Smart Hybrid Hydrogels for Cartilage Repair

BACKGROUND

Cartilage tissue engineering requires scaffolds with superior rheological properties. Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAm)-based scaffolds possess many desirable properties required for tissue regeneration. However, insufficient mechanical, strength, biocompatibility, and biomimicry hinder their application in tissue regeneration.

Researchers at the University of Calgary have developed a novel method to synthesize thermo-responsive, smart hydrogels consisting of an interpenetrating polymer network of amorphized cellulose grafted in PNIPAm, which results in superior mechanical properties and increased expression of chondrogenic markers.

Cellulose is the most abundant naturally occurring polymer; it is renewable and biodegradable, and suitable for various biomedical applications. This invention uses a simple treatment to modulate the crystallinity of cellulose, which allows to adjust the biocompatibility and viscoelasticity of the hybrid microgels, resulting in smart hydrogels that more closely resemble the natural cartilage. The novel synthesis is also more sustainable, reducing up to 97% of carbon emissions associated with production, in less toxic and environment friendly conditions.

AREAS OF APPLICATION 

• This microgel scaffold can provide an excellent biocompatible microenvironment for cartilage tissue engineering.
• This microgel can be used as a carrier for the target-specific delivery of encapsulated drugs.

COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGES

• Safe and environment friendly method suitable for biomedical applications.
• Porous, mechanically robust, and suitable for cartilage tissue engineering.

PUBLICATIONS AND RESOURCES

• Journal publications
  • Rana MM et al. (2021). Effects of synthesis-solvent polarity on the physiochemical and rheological properties of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAm) hydrogels. Journal of Materials Research and Technology 13: 769-786.
  • Rana MM et al. (2022). A greener route for smart PNIPAm microgel synthesis using a bio-based synthesis solvent. European Polymer Journal
  • Rana MM & Siegler H. (2022). Influence of ionic liquid (IL) treatment conditions in the regeneration of cellulose with different crystallinity. Journal of Materials Research 38: 328-336.
• Researcher Profile: Dr. Hector De la Hoz Siegler
• Lab Website: Innovations in Advanced Materials and Bioprocess Development Laboratory