A novel designed chitosan based hydrogelwhich is capable of consecutively controlled release of TGF-Beta 1 and BMP-7

Abstract

Objective: Both Bone Morphogenetic Protein 7 (BMP-7) and Transforming Growth Factor Beta 1 (TGF-ß1) have stimulating effects on chondrocyte proliferation. These growth factors act at different time points of the biological repair process. We aimed to design a hydrogel, which would enable consecutive controlled release of the growth factors. Material and Methods: We designed a chitosan particle impregnated Poly (vinylalcohol) (PVA)-borax hydrogel (CPBH). CPBH allowed controlled release of BMP-7 and TGF-ß1 at different time points. Hydrogel structure was analyzed by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The release kinetics of Growth Factors (GFs) were determined with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and UV-spectrophotometer. Chondrocyte viability and toxicity were tested through CellTiter 96® Non-Radioactive Cell Proliferation (MTS) ELISA. Results: The designed hydrogel showed high swelling and mucoadhesion characteristics under acidic conditions. CPBH released BMP-7 first and rapidly and TGF-ß1 consecutively and slowly. It also allowed controlled release of protein/peptide based drugs for 21 days without altering their bioactive properties. At the end of 21 days, 82.62% of BMP-7 and 98.34% of TGF-ß1 were consecutively released. The difference between the groups was significant (for TGF-ß1, p<0.05 and for BMP-7, p<0.001). Conclusion: The controlled and slow release of growth factors has been shown to be beneficial on cartilage regeneration. As it is not cytotoxic, we suggest that this hydrogel might be used in medical and pharmaceutical applications areas. © 2013 by Türkiye Klinikleri.