Synthesis and characterization of a new interpenetrated poly(2-hydroxyethylmethacrylate)-gelatin composite polymer.
Poly(2-hydroxyethylmethacrylate) [poly(HEMA)] is a widely used biomaterial which does not allow cell adhesion and growth on its surface, limiting its use in biomedical applications in which cell cohesion is detrimental. We have prepared a poly(HEMA)-gelatin composite hydrogel using a sequential interpenetrating polymer network technique. The properties of this material were compared with poly(HEMA) freeze-dried sponges in terms of morphology, mechanical properties and biocompatibility. Moreover, in vivo biocompatibility experiments highlighted the occurrence of cellular interactions on the surface of the poly(HEMA)-gelatin interpenetrating polymer network, which are usually absent when unmodified poly(HEMA) hydrogels are implanted in the same host organism. These tests also showed a progressive gelatin degradation from the surface to the bulk of the poly(HEMA)-gelatin specimens during short-term (7 d) implantation. Finally, in vitro tests confirmed an improved ability of this composite to scaffold for the cells.
Santin
M
M
Institute of Protein Biochemistry and Enzymology, C.N.R., Arco Felice, Naples, Italy.
Huang
S J
SJ
Iannace
S
S
Ambrosio
L
L
Nicolais
L
L
Peluso
G
G
D016475:3T3 Cells; D000042:Absorption; D000818:Animals; D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D002470:Cell Survival; D005612:Freeze Drying; D005780:Gelatin / Q000138:chemical synthesis; D051379:Mice; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D011102:Polyhydroxyethyl Methacrylate / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000138:chemical synthesis; D013314:Stress, Mechanical; D013816:Thermodynamics
D001672:Biocompatible Materials; C105679:poly(2-hydroxyethylmethacrylate)-gelatin polymer; D011102:Polyhydroxyethyl Methacrylate; D005780:Gelatin