title: Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate) supports adhesion and migration of mesenchymal stem cells and tenocytes.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To establish the potential of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate) (PHBHHx) as a material for tendon repair.
  
  
  METHODS
  The biocompatibility of PHBHHx with both rat tenocytes (rT) and human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSC) was explored by monitoring adhesive characteristics on films of varying weight/volume ratios coupled to a culture atmosphere of either 21% O(2) (air) or 2% O(2) (physiological normoxia). The diameter and stiffness of PHBHHx films was established using optical coherence tomography and mechanical testing, respectively.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Film thickness correlated directly with weight/volume PHBHHx (r(2) = 0.9473) ranging from 0.1 mm (0.8% weight/volume) to 0.19 mm (2.4% weight/volume). Film stiffness on the other hand displayed a biphasic response which increased rapidly at values > 1.6% weight/volume. Optimal cell attachment of rT required films of ≥ 1.6% and ≥ 2.0% weight/volume PHBHHx in 2% O(2) and 21% O(2) respectively. A qualitative adhesion increase was noted for hMSC in films ≥ 1.2% weight/volume, becoming significant at 2% weight/volume in 2% O(2). An increase in cell adhesion was also noted with ≥ 2% weight/volume PHBHHx in 21% O(2). Cell migration into films was not observed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This evaluation demonstrates that PHBHHx is a suitable polymer for future cell/polymer replacement strategies in tendon repair.
authors.affiliation: Alex J Lomas, Alicia J El Haj, Nicholas R Forsyth, Guy Hilton Research Centre, Keele University, Stoke on Trent, ST4 7QB, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Alex J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Lomas
authors.forename: George Gq
authors.initials: GG
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: Alicia J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: El Haj
authors.forename: Nicholas R
authors.initials: NR
authors.lastname: Forsyth