed in the cervical and lumbar spinal cord, respectively. The survival, distribution, and phenotype of transplanted cells were assessed 6-8 months after injection. Immunofluorescence staining and mRNA sequencing analysis demonstrated a near-complete occupation of the spinal cord by injected cells, in which transplanted human NSCs (hNSCs) preferentially acquired glial phenotypes, expressing oligodendrocyte (Olig2, APC) or astrocyte (GFAP) markers. In the outermost layer of the spinal cord, injected hNSCs differentiated into glia limitans-forming astrocytes and expressed human-specific superoxide dismutase and laminin. All animals showed normal neurological function for the duration of the analysis. These data show that the subpial cell delivery technique is highly effective in populating the entire spinal cord with injected NSCs, and has a potential for clinical use in cell replacement therapies for the treatment of ALS, multiple sclerosis, or spinal cord injury.

Spinal subpial delivery of AAV9 enables widespread gene silencing and blocks motoneuron degeneration in ALS.

Gene silencing with virally delivered shRNA represents a promising approach for treatment of inherited neurodegenerative disorders. In the present study we develop a subpial technique, which we show in adult animals successfully delivers adeno-associated virus (AAV) throughout the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spinal cord, as well as brain motor centers. One-time injection at cervical and lumbar levels just before disease onset in mice expressing a familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)-causing mutant SOD1 produces long-term suppression of motoneuron disease, including near-complete preservation of spinal α-motoneurons and muscle innervation. Treatment after disease onset potently blocks progression of disease and further α-motoneuron degeneration. A single subpial AAV9 injection in adult pigs or non-human primates using a newly designed device produces homogeneous delivery throughout the cervical spinal cord white and gray matter and brain motor centers. Thus, spinal subpial delivery in adult animals is highly effective for AAV-mediated gene delivery throughout the spinal cord and supraspinal motor centers.

Enhanced solid phase extraction of DNA using hydrophilic monodisperse poly(methacrylic acid-co-ethylene dimethacrylate) microparticles.

The efficiency of solid phase extraction (SPE) of DNA on polymer particles is limited by the features of the applied solid support, such as size, hydrophilicity, and functionality and their application in SPE also requires additional steps and compounds to finally obtain sufficient amount of high-quality DNA. The present study describes a preparation of sub-micrometer monodisperse poly(methacrylic acid-co-ethylene dimethacrylate) (PME) particles by precipitation polymerization. The effect of the ethylene dimethacrylate (EDMA) crosslinker concentration on morphology and particle size, which varied from 730 to 900 nm, was investigated. The particles with 5 and 15 wt% EDMA were selected for a study of SPE of plasmid DNA under various adsorption and elution conditions, followed by the enzymatic restriction of isolated DNA to verify a quality the nucleic acid. The particles with 15 wt% EDMA were suitable for the SPE because they retained better colloidal stability during the adsorption without additional induction of DNA conformational change. The quality of isolated DNA was finally verified by enzymatic restriction by restriction endonuclease EcoRI. Moreover, the developed method using PME particles was successfully utilized for DNA isolation from Escherichia coli lysate.

Peroxidase-like activity of magnetic poly(glycidyl methacrylate-co-ethylene dimethacrylate) particles.

Poly(glycidyl methacrylate) (PGMA) is prone to modifications with different functional groups, magnetic fluids or direct coupling with biological molecules. The purpose of this research was to synthesize new magnetically responsive particles with peroxidase-like activity. Poly(glycidyl methacrylate-co-ethylene dimethacrylate) [P(GMA-EDMA)] particles containing carboxyl groups were obtained by emulsifier-free emulsion polymerization and hydrolysis and oxidation of PGMA with KMnO4, resulting in poly(carboxymethyl methacrylate-co-ethylene dimethacrylate) [P(CMMA-EDMA)] particles. Thionine (Th) was also attached to the particles [(P(CMMA-EDMA)-Th] via EDC/NHS chemistry to observe its effect on electron transfer during the oxidation reaction. Finally, the particles were coated with a nitric acid-stabilized ferrofluid in methanol. The resulting magnetic particles were characterized by several methods, including scanning and transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and vibrating sample magnetometry. The effect of EDMA on the P(CMMA-EDMA) particle size and size distribution was investigated; the particle size changed from 300 to 340 nm, and the particles were monodispersed with a saturation magnetization of 11 Am2/kg. Finally, the effects of temperature and pH on the peroxidase-like activity of the magnetic P(CMMA-EDMA) and P(CMMA-EDMA)-Th particles were investigated. The particles, which exhibited a high activity at pH 4-6 and at ∼37 °C, represent a highly sensitive sensor component potentially useful in enzyme-based immunoassays.

Modified Methacrylate Hydrogels Improve Tissue Repair after Spinal Cord Injury.

Methacrylate hydrogels have been extensively used as bridging scaffolds in experimental spinal cord injury (SCI) research. As synthetic materials, they can be modified, which leads to improved bridging of the lesion. Fibronectin, a glycoprotein of the extracellular matrix produced by reactive astrocytes after SCI, is known to promote cell adhesion. We implanted 3 methacrylate hydrogels: a scaffold based on hydroxypropylmethacrylamid (HPMA), 2-hydroxyethylmethacrylate (HEMA) and a HEMA hydrogel with an attached fibronectin (HEMA-Fn) in an experimental model of acute SCI in rats. The animals underwent functional evaluation once a week and the spinal cords were histologically assessed 3 months after hydrogel implantation. We found that both the HPMA and the HEMA-Fn hydrogel scaffolds lead to partial sensory improvement compared to control animals and animals treated with plain HEMA scaffold. The HPMA scaffold showed an increased connective tissue infiltration compared to plain HEMA hydrogels. There was a tendency towards connective tissue infiltration and higher blood vessel ingrowth in the HEMA-Fn scaffold. HPMA hydrogels showed a significantly increased axonal ingrowth compared to HEMA-Fn and plain HEMA; while there were some neurofilaments in the peripheral as well as the central region of the HEMA-Fn scaffold, no neurofilaments were found in plain HEMA hydrogels. In conclusion, HPMA hydrogel as well as the HEMA-Fn scaffold showed better bridging qualities compared to the plain HEMA hydrogel, which resulted in very limited partial sensory improvement.

Dynamics of tissue ingrowth in SIKVAV-modified highly superporous PHEMA scaffolds with oriented pores after bridging a spinal cord transection.

While many types of biomaterials have been evaluated in experimental spinal cord injury (SCI) research, little is known about the time-related dynamics of the tissue infiltration of these scaffolds. We analyzed the ingrowth of connective tissue, axons and blood vessels inside the superporous poly (2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) hydrogel with oriented pores. The hydrogels, either plain or seeded with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), were implanted in spinal cord transection at the level of Th8. The animals were sacrificed at days 2, 7, 14, 28, 49 and 6 months after SCI and histologically evaluated. We found that within the first week, the hydrogels were already infiltrated with connective tissue and blood vessels, which remained stable for the next 6 weeks. Axons slowly and gradually infiltrated the hydrogel within the first month, after which the numbers became stable. Six months after SCI we observed rare axons crossing the hydrogel bridge and infiltrating the caudal stump. There was no difference in the tissue infiltration between the plain hydrogels and those seeded with MSCs. We conclude that while connective tissue and blood vessels quickly infiltrate the scaffold within the first week, axons show a rather gradual infiltration over the first month, and this is not facilitated by the presence of MSCs inside the hydrogel pores. Further research which is focused on the permissive micro-environment of the hydrogel scaffold is needed, to promote continuous and long-lasting tissue regeneration across the spinal cord lesion.

Impact of Bioactive Peptide Motifs on Molecular Structure, Charging, and Nonfouling Properties of Poly(ethylene oxide) Brushes.

Polymer layers capable of suppressing protein adsorption from biological media while presenting extracellular matrix-derived peptide motifs offer valuable new options for biomimetic surface engineering. Herein, we provide detailed insights into physicochemical changes induced in a nonfouling poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) brush/polydopamine (PDA) system by incorporation of adhesion ligand (RGD) peptides. Brushes with high surface chain densities (σ ≥ 0.5 chains·nm-2) and pronounced hydrophilicity (water contact angles ≤ 10°) were prepared by end-tethering of heterobifunctional PEOs ( Mn ≈ 20 000 g·mol-1) to PDA-modified surfaces from a reactive melt. Using alkyne distal end group on the PEO chains, azidopentanoic-bearing peptides were coupled through a copper-catalyzed Huisgen azide-alkyne "click" cycloaddition reaction. The surface concentration of RGD was tuned from complete saturation of the PEO surface with peptides (1.7 × 105 fmol·cm-2) to values which may induce distinct differences in cell adhesion (<6.0 × 102 fmol·cm-2). Infrared reflection-absorption and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopies proved the PDA-PEO layers covalent structure and the immobilization of RGD peptides. The complete reconstruction of experimental electrohydrodynamics data utilizing mean-field theory predictions further verified the attained brush structure of the end-tethered PEO chains which provided hydrodynamic screening of the PDA anchor. Increasing the surface concentration of immobilized RGD peptides led to increased interfacial charging. Supported by simulations, this observation was attributed to the ionization of functional groups in the amino acid sequence and to the pH-dependent adsorption of water ions (OH- > H3O+) from the electrolyte. Despite the distinct differences observed in the electrokinetic analysis of the surfaces bearing different amounts of RGD, it was found that the peptide presence on PEO(20 000)-PDA layers does not have a significant effect on the nonfouling properties of the system. Notably, the presented PEO(20 000)-PDA layers bearing RGD peptides in the surface concentration range 5.9 to 1.7 × 105 fmol·cm-2 reduced the protein adsorption from fetal bovine serum to less than 30 ng·cm-2, that is, values comparable to the ones obtained for pristine PEO(20 000)-PDA layers.