Síntese, caracterização e adesão celular de uma nova classe de hidrogéis injetáveis, termo sensíveis e biodegradáveis

Abstract

Hydrogels have been widely studied, especially as injectable materials for applications as biomaterials. These hydrogels may possess thermosensitive features near body temperature (LCST Lower Critical Solution Temperature around 37ºC), rapid gelation, carry drugs, cells or cell growth factors. The current challenge is to make these materials biodegradables and mechanical properties optimized for their use in cardiac tissue engineering. The aim of this study was to synthesize hydrogels of poly(N-iropropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm) from a new class of macromer consisting of 2-hydroxyethyl methacylate (HEMA), poly(L-co-D,L lactic acid) and trimethylene carbonate (PLDLA-co-TMC) in order to give the hydrogel biodegradation characteristics and mechanical properties suitable for future applications in cardiac tissue engineering. Hydrogels were synthesized by free radical polymerization, the macromer having concentrations ranging from 5%, 10% and 15% (w/w) to evaluate the influence in chemical, mechanical and thermal properties. Macroscopic evaluation showed that the hydrogels exhibit characteristics of injectable and thermosensibility. Swelling tests showed swelling hydrogels with absorption of 20, 29 and 63% of water for compositions. Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR 13C e 1H) confirmed the copolymerization of HEMA with PLDLA-co-TMC as well as the copolymerization of hydrogel PNIPAAm-co-AAc-co-HEMAPLDLA-co-TMC. Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) corroborated the data found in (NMR 13C e 1H). Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) showed a glass transition temperature of 114ºC, 130ºC and 98ºC for hydrogels, near those found in literature, moreover, showed the LCST for samples at 29ºC, 30ºC and 24ºC, temperatures being lower than 37ºC, indicating these hydrogels may be used in the human body. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed hydrogels without interconnected pores. Mechanical tensile tests showed hydrogels with Young s Modulus of 531, 922 and 725 kPa, and over 500% strain in all synthesized compositions. Degradation of materials followed by weight loss and gel permeation chromatography (GPC) demonstrated stability of hydrogel during first 4 weeks and after 10 weeks showed the onset of weight loss. Finally, the biological interactions assays showed the material as cytocompatible and non-toxic to Vero cells. Thus, the synthesized hydrogels are promising for future applications in cells carriers for tissue engineering.