Authors: Giriraj Lokhande, James K. Carrow, Teena Thakur, Janet R. Xavier, Madasamy Parani, Kayla J. Bayless, Akhilesh K. Gaharwar
Summary: We report injectable nanoengineered hemostats for enhanced wound healing and tissue regeneration. The nanoengineered system consists of the natural polysaccharide, κ-carrageenan (κCA), loaded with synthetic two-dimensional (2D) nanosilicates. Nanoengineered hydrogels showed shear-thinning characteristics and can be injected for minimally invasive approaches. The injectable gels can be physically crosslinked in presence of monovalent ions to form mechanically strong hydrogels. By controlling the ratio between κCA and nanosilicates, compressive stiffness of crosslinked hydrogels can be modulated between 20 and 200 kPa. Despite high mechanical stiffness, nanocomposite hydrogels are highly porous with an interconnected network. The addition of nanosilicates to κCA increases protein adsorption on nanocomposite hydrogels that results in enhance cell adhesion and spreading, increase platelets binding and reduce blood clotting time. Moreover, due to presence of nanosilicates, a range of therapeutic biomacromolecules can be deliver in a sustain manner. The addition of nanosilicates significantly suppresses the release of entrap vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and facilitate in vitro tissue regeneration and wound healing. Thus, this multifunctional nanocomposite hydrogel can be used as an injectable hemostat and an efficient vehicle for therapeutic delivery to facilitate tissue regeneration.
Source:
Acta Biomaterialia, 2018