Effects of oligo(3-hydroxyalkanoates) on the viability and insulin secretion of murine beta cells.

Biopolyesters of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), including poly-3-hydroxybutyrate (PHB), co-polyester of 3-hydroxybutyrate and 4-hydroxybutyrate (P3HB4HB), and co-polyester of 3-hydroxybutyrate and 3-hydroxyhexanoate (PHBHHx) have been well investigated for their biocompatibility. For in vivo application, it is very important that the degradation products of PHAs, especially the oligomers, are not harmful to the cells and surrounding tissues. In this study, in vitro effects of oligo(3-hydroxybutyrate) (OHB), oligo(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-4-hydroxybutyrate) (O3HB4HB) and oligo(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate) (OHBHHx) on growth and differentiation of the murine beta cell line NIT-1 were investigated.