Gradient chondroitin sulfate/poly (γ-glutamic acid) hydrogels inducing differentiation of stem cells for cartilage tissue engineering

Xin Liu, Shuai Liu, Rong Yang, Penghui Wang, Wenjie Zhang, Xiaoyan Tan, Yanhan Ren, Bo Chi

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

29 Scopus citations

Abstract

Based on the gradient distribution of structure and composition in biological cartilage tissue, we designed a gradient hydrogel scaffold by the moving photomask, using chondroitin sulfate and poly (γ-glutamic acid) as crude materials. The hydrogel scaffold had a gradient distribution of cross-linking density, which can be verified from the results of SEM and swelling behavior. Besides, the hydrogel exhibited great viscoelastic, toughness (70% strain), and strength properties (600 kPa). Additionally, the gradient hydrogel's superior cell compatibility was proved through the MTT, live/dead staining assays, and 3D cell culture experiments. Remarkably, the results of in vitro stem cell differentiation experiments showed that the duration of light directly affected the differentiation extent of stem cells, demonstrating that the gradient hydrogel scaffold can better simulate the function of natural cartilage than the homogeneous one. Due to these outstanding characteristics, this gradient hydrogel is a potential scaffold for cartilage tissue engineering.

Original languageEnglish
Article number118330
JournalCarbohydrate Polymers
Volume270
DOIs
StatePublished - 15 Oct 2021

Keywords

  • Cartilage tissue engineering
  • Chondroitin sulfate
  • Gradient hydrogel
  • Moving photomask
  • Poly (γ-glutamic acid)
  • Stem cell differentiation

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