Evaluation of Microparticle Hydrogels In An In Vivo Subcutaneous Model

St. Martin, Brittany

Graduate Thesis Or Dissertation

Evaluation of Microparticle Hydrogels In An In Vivo Subcutaneous Model Public Deposited

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Citeable URL: https://scholar.colorado.edu/concern/graduate_thesis_or_dissertations/pg15bg02m

Abstract

Hydrogel scaffolds are currently being explored as possible methods to aid in tissue regeneration and regrowth. Hyaluronic acid (HA)-based scaffolds are biocompatible and promote cell growth, but unfortunately, they also degrade rapidly (within weeks to months) following in vivo implantation in subcutaneous models, prior to substantial regrowth. To overcome challenges in implant longevity, we explored a possible tissue scaffold solution using HA crosslinked with polyethylene glycol diacrylate (PEGDA) hydrogels that were additionally augmented with decellularized microparticles of native tissue extracellular matrix. To study the in vivo response and compare between decellularized tissue types—skin, cartilage, adipose, and skeletal muscle—the hydrogels were implanted subcutaneously in a murine model for one and three months. We found that after both one and three months, the hydrogels containing decellularized particles persisted longer than HA/PEGDA alone (particle-free controls), with the exception of skin particles at one month. Of the surviving gels after one month in vivo, all hydrogels with decellularized tissue, except for skeletal muscle samples, had a larger volume retention percentage from the original volume than the control gels. After three months, adipose and cartilage tissue hydrogels had a larger volume retention than the controls. Additionally, it was found that the cellular infiltration distance into the hydrogel was higher for gels containing tissue particles compared to controls. We additionally observed minimal angiogenesis in all hydrogel types, with comparatively more angiogenesis quantified in hydrogels augmented with skeletal muscle particles. These results demonstrate that the inclusion of decellularized tissue particles in HA/PEGDA hydrogels increases implant survival and recellularization, proving valuable in aiding tissue regeneration by acting as a long-lasting cellular scaffold for regrowth.

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