A reinforced nanofibrous patch with biomimetic mechanical properties and chondroinductive effect for rotator cuff tissue engineering. (March 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Chen, C.; Zhu, J.; Chen, J.; Yu, F.; Huang, K.; Jiang, J.; Zhu, T.; Mo, X.; Zhao, J.
• Is Part Of: Materials today chemistry. Volume 23(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-03
• Subjects: Rotator cuff re-tear -- Tendon-bone healing -- Elasticity -- Tensile properties -- Kartogenin -- Chondrogenesis; Chemistry -- Periodicals; Materials -- Research -- Periodicals; Materials science -- Periodicals; Chemistry; Materials -- Research; Electronic journals; Periodicals; 660.282
• DOI: 10.1016/j.mtchem.2021.100655
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2468-5194

Abstract

Abstract: Patch augmented surgery has been a feasible technique for rotator cuff repair. An ideal rotator cuff tissue engineering patch should have proper mechanical properties to match the native tendons and sufficient biological effect to promote tendon-bone healing. In this study, kartogenin (KGN)-grafted poly (ether-ester-urethane)urea/gelatin composite nanofibrous patches (PEEUU-GEL-KGN) were fabricated via electrospinning process followed by crosslinking of GEL and covalent grafting of KGN. The optimized PEEUU-GEL-KGN nanofibrous patches exhibited biomimetic mechanical properties, including sufficient tensile strength, non-linear stress-strain profiles, and remarkable elasticity and cyclical properties. In vitro investigations revealed that the patches possessed outstanding biocompatibility and performed a sustained release of KGN for a long time. Modification with GEL and KGN significantly improved hydrophilicity of the patches, promoted the adhesion, spreading, and proliferation of mesenchymal stem cells and upregulated the expression of cartilage-related genes. In vivo studies demonstrated that the implanted PEEUU-GEL-KGN patches effectively improved the tissue cellularity and collagen alignment, accelerated the fibrocartilage regeneration, augmented the biomechanical strength of the repaired enthesis, and reinforced the fixing of the tendon to the bone. Overall, the PEEUU-GEL-KGN patches enhanced tendon-bone healing and resisted rotator cuff re-tear. Therefore, the PEEUU-GEL-KGN patch is a highly promising candidate for rotator cuff tissue engineering. Graphical abstract: Image 1 Highlights: Elastic poly(ether-ester-urethane)urea (PEEUU) and rigid gelatin were fabricated into composite nanofibrous patches. The gelatin was crosslinked and kartogenin (KGN) was covalently grafted. The optimized PEEUU-GEL-KGN nanofibrous patches had biomimetic mechanical properties. The PEEUU-GEL-KGN patches significantly promoted tendon-bone healing. The PEEUU-GEL-KGN patches significantly reduced the rotator cuff re-tear rate.