The effects of different crossing-linking conditions of genipin on type I collagen scaffolds: an in vitro evaluation

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the properties of fabricating rat tail type I collagen scaffolds cross-linked with genipin under different conditions. The porous genipin cross-linked scaffolds are obtained through a two step freeze-drying process. To find out the optimal cross-link condition, we used different genipin concentrations and various cross-linked temperatures to prepare the scaffolds in this study. The morphologies of the scaffolds were characterized by scanning electron microscope, and the mechanical properties of the scaffolds were evaluated under dynamic compression. Additionally, the cross-linking degree was assessed by ninhydrin assay. To investigate the swelling ratio and the in vitro degradation of the collagen scaffold, the tests were also carried out by immersion of the scaffolds in a PBS solution or digestion in a type I collagenase respectively. The morphologies of the non-cross-linked scaffolds presented a lattice-like structure while the cross-linked ones displayed a sheet-like framework. The morphology of the genipin cross-linked scaffolds could be significantly changed by either increasing genipin concentration or the temperature. The swelling ratio of each cross-linked scaffold was much lower than that of the control (non-cross-linked).The ninhydrin assay demonstrated that the higher temperature and genipin concentration could obviously increase the cross-linking efficiency. The in vitro degradation studies indicated that genipin cross-linking can effectively elevate the biostability of the scaffolds. The biocompatibility and cytotoxicity of the scaffolds was evaluated by culturing rat chondrocytes on the scaffold in vitro and by MTT. The results of MTT and the fact that the chondrocytes adhered well to the scaffolds demonstrated that genipin cross-linked scaffolds possessed an excellent biocompatibility and low cytotoxicity. Based on these results, 0.3 % genipin concentrations and 37 °C cross-linked temperatures are recommended.     

Preparation and characterization of a thermostable and biodegradable biopolymers using natural cross-linker

The present study describes preparation and characterization of a thermally stable and biodegradable biopolymer using collagen and a natural polymer, alginic acid (AA). Required concentration of alginic acid and collagen was optimized and the resulting biopolymer was characterized for, degree of cross-linking, mechanical strength, thermal stability, biocompatibility (toxicity) and biodegradability. Results reveal, the degree of cross-linking of alginic acid (at 1.5% concentration) with collagen was calculated as 75%, whereas it was 83% with standard cross-linking agent, glutaraldehyde (at 1.5% concentration). The AA cross-linked biopolymer was stable up to 245°C and Exhibits 5-6-fold increase in mechanical (tensile) strength compared to plain collagen (native) materials. However, glutaraldehyde cross-linked material exhibits comparatively less thermal stability and brittle in nature (low tensile strength). With regard to cell toxicity, no cytotoxicity was observed for AA cross-linked material when tested with mesenchymal cells and found degradable when treated with collagenase enzyme. The nature of bonding pattern and the reason for thermal stability of AA cross-linked collagen biopolymer was discussed in detail with the help of bioinformatics. A supplementary file on efficacy of AACC as a wound dressing material is demonstrated in detail with animal model studies.     

Inhibition of deleterious chronic wound enzymes with plant polyphenols

The chronic wound environment is characterized by high concentrations of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and elevated levels of myeloperoxidase (MPO) and collagenases, together impairing the healing process. Therefore, the management of chronic wounds at a molecular level requires the synergistic use of antioxidants, MPO and collagenase inhibitors to simultaneously target multiple factors from wound pathogenesis. In this study, a polyphenolic extract from Hamamelis virginiana plant, rich in condensed and hydrolysable oligomeric tannins, was evaluated as an inhibitor of MPO and collagenase. In addition to efficient scavengers of radical and non-radical reactive species, H. virginiana polyphenols were found to act as substrates in the MPO peroxidase cycle, preventing the accumulation of ROS in the chronic wound site. Furthermore, it was also found that the plant exerts an irreversible inhibitory effect on collagenase activity (IC₅₀ = 75 ± 10 μg/mL).     

Genipin cross-linked alginate-chitosan microcapsules: membrane characterization and optimization of cross-linking reaction

The genipin cross-linked alginate-chitosan (GCAC) microcapsule, composed of an alginate core and a genipin cross-linked chitosan membrane, was recently proposed for live cell encapsulation and other delivery applications. This article for the first time describes the details of the microcapsule membrane characterization using a noninvasive and in situ method without any physical or chemical modifications on the samples. Results showed that the cross-linking reaction generated the fluorescent chitosan-genipin conjugates. The cross-linked chitosan membrane was clearly visualized by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). A straightforward assessment on the membrane thickness and relative intensity was successfully achieved. CLSM studies showed that the shell-like cross-linked chitosan membranes of approximately 37 microm in thickness were formed surrounding the microcapsule. The reaction variables, including cross-linking temperature and time significantly affected the fluorescence intensity of the membranes. Elevating the cross-linking temperature from 4 to 37 degrees C drastically intensified the membrane fluorescence, suggesting the attainment of a high degree of cross-linking on the chitosan membrane. Extended cross-linking time altered the cross-linked membranes in modulation. Although genipin concentration and cross-linking time had little effects on the membrane thickness, cross-linking at higher temperatures tended to form relatively thinner membranes.     

Preparation and evaluation of decellularized porcine carotid arteries cross-linked by genipin: the preliminary results

Decellularized arteries have been considered as promising scaffolds for small-diameter vascular substitutes. However, weakened mechanical properties, immunological rejection and rapid degradation after transplantation still exist after decellularization. Previous studies indicated that genipin cross-linking can solve these problems. Therefore, genipin was selected as the cross-linking agent for the pre-treatment of decellularized arteries in our study. Histological analysis, scanning electron microscopy, mechanical properties analysis and subcutaneous embedding experiment were adopted to investigate the efficiency of decellularization and the effect of genipin cross-linking on improving mechanical, structural and biological properties of decellularized arteries. Decellularization protocols based on three trypsin concentrations were used to prepare decellularized arteries, after decellularization, arteries were cross-linked with genipin. Results showed that 0.5% trypsin was the most efficient concentration to remove cellular components and preserve ECM. However, mechanical properties of 0.5% trypsin decellularized arteries weakened significantly, while genipin cross-linking improved mechanical properties of decellularized arteries to the same level as fresh arteries. After 4 weeks subcutaneous embedding, cross-linked arteries caused the mildest inflammatory response. In conclusion, genipin could be employed as an ideal cross-linking agent to strengthen mechanical properties, enhance the resistance to degradation and reduce the antigenicity of decellularized arteries for small-diameter blood vessel tissue engineering applications.     

Native cross-links in collagen fibrils induce resistance to human synovial collagenase.

A model system consisting of highly purified lysyl oxidase and reconstituted lathyritic chick bone collagen fibrils was used to study the effect of collagen cross-linking on collagen degradation by mammalian collagenase. The results indicate that synthesis of approx. 0.1 Schiff-base cross-link per collagen molecule results in a 2--3-fold resistance to human synovial collagenase when compared with un-cross-linked controls or samples incubated in the presence of beta-aminopropionitrile to inhibit cross-linking. These results confirm previous studies utilizing artificially cross-linked collagens, or collagens isolated as insoluble material after cross-linking in vivo, and suggest that increased resistance to collagenase may be one of the earliest effects of cross-linking in vivo. The extent of intermolecular cross-linking among collagen fibrils may provide a mechanism for regulating the rate of collagen catabolism relative to synthesis in normal and pathological conditions.     

Collagen cross-linking. Isolation of cross-linked peptides from collagen of chicken bone

Cross-linked peptides were isolated from chicken bone collagen that had been digested with CNBr or with bacterial collagenase. Analyses of (3)H radioactivity in disc electrophoretic profiles of the CNBr peptides from bone collagens that had been treated with NaB(3)H indicated that a major site of intermolecular cross-linking in chicken bone collagen is located between the carboxy-terminal region of an alpha1 chain and a small CNBr peptide, probably situated near the amino-terminus of an alpha1 or alpha2 chain in an adjacent collagen molecule. A small amount of this cross-linked CNBr peptide was isolated from a CNBr digest of chicken bone collagen by column chromatography. Amino acid analysis showed that the CNBr peptide, alpha1CB6B, the carboxy-terminal peptide of the alpha1 chain, was the major CNBr peptide in the preparation, and the reduced cross-linking components were identified as hydroxylysinohydroxynorleucine (HylOHNle), with a smaller amount of hydroxylysinonorleucine (HylNle). However, the composition and the low recovery of the cross-linking amino acids suggested that the preparation was a mixture of CNBr peptides alpha1CB6B and alpha1CB6B cross-linked to a small CNBr peptide whose identity could not be determined. A small cross-linked peptide was isolated from chicken bone collagen that had been reduced with NaB(3)H(4) and digested with bacterial collagenase. This peptide was the major cross-linked peptide in the digest and contained a stoicheiometric amount of the reduced cross-linking compounds. A peptide which had the same amino acid composition, but contained the cross-linking compounds in their reducible forms, was isolated from a collagenase digest of chicken bone collagen that had not been treated with NaBH(4). The absence of the reduced cross-links from this peptide indicates that, at least for the cross-linking site from which the peptide derives, natural reduction is not a significant pathway for biosynthesis of stable cross-links. However, most of the reducible cross-linking component in the peptide appeared to stabilize in the bone collagen by rearrangement from aldimine to ketoamine form.     

Collagen cross-linking with Au nanoparticles

Tiopronin (N-(2-mercaptopropionyl)glycine)-protected gold nanoparticles (TPAu) were cross-linked to collagen via EDC (1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethyl aminopropyl) carbodiimide) coupling. On average, each TPAu forms eight amide bonds with collagen lysine moieties. The resulting gels were studied with environmental SEM, TEM, micro-DSC, and TNBS assay. The porous structure of collagen was significantly altered by cross-linking, resulting in the reduction of the pore size from ca. 140 to <1 microm depending on the concentration of nanoparticles. The collagenase biodegradation assay showed improved stability of cross-linked material. The cell viability assay, CellTiter96, indicates that the gold nanoparticles are not toxic at the concentrations used in gel synthesis. This new material has potential for the delivery of small molecule drugs as well as Au nanoparticles for photothermal therapies, imaging, and cell targeting.     

Role of green tea polyphenols in the inhibition of collagenolytic activity by collagenase

Inhibitory effect of green tea polyphenols viz., catechin and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) on the action of collagenase against collagen has been probed in this study. Catechin and EGCG treated collagen exhibited 56 and 95% resistance, respectively, against collagenolytic hydrolysis by collagenase. Whereas direct interaction of catechin and EGCG with collagenase exhibited 70 and 88% inhibition, respectively, to collagenolytic activity of collagenase against collagen and the inhibition was found to be concentration dependent. The kinetics of inhibition of collagenase by catechin and EGCG has been deduced from the extent of hydrolysis of (2-furanacryloyl-L-leucyl-glycyl-L-prolyl-L-alanine), FALGPA. Both catechin and EGCG exhibited competitive mode of inhibition against collagenase. The change in the secondary structure of collagenase on treatment with catechin and EGCG has been monitored using circular dichroism spectropolarimeter. CD spectral studies showed significant changes in the secondary structure of collagenase on treatment with higher concentration of catechin and EGCG. Higher inhibition of EGCG compared to catechin has been attributed to the ability of EGCG to exhibit better hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interaction with collagenase.     

Chitosan nanogels by template chemical cross-linking in polyion complex micelle nanoreactors

Chitosan covalent nanogels cross-linked with genipin were prepared by template chemical cross-linking of chitosan in polyion complex micelle (PIC) nanoreactors. By using this method, we were able to prepare chitosan nanogels using only biocompatible materials without organic solvents. PIC were prepared by interaction between chitosan (X(n) = 23, 44, and 130) and block copolymer poly(ethylene oxide)-block-poly[sodium 2-(acrylamido)-2-methylpropanesulfonate] (PEO-b-PAMPS) synthesized by single-electron transfer-living radical polymerization (SET-LRP). PIC with small size (diameter about 50 nm) and low polydispersity were obtained up to 5 mg/mL. After cross-linking of chitosan with genipin, the nanoreactors were dissociated by adding NaCl. The dissociation of the nanoreactors and the formation of the nanogels were confirmed by (1)H NMR, DLS, and TEM. The size of the smallest nanogels was about 50 nm in the swollen state and 20 nm in the dry state. The amount of genipin used during reticulation was an important parameter to modulate the size of the nanogels in solution.     

Glycation cross-linking induced mechanical–enzymatic cleavage of microscale tendon fibers

Recent molecular modeling data using collagen peptides predicted that mechanical force transmitted through intermolecular cross-links resulted in collagen triple helix unwinding. These simulations further predicted that this unwinding, referred to as triple helical microunfolding, occurred at forces well below canonical collagen damage mechanisms. Based in large part on these data, we hypothesized that mechanical loading of glycation cross-linked tendon microfibers would result in accelerated collagenolytic enzyme damage. This hypothesis is in stark contrast to reports in literature that indicated that individually mechanical loading or cross-linking each retards enzymatic degradation of collagen substrates. Using our Collagen Enzyme Mechano-Kinetic Automated Testing (CEMKAT) System we mechanically loaded collagen-rich tendon microfibers that had been chemically cross-linked with sugar and tested for degrading enzyme susceptibility. Our results indicated that cross-linked fibers were > 5 times more resistant to enzymatic degradation while unloaded but became highly susceptible to enzyme cleavage when they were stretched by an applied mechanical deformation.     

可控性释放NGF的京尼平- 壳聚糖微球的研究

目的:在体外研究京尼平-壳聚糖微球可控性释放具有生物活性的神经生长因子的可行性。方法:采用"乳化-化学交联"技术制备包埋神经生长因子的京尼平-壳聚糖微球,京尼平为化学交联剂;应用扫描电镜、粒径分布、体外缓释动力学及细胞生物活性分别对微球的性能进行研究。结果:京尼平-壳聚糖微球表面光滑,平均粒径在5.1~50.5μm之间;京尼平的浓度可影响微球在体外释放神经生长因子的速度,经高浓度京尼平交联的微球能减缓并持续释放神经生长因子;此外,从京尼平-壳聚糖微球释放的神经生长因子可维持PC12细胞的生物活性,提高NGF生物利用率。结论:京尼平-壳聚糖微球能有效缓释具有生物活性的NGF超过14天,为神经退行性疾病的治疗提供一种治疗策略。     

The influence of exogenous cross-linking and compressive creep loading on intradiscal pressure

This study involves a biomechanical evaluation of a prospective injectable treatment for degenerative discs. The high osmolarity of the non-degenerated nucleus pulposus attracts water contributing to the hydrostatic behavior of the tissue. This intradiscal pressure is known to drop as fluid is exuded from the matrix due to compressive loading. The objective of this study was to compare the changes in intradiscal pressure in control and genipin cross-linked intervertebral discs. Thirty bovine lumbar motion segments were randomly divided into a phosphate-buffered saline control group and a 0.33% genipin group and soaked at room temperature for 2 days. A needle pressure sensor was held in the center of the disc while short-term and static creep compressive loads were applied. The control group demonstrated a 25% higher average intradiscal pressure compared to genipin-treated discs under 750 N compressive load (p=0.029). Depressurization during static compressive creep was 56% higher in the control than in the genipin group (p=0.014). These results suggest cross-linking induced changes in the poroelastic properties of the involved tissues affected the mechanics of compressive load support in the disc with lower levels of nucleus pressure, a corresponding decrease in the elastic expansion of the annulus, and an increased axial compressive loading of the inner and outer annulus tissues. It is possible that concurrent changes in hydraulic permeability and proteoglycan retention known to be associated with genipin cross-linking were also contributors to poroelastic changes. Reduction of peak pressures and moderation of pressure fluctuations could be beneficial relative to discogenic pain.     

Production of a biologically active epidermal growth factor fusion protein with high collagen affinity

Collagen is generally incapable of capturing polypeptides such as growth factors in a specific manner. In this study, we established a collagen-binding growth factor (FNCBD-EGF) consisting of epidermal growth factor (EGF) and the fibronectin collagen-binding domain. A typical yield of FNCBD-EGF was approximately 200 microg/ml culture in an Escherichia coli expression system. This fusion protein bound to gelatin and fibrillar collagen sponges, and the bound protein was not effectively eluted even with 2 M NaCl. In addition, FNCBD-EGF bound to type I, II, III, or IV collagen-coated plates, and the specificity of binding was confirmed by competitive inhibition using fibronectin. FNCBD-EGF substantially stimulated cell growth after binding to collagen-coated culture plates, whereas EGF had no effect, indicating that this fusion protein acted as a collagen-associated growth factor. In an animal model of impaired wound healing, FNCBD-EGF, but not EGF, was retained with collagen sponges at wound sites 4 d after implantation, and repair of epidermis was observed underneath the sponges. These results suggested that our fusion protein with high collagen affinity would be useful for wound healing.     

Collagen-based fibrillar multilayer films cross-linked by a natural agent

Surface functionalization plays an important role in the design of biomedical implants, especially when layer forming cells, such as endothelial or epithelial cells, are needed. In this study, we define a novel nanoscale surface coating composed of collagen/alginate polyelectrolyte multilayers and cross-linked for stability with genipin. This buildup follows an exponential growth regime versus the number of deposition cycles with a distinct nanofibrillar structure that is not damaged by the cross-linking step. Stability and cell compatibility of the cross-linked coatings were studied with human umbilical vein endothelial cells. The surface coating can be covered by a monolayer of vascular endothelial cells within 5 days. Genipin cross-linking renders the surface more suitable for cell attachment and proliferation compared to glutaraldehyde (more conventional cross-linker) cross-linked surfaces, where cell clumps in dispersed areas were observed. In summary, it is possible with the defined system to build fibrillar structures with a nanoscale control of film thickness, which would be useful for in vivo applications such as inner lining of lumens for vascular and tracheal implants.     

Nonviral vector loaded collagen sponges for sustained gene delivery in vitro and in vivo

Background

Naked DNA and standard vectors have previously been used for gene delivery from implantable carrier matrices with great potential for gene therapeutic assistance of wound healing or tissue engineering. We have previously developed copolymer‐protected gene vectors which are inert towards opsonization. Here we examine their potency in carrier‐mediated gene delivery in comparison to standard vectors using a vector‐loaded collagen sponge model.

Methods

Equine collagen type I sponges were loaded by a lyophilization method with naked DNA, polyethylenimine (PEI)‐DNA, DOTAP/cholesterol‐DNA and copolymer‐protected PEI‐DNA. These preparations were characterized in terms of vector‐release, cell growth on the matrices and reporter gene expression by cells colonizing the sponges in vitro and in vivo. Subcutaneous implantation of sponges in rats served as an in vivo model.

Results

At the chosen low vector dose, the loading efficiency was at least 86%. Naked DNA‐loaded collagen matrices lost 77% of the DNA dose in an initial burst in aqueous buffer in vitro. The other preparations examined displayed a sustained vector release. There was no difference in cell growth and invasion of the sponges between vector‐loaded and untreated collagen grafts. Reporter gene expression from cells colonizing the sponges in vitro was observed for not more than 7 days with naked DNA, whereas the lipoplex and polyplex preparations yielded long‐term expression throughout the experimental period of up to 56 days. The highest expression levels were achieved with the PEI‐DNA‐PROCOP (protective copolymer) formulation. Upon subcutaneous implantation in rats, no luciferase expression was detected with naked DNA preparations. DOTAP/cholesterol‐DNA and PEI‐DNA‐loaded implants lead to reporter gene expression for at least 3 days, but with poor reproducibility. PEI‐DNA‐PROCOP collagen matrices yielded consistently the highest reporter gene expression levels for at least 7 days with good reproducibility.

Conclusions

With the preparation method chosen, lipoplex‐ and polyplex‐loaded collagen sponges are superior in mediating sustained gene delivery in vitro and local transfection in vivo as compared to naked DNA‐loaded sponges. Protective copolymers are particularly advantageous in promoting the tranfection capacity of polyplex‐loaded sponges upon subcutaneous implantation, likely due to their stabilizing and opsonization‐inhibiting properties. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

     

Preparation of Chitosan Cryostructurates with Controlled Porous Morphology and Their Use as 3D-Scaffolds for the Cultivation of Animal Cells

The influence of the conditions of the formation of genipin cross-linked chitosan cryostructurates on the porous morphology and physicochemical properties of these cryostructurates and on the possibility of their use as biopolymer 3D scaffolds for tissue engineering was studied. The chitosan cryostructurates were obtained by freeze-drying a chitosan acetate solution, treating the resulting sponge with an alcohol solution of ammonia to transform the polyaminosaccharide from a salt into a chitosan-base, and then cross-linking the polymer with genipin (the molar ratios of genipin to the number of chitosan amino groups were 0.05, 0.033, and 0.02, respectively). The pore sizes, water-holding capacity, and in vitro biodegradation rate of the cryostructurates were shown to depend on the aforementioned ratio. The properties of the prepared chitosan cryostructurates, the hydrogels formed by chitosan cross-linking with genipin at positive temperatures, and the films cast from genipin-containing chitosan solutions after solvent evaporation were studied and compared. The biocompatibility of the obtained macroporous sponge materials was demonstrated using L929 mouse fibroblasts. Confocal laser microscopy showed that the cells in all of the 3D scaffolds obtained were evenly distributed; they grew and proliferated when cultured in vitro for seven days.     

Preparation of porcine small intestinal submucosa sponge and their application as a wound dressing in full-thickness skin defect of rat

Small intestinal submucosa (SIS) sponge was prepared by crosslinking with 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide hydrochloride (EDC). The prepared SIS sponges exhibited elastic and soft property on touch and were ease to handle. The SIS sponges have the pore diameter of 100-200 microm and an interconnective porous structure. The SIS sponges exhibited high water absorption ability over 8000%. The water uptake of SIS sponges decreased as SIS concentration used to manufacture SIS sponge increased. In wound healing test, SIS sponge attained uniform adherence to the wound surface. The SIS sponges absorbed higher extent of exudation for wound than that covered with Tegaderm as control. Wound area contracted above 80% at the 21st postoperative day. The SIS sponge treated wound was almost completely covered with a thin layer of epidermis at 4 weeks. In addition, the dermal collagen in the wound regenerated at only SIS sponges treated wounds. The progress of granulous tissue formation was faster in SIS sponges as wound dressing than in Tegaderm. In conclusion, we found that the SIS sponges might be a potential material as a wound dressing.     

Differential cross-linking and radio-protective effects of genipin on mature bovine and human patella tendons

Gamma irradiation is a proven sterilization method, but is not widely used on allografts for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (e.g., patella tendon) due to radiation-induced decreases in mechanical strength. Addressing this drawback would improve the safety and supply of allografts to meet current and future demand. It was hypothesized that genipin-induced collagen cross-linking would increase the tensile modulus of patella tendon tissue such that 5 MRad gamma irradiation would not reduce the tissue mechanical strength below the original untreated values. Optimized genipin treatment increased the tensile modulus of bovine tendons by ~2.4-fold. After irradiation, genipin treated tissue did not significantly differ from native tissue, proving the hypothesis. Optimized genipin treatment of human tendons increased the tensile modulus by ~1.3-fold. After irradiation, both control and genipin-treated tissues possessed ~50–60% of their native tendon modulus, disproving the hypothesis. These results highlight possible age- and species- dependent effects of genipin cross-linking on tendon tissue. Cross-linking of human allografts may be beneficial only in younger donor tissues. Future research is warranted to better understand the mechanisms and applications of collagen cross-linking for clinical use.     

Effect of topically applied beta-aminopropionitrile on granuloma tissue biochemistry

The effects of the percutaneous transport of vehicles and the transport of beta-amino-propionitrile (beta APN) in vehicles were studied in rats. The bioavailability of topically administered beta APN was determined by measuring the degree of collagen cross-linking inhibition in the underlying granuloma tissue. Granulomas were induced by subcutaneous implantation of polyvinylalcohol sponges. From the 4th to 12th days postimplantation, a 20 mg/cm2 dose of beta APN fumarate was applied. Vehicles employed included dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), urea, and occlusion. DMSO significantly enhanced the effect of beta APN in reducing the cross-linking of collagen. beta APN administered onto urea-pretreated skin and followed by occlusion in the granuloma tissue was more effective than beta APN in 30% DMSO, but only in the parameter reflecting extractibility of collagen into urea or thiocyanate solutions. The results suggest that beta APN administered topically in an appropriate vehicle penetrates the granuloma tissue and affects collagen polymerization. Though beta APN was topically administered, a systemic effect from the drug was evident, as documented by lower body weight of treated rats.