Chitosan–Polyethylene Glycol Inspired Polyelectrolyte Complex Hydrogel Templates Favoring NEO-Tissue Formation for Cardiac Tissue Engineering

Angelo Keklikian; Natan Roberto de Barros; Ahmad Rashad; Yiqing Chen; Jinrui Tan; Ruoyu Sheng; Dongwei Sun; Huinan Liu; Finosh G. Thankam

doi:10.3390/gels10010046

Gels (Jan 2024)

Chitosan–Polyethylene Glycol Inspired Polyelectrolyte Complex Hydrogel Templates Favoring NEO-Tissue Formation for Cardiac Tissue Engineering

Angelo Keklikian,
Natan Roberto de Barros,
Ahmad Rashad,
Yiqing Chen,
Jinrui Tan,
Ruoyu Sheng,
Dongwei Sun,
Huinan Liu,
Finosh G. Thankam

Affiliations

Angelo Keklikian: Department of Translational Research, College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific and Graduate College of Biomedical Sciences, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, USA
Natan Roberto de Barros: Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation (TIBI), Los Angeles, CA 90064, USA
Ahmad Rashad: Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation (TIBI), Los Angeles, CA 90064, USA
Yiqing Chen: Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
Jinrui Tan: Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
Ruoyu Sheng: Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
Dongwei Sun: Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
Huinan Liu: Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
Finosh G. Thankam: Department of Translational Research, College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific and Graduate College of Biomedical Sciences, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, USA

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/gels10010046
Journal volume & issue: Vol. 10, no. 1
p. 46

Abstract

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Neo-tissue formation and host tissue regeneration determine the success of cardiac tissue engineering where functional hydrogel scaffolds act as cardiac (extracellular matrix) ECM mimic. Translationally, the hydrogel templates promoting neo-cardiac tissue formation are currently limited; however, they are highly demanding in cardiac tissue engineering. The current study focused on the development of a panel of four chitosan-based polyelectrolyte hydrogels as cardiac scaffolds facilitating neo-cardiac tissue formation to promote cardiac regeneration. Chitosan-PEG (CP), gelatin-chitosan-PEG (GCP), hyaluronic acid-chitosan-PEG (HACP), and combined CP (CoCP) polyelectrolyte hydrogels were engineered by solvent casting and assessed for physiochemical, thermal, electrical, biodegradable, mechanical, and biological properties. The CP, GCP, HACP, and CoCP hydrogels exhibited excellent porosity (4.24 ± 0.18, 13.089 ± 1.13, 12.53 ± 1.30 and 15.88 ± 1.10 for CP, GCP, HACP and CoCP, respectively), water profile, mechanical strength, and amphiphilicity suitable for cardiac tissue engineering. The hydrogels were hemocompatible as evident from the negligible hemolysis and RBC aggregation and increased adsorption of plasma albumin. The hydrogels were cytocompatible as evident from the increased viability by MTT (>94% for all the four hydrogels) assay and direct contact assay. Also, the hydrogels supported the adhesion, growth, spreading, and proliferation of H9c2 cells as unveiled by rhodamine staining. The hydrogels promoted neo-tissue formation that was proven using rat and swine myocardial tissue explant culture. Compared to GCP and CoCP, CP and HACP were superior owing to the cell viability, hemocompatibility, and conductance, resulting in the highest degree of cytoskeletal organization and neo-tissue formation. The physiochemical and biological performance of these hydrogels supported neo-cardiac tissue formation. Overall, the CP, GCP, HACP, and CoCP hydrogel systems promise novel translational opportunities in regenerative cardiology.

Published in Gels

ISSN: 2310-2861 (Online)
Publisher: MDPI AG
Country of publisher: Switzerland
LCC subjects: Science: Chemistry: Inorganic chemistry; Science: Chemistry: General. Including alchemy
Website: http://www.mdpi.com/journal/gels

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