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ABSTRACT: Glycosaminoglycans and its derivatives have gained increasing attention for the fabrication of hydrogels usable in biomedicine. Starting from high molecular weight hyaluronan, a natural glycosaminoglycan that forms a mayor component of the native extracellular matrix, we present an efficient phase-transfer-based synthesis for low molecular weight hyaluronan acrylates with a tailored degree of substitution (DS) ranging up to DS values of 1.7. The ability of these compounds to form dimensionally stable hydrogels was proven using different photo-initiator systems.
Carbohydrate polymers. 04/2013; 93(2):438-41.
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ABSTRACT: Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) in the extracellular matrix (ECM) have multiple functions in tissues including providing support, mediating cell division and differentiation, and taking part in important interactions with proteins, e.g. growth factors. Studying GAG related interactions is inherently difficult and requires suitable interaction platforms. We show two strategies to covalently couple the GAG chondroitin sulfate (CS) to supported lipid bilayers (SLBs), either by (a) activating carboxy-functionalized phospholipids in the lipid bilayer, followed by the addition of hydrazide-functionalized CS, or by (b) activating naturally occurring carboxyl groups on CS prior to addition to an amino-functionalized SLB. Bilayer formation and subsequent immobilization was followed in real-time using the Quartz Crystal Microbalance with Dissipation monitoring, a technique that provides unique information when studying highly hydrated molecular films. The two strategies yielded thin CS films (in the nanometer range) with similar viscoelastic properties. Fluidity of the lipid bilayer was retained when CS was coupled. The application of the CS interaction platform was exemplified for type I collagen and the bone inducing growth factor bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2). The addition of collagen to immoblized CS resulted in soft layers whereas layers formed by addition of BMP-2 were denser, independent on the immobilization strategy used.
Journal of Colloid and Interface Science 08/2012; · 3.07 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Natural glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) and chemically modified GAG derivatives are known to support osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC). This effect has mainly been described to be mediated by increasing the effectiveness of bone anabolic growth factors such as bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) due to the binding and presentation of the growth factor or by modulating its signal transduction pathway. In the present study, the influence of chondroitin sulfate (CS) and two chemically over-sulfated CS derivatives on osteogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stromal cells (hMSC) and on BMP-2 and transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) signalling was investigated. Over-sulfated CS derivatives induced an increase of tissue non-specific alkaline phosphatase (TNAP) activity and calcium deposition, whereas collagen synthesis was slightly decreased. The BMP-2-induced Smad1/5 activation was inhibited in the presence of over-sulfated CS derivatives leading to a loss of BMP-2-induced TNAP activity and calcium deposition. In contrast, the TGF-β1-induced activation of Smad2/3 and collagen synthesis were not affected by the over-sulfated CS derivatives. BMP-2 and TGF-β1 did not activate the extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 or mitogen-activated protein kinase p38 in hMSC. These data suggest that over-sulfated CS derivatives themselves are able to induce osteogenic differentiation, probably independent of BMP-2 and TGF-β1 signalling, and offer therefore an interesting approach for the improvement of bone healing. J. Cell. Physiol. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Journal of Cellular Physiology 06/2012; · 3.87 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Sulfated glycosaminoglycans (GAG) are multifunctional components of the extracellular matrix and are involved in the regulation of adhesion, proliferation and differentiation of cells. The effects of GAG are mediated in general by their interactions with cations and water, and in particular by their binding to growth factors. The aim of this study was to generate artificial extracellular matrices (aECM) containing collagen I and hyaluronan sulfate (HyaS), which are capable of adsorbing and releasing transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1), and to promote collagen synthesis of cultured human mesenchymal stromal cells (hMSC). For the preparation of aECM, monosulfated Hya (HyaS1) or trisulfated Hya (HyaS3) were used; the natural chondroitin-4-sulfate was used as a control. As applied for the in vitro experiments, the resulting matrices were composed of 93-98% collagen I and 2-7% GAG derivative. Adsorption of TGF-β1 to the aECM and release from the aECM was dependent on the degree of sulfation of hyaluronan. Collagen synthesis of hMSC was promoted only by aECM with adsorbed TGF-β1; the bare aECM had a slightly inhibitory effect on collagen synthesis. The promoting effect did not correlate either to the amount of adsorbed TGF-β1 nor to the release of TGF-β1, indicating that the correct presentation of TGF-β1 to the cells might be critical. The results indicate that sulfated hyaluronan-containing aECM have the potential to control both the adsorption and release of TGF-β1, and thereby promote collagen synthesis of hMSC. Thus, these aECM might be a useful tool for different tissue-engineering applications to enhance bone formation when used for biomaterial coating.
Acta biomaterialia 10/2011; 8(2):659-66. · 3.98 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Sulfated glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) display various biological effects which are strongly influenced by the degree of sulfation and the position of sulfate groups within the polymer. Hyaluronan, a non-sulfated GAG, represents a readily accessible educt to synthesize structural analogues of sulfated GAGs mimicking their biological activity. Different strategies were developed and evaluated to synthesize hyaluronan sulfates with a free primary hydroxyl group at C-6' and sulfated secondary hydroxyl groups. Applying selective desulfation methods of high-sulfated hyaluronan by means of silylating agents, products regioselectively desulfated at the primary C-6' but also partly the C-4' position were obtained. A pathway using benzoyl ester protecting groups to block the primary hydroxyl function of Hya during the sulfation resulted in a high-sulfated product, functionalized only at the secondary hydroxyl groups.
Macromolecular Symposia 11/2010; 296(1):446 - 452.
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ABSTRACT: Glycosaminoglycans (GAG) and proteoglycans, which are components of the extracellular bone matrix, are also localized in and at the membrane of osteoblasts and in the pericellular matrix. Due to their interaction with several growth factors, water and cations these molecules play an important role in regulating proliferation and differentiation of osteoblasts and bone development. The aim of this study was to assess in vitro the effects of two chemically sulfated hyaluronan (HyaS) derivatives on the proliferation of rat calvarial osteoblasts and to compare with those of native hyaluronan (Hya) and natural sulfated GAG such as chondroitin-4-sulfate (C4S), chondroitin-6-sulfate (C6S), dermatan sulfate (DS) and heparan sulfate (HS). Moderately and highly sulfated HyaS derivatives caused a time-dependent reduction of osteoblast proliferation. The anti-proliferative effect of HyaS was accompanied by a cell cycle arrest in the G1 phase, but was not associated with cell death. Whereas non-sulfated high molecular weight (HMW)- and low molecular weight (LMW)-Hya as well as C4S, C6S, DS and HS showed no effect on the cell proliferation.
Glycoconjugate Journal 11/2009; 27(1):151-8. · 2.12 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Polysaccharide hydrogels have become increasingly studied as matrices in soft tissue engineering because of their known cytocompatibility. In this work cross-linkable dextran methacrylates and hyaluronan methacrylate were synthesized and their transformation into stable hydrogels was studied. The in vitro degradation behaviour of the formed hydrogels could be controlled by the polysaccharide structure and the cross-linking density. Under in vitro conditions, the formed gels had no cytotoxic effects against fibroblasts, but cells could adhere only inefficiently in long term experiments. The use of composite gels improved the adherence of cells. Different scaffold architectures were studied including porous structures and perforated gel layers. Selected hydrogels were examined in an in vivo pilot study using a rabbit model to evaluate their biocompatibility, stability and degradation. No signs of inflammation were seen and with prolonged duration the material was degraded and lacunas were formed by immigrating or ingrowing cells. Optimizing their mechanical properties, the formed hydrogels represent promising candidates as matrices for soft tissue reconstruction.
Biomolecular Engineering 12/2007; 24(5):496-504. · 3.17 Impact Factor
