Protein polymer hydrogels: Effects of endotoxin on biocompatibility

Liese N. Beenken-Rothkopf, Lindsay S. Karfeld-Sulzer, Xiaomin Zhang, Hermann Kissler, Sara A. Michie, Dixon B. Kaufman, Magali J. Fontaine*, Annelise E. Barron

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

13 Scopus citations

Abstract

Protein polymer-based hydrogels have shown potential for tissue engineering applications, but require biocompatibility testing for in vivo use. Enzymatically crosslinked protein polymer-based hydrogels were tested in vitro and in vivo to evaluate their biocompatibility. Endotoxins present in the hydrogel were removed by Trition X-114 phase separation. The reduction of endotoxins decreased TNF-α production by a macrophage cell line in vitro; however, significant inflammatory response was still present compared to collagen control gels. A branched PEG molecule and dexamethasone were added to the hydrogel to reduce the response. In vitro testing showed a decrease in the TNF-α levels with the addition of dexamethasone. In vivo implantations into the epididymal fat pad of C57/BL6 mice, however, indicated a decreased inflammatory mediated immune response with a hydrogel treated with both PEGylation and endotoxin reduction. This study demonstrates the importance of endotoxin testing and removal in determining the biocompatibility of biomaterials.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)395-406
Number of pages12
JournalJournal of Biomaterials Applications
Volume28
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 2013

Funding

This work was supported by the National Institute of Health/National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering [Grant Number R01EB003806]; and Northwestern University's National Institute of Health/National Research Service Award Biotechnology Training Grant [Grant Number 2-T32-GM008449].

Keywords

  • Hydrogel
  • biocompatibility
  • dexamethasone
  • endotoxins
  • polyethylene glycol

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Biomaterials
  • Biomedical Engineering

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