The effect of platelet lysate supplementation of a dextran-based hydrogel on cartilage formation

• Published in: Biomaterials 2012-05, Vol.33 (14), p.3651-3661
• Main Authors: Moreira Teixeira, Liliana S, Leijten, Jeroen C.H, Wennink, Jos W.H, Chatterjea, Anindita G, Feijen, Jan, van Blitterswijk, Clemens A, Dijkstra, Pieter J, Karperien, Marcel
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Advanced Basic Science; Biocompatible Materials; Biomechanical Phenomena; Blood Platelets - chemistry; Blood Platelets - physiology; Cartilage - growth & development; Cartilage tissue engineering; Cell Adhesion; Cell Differentiation; Cell Movement; Cell proliferation; Chemotaxis; Chondrocytes - drug effects; Chondrocytes - physiology; Chondrogenesis - drug effects; Chondrogenesis - physiology; Coculture Techniques; Dentistry; Dextrans; Growth Substances - administration & dosage; Humans; Hydrogel; Hydrogels; In situ crosslinking; Materials Testing; Mesenchymal Stromal Cells - drug effects; Mesenchymal Stromal Cells - physiology; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; Osteoarthritis - pathology; Osteoarthritis - physiopathology; Osteoarthritis - therapy; Platelet lysate; Tissue Engineering; Tyramine
• ISSN: 0142-9612; 1878-5905
• DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2012.01.051

Abstract In situ gelating dextran-tyramine (Dex-TA) injectable hydrogels have previously shown promising features for cartilage repair. Yet, despite suitable mechanical properties, this system lacks intrinsic biological signals. In contrast, platelet lysate-derived hydrogels are rich in growth factors and anti-inflammatory cytokines, but mechanically unstable. We hypothesized that the advantages of these systems may be combined in one hydrogel, which can be easily translated into clinical settings. Platelet lysate was successfully incorporated into Dex-TA polymer solution prior to gelation. After enzymatic crosslinking, rheological and morphological evaluations were performed. Subsequently, the effect of platelet lysate on cell migration, adhesion, proliferation and multi-lineage differentiation was determined. Finally, we evaluated the integration potential of this gel onto osteoarthritis-affected cartilage. The mechanical properties and covalent attachment of Dex-TA to cartilage tissue during in situ gel formation were successfully combined with the advantages of platelet lysate, revealing the potential of this enhanced hydrogel as a cell-free approach. The addition of platelet lysate did not affect the mechanical properties and porosity of Dex-TA hydrogels. Furthermore, platelet lysate derived anabolic growth factors promoted proliferation and triggered chondrogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stromal cells.