Photoencapsulation of chondrocytes in poly(ethylene oxide)-based semi-interpenetrating networks.
A photopolymerizing hydrogel system provides an efficient method to encapsulate cells. The present work describes the in vitro analysis of bovine and ovine chondrocytes encapsulated in a poly(ethylene oxide)-dimethacrylate and poly(ethylene glycol) semi-interpenetrating network using a photopolymerization process. One day after encapsulation, (3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-y1]-2, 5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide) (MTT) and light microscopy showed chondrocyte survival and a dispersed cell population composed of ovoid and elongated cells. Biochemical analysis demonstrated proteoglycan and collagen contents that increased over 2 weeks of static incubation. Cell content of the gels initially decreased and stabilized. Biomechanical analysis demonstrated the presence of a functional extracellular matrix with equilibrium moduli, dynamic stiffness, and streaming potentials that increased with time. These findings suggest the feasibility of photoencapsulation for tissue engineering and drug delivery purposes.
Elisseeff
J
J
Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.
McIntosh
W
W
Anseth
K
K
Riley
S
S
Ragan
P
P
Langer
R
R
D000818:Animals; D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D002214:Capsules; D002358:Cartilage, Articular / Q000166:cytology* / Q000502:physiology; D002417:Cattle; D003094:Collagen / Q000032:analysis; D005269:Femur; D006025:Glycosaminoglycans / Q000032:analysis; D007700:Kinetics; D010329:Patella; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols / Q000528:radiation effects; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays
D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D002214:Capsules; D006025:Glycosaminoglycans; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols; D003094:Collagen