Acoustic Patterning of Growth Factor for Three-Dimensional Tissue Engineering.

Temporal and spatial presentations of biological cues are critical for tissue engineering. There is a great need in improving the incorporation of bioagent(s) (specifically growth factor(s) [GF(s)]) onto three-dimensional scaffolds. In this study, we developed a process to combine additive manufacturing (AM) technology with acoustic droplet ejection (ADE) technology to control GF distribution.

Functionally Graded, Bone- and Tendon-Like Polyurethane for Rotator Cuff Repair.

Critical considerations in engineering biomaterials for rotator cuff repair include bone-tendon-like mechanical properties to support physiological loading and biophysicochemical attributes that stabilize the repair site over the long-term. In this study, UV-crosslinkable polyurethane based on quadrol (Q), hexamethylene diisocyante (H), and methacrylic anhydride (M; QHM polymers), which are free of solvent, catalyst, and photoinitiator, is developed. Mechanical characterization studies demonstrate that QHM polymers possesses phototunable bone- and tendon-like tensile and compressive properties (12-74 MPa tensile strength, 0.

Synthesis and characterization of polycaprolactone urethane hollow fiber membranes as small diameter vascular grafts.

The design of bioresorbable synthetic small diameter (<6mm) vascular grafts (SDVGs) capable of sustaining long-term patency and endothelialization is a daunting challenge in vascular tissue engineering. Here, we synthesized a family of biocompatible and biodegradable polycaprolactone (PCL) urethane macromers to fabricate hollow fiber membranes (HFMs) as SDVG candidates, and characterized their mechanical properties, degradability, hemocompatibility, and endothelial development. The HFMs had smooth surfaces and porous internal structures.

Development and evaluation of elastomeric hollow fiber membranes as small diameter vascular graft substitutes.

Engineering of small diameter (<6mm) vascular grafts (SDVGs) for clinical use remains a significant challenge. Here, elastomeric polyester urethane (PEU)-based hollow fiber membranes (HFMs) are presented as an SDVG candidate to target the limitations of current technologies and improve tissue engineering designs. HFMs are fabricated by a simple phase inversion method.

Vascularization in bone tissue engineering constructs.

Vascularization of large bone grafts is one of the main challenges of bone tissue engineering (BTE), and has held back the clinical translation of engineered bone constructs for two decades so far. The ultimate goal of vascularized BTE constructs is to provide a bone environment rich in functional vascular networks to achieve efficient osseointegration and accelerate restoration of function after implantation. To attain both structural and vascular integration of the grafts, a large number of biomaterials, cells, and biological cues have been evaluated.

Hemocompatibility evaluation of small elastomeric hollow fiber membranes as vascular substitutes.

One of the main challenges for clinical implementation of small diameter vascular grafts (SDVGs) is their limited hemocompatibility. Important design specifications for such grafts include features that minimize the long-term risks of restenosis, fouling, and thrombus formation. In our lab, we have developed elastomeric hollow fiber membranes (HFMs), using a phase inversion method, as candidates for SDVGs.

Synthesis and characterization of novel elastomeric poly(D,L-lactide urethane) maleate composites for bone tissue engineering.

Here, we report the synthesis and characterization of a novel 4-arm poly(lactic acid urethane)-maleate (4PLAUMA) elastomer and its composites with nano-hydroxyapatite (nHA) as potential weight-bearing composite. The 4PLAUMA/nHA ratios of the composites were 1:3, 2:5, 1:2 and 1:1. FTIR and NMR characterization showed urethane and maleate units integrated into the PLA matrix.

In vitro evaluation of photo-crosslinkable chitosan-lactide hydrogels for bone tissue engineering.

Here we report the development and characterization of novel photo-crosslinkable chitosan-lactide (Ch-LA) hydrogels for bone tissue engineering. We synthesized the hydrogels based on Ch, LA, and methacrylic anhydride (MA), and examined their chemical structures, degradation rates, compressive moduli, and protein release kinetics. We also evaluated the cytotoxicity of the hydrogels and delivery efficacy of bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) on osteoblast differentiation and mineralization using W-20-17 preosteoblast mouse bone marrow stromal cells and C2C12 mouse myoblast cells.

The effect of rhBMP-2 and PRP delivery by biodegradable β-tricalcium phosphate scaffolds on new bone formation in a non-through rabbit cranial defect model.

This study evaluated whether the combination of biodegradable β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) scaffolds with recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) could accelerate bone formation and increase bone height using a rabbit non-through cranial bone defect model. Four non-through cylindrical bone defects with a diameter of 8-mm were surgically created on the cranium of rabbits. β-TCP scaffolds in the presence and absence of impregnated rhBMP-2 or PRP were placed into the defects.