Enzymatic stabilization of gelatin-based scaffolds.
The definitive goal of this research is to develop protein-based scaffolds for use in soft tissue regeneration, particularly in the field of dermal healing. The premise of this investigation was to characterize the mechanical properties of gelatin cross-linked with microbial transglutaminase (mTGase) and to investigate the cytocompatibility of mTGase cross-linked gelatin. Dynamic rheological analysis revealed a significant increase in the storage modulus and thermal stability of gelatin after cross-linking with mTGase. Static, unconfined compression tests showed an increase in Young's modulus of gelatin gels after mTGase cross-linking. A comparable increase in gel strength was observed with 0.03% mTGase and 0.25% glutaraldehyde cross-linked gelatin gels. In vitro studies using 3T3 fibroblasts indicated cytotoxicity at a concentration of 0.05% mTGase after 72 h. However, no significant inhibition of cell proliferation was seen with cells grown on lower concentrations of mTGase cross-linked gelatin substrates. The mechanical improvement and cytocompatibility of mTGase cross-linked gelatin suggests mTGase has potential for use in stabilizing gelatin gels for tissue-engineering applications.
Broderick
Emmett P
EP
National Centre for Biomedical Engineering Science, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland.
O'Halloran
Damien M
DM
Rochev
Yury A
YA
Griffin
Martin
M
Collighan
Russell J
RJ
Pandit
Abhay S
AS
D000818:Animals; D001426:Bacterial Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D049109:Cell Proliferation; D002470:Cell Survival / Q000187:drug effects; D005780:Gelatin / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000494:pharmacology; D005976:Glutaral / Q000378:metabolism; D020136:Hydrogel, Polyethylene Glycol Dimethacrylate / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism; D051379:Mice; D041681:NIH 3T3 Cells; D013552:Swine; D013696:Temperature; D013997:Time Factors; D023822:Tissue Engineering / Q000379:methods; D011503:Transglutaminases / Q000378:metabolism*
D001426:Bacterial Proteins; D020136:Hydrogel, Polyethylene Glycol Dimethacrylate; D005780:Gelatin; D011503:Transglutaminases; D005976:Glutaral