Development of tissue based biomaterials for articular cartilage injuries

Abstract

Multiple biomaterials have been developed in this work. Decellularized porcine diaphragm extracellular matrix was homogenized and supplemented with various biomodulatory agents. It was developed as an injectable material with possible applications in mitigation of posttraumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA). Optimizing polycaprolactone and lecithin electrospun nanofibers for increased reproducibility was studied. A neutral pH liquid porcine collagen type I solution was developed for two separate projects including development of collagen microspheres (CMs) and 3D printed scaffolds. The main focus of this dissertation is on the development of CMs. The CMs were fabricated by emulsifying the liquid collagen solution in a water-in-oil emulsion. Characterization of the CMs through electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, and biocompatibility analysis were conducted. The CMs were then investigated as a potential targeted PTOA mitigating agents by conjugating targeting antibodies on CMs to bind to damaged articular cartilage. CMs were also laden with mesenchymal stem cell and studied in culture over 2 weeks. The targeted CMs successfully bound to damaged cartilage and were able to mitigate reactive oxygen species production from interleukin-1beta stimulated human chondrocyte cells with addition of anti-inflammatory agent, curcumin. Finally, use of the developed liquid collagen as a potential bioink for 3D printing was investigated.