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 language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 395-406 |
Number of pages | 12 |
Journal | Journal of Biomaterials Applications |
Volume | 28 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 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