Hydrogels obtained from combining different polymers are an interesting strategy for developing controlled release system platforms and tissue engineering scaffolds. In this study, the... Show moreHydrogels obtained from combining different polymers are an interesting strategy for developing controlled release system platforms and tissue engineering scaffolds. In this study, the applicability of sodium alginate-g-(QCL-co-HEMA) hydrogels for these biomedical applications was evaluated. Hydrogels were synthesized by free-radical polymerization using a different concentration of the components. The hydrogels were characterized by Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and a swelling degree. Betamethasone release as well as the in vitro cytocompatibility with chondrocytes and fibroblast cells were also evaluated. Scanning electron microscopy confirmed the porous surface morphology of the hydrogels in all cases. The swelling percent was determined at a different pH and was observed to be pH-sensitive. The controlled release behavior of betamethasone from the matrices was investigated in PBS media (pH = 7.4) and the drug was released in a controlled manner for up to 8 h. Human chondrocytes and fibroblasts were cultured on the hydrogels. The MTS assay showed that almost all hydrogels are cytocompatibles and an increase of proliferation in both cell types after one week of incubation was observed by the Live/Dead(R) assay. These results demonstrate that these hydrogels are attractive materials for pharmaceutical and biomedical applications due to their characteristics, their release kinetics, and biocompatibility. Show less
Articular cartilage is a connective tissue structure that is found in anatomical areas that are important for the movement of the human body. Osteoarthritis is the ailment that most often affects... Show moreArticular cartilage is a connective tissue structure that is found in anatomical areas that are important for the movement of the human body. Osteoarthritis is the ailment that most often affects the articular cartilage. Due to its poor intrinsic healing capacity, damage to the articular cartilage is highly detrimental and at present the reconstructive options for its repair are limited. Tissue engineering and the science of nanobiomaterials are two lines of research that together can contribute to the restoration of damaged tissue. The science of nanobiomaterials focuses on the development of different nanoscale structures that can be used as carriers of drugs / cells to treat and repair damaged tissues such as articular cartilage. This review article is an overview of the composition of articular cartilage, the causes and treatments of osteoarthritis, with a special emphasis on nanomaterials as carriers of drugs and cells, which reduce inflammation, promote the activation of biochemical factors and ultimately contribute to the total restoration of articular cartilage. Show less
