Elena Diana Giol

CHAPTER 4:Stimuli-Responsive Hydrogels for Tissue Engineering

Stimuli-responsive hydrogels have gained ample attention for tissue engineering (TE) applications due to their capability to respond to changes in external physical or chemical stimuli and as they mimic extracellular matrices. In the current chapter, the fabrication methods as well as the physicochemical properties of stimuli-responsive hydrogels are presented. Insights reporting the influence of materials properties on cell functions such as cell proliferation, migration and differentiation are also provided. Moreover, recent progress in the development of smart hydrogels made of natural and synthetic polymers together with a future outlook on the concomitant potential and challenges of smart hydrogel applications as TE scaffolds are presented.

Endothelialization and Anticoagulation Potential of Surface‐Modified PET Intended for Vascular Applications

In vascular tissue engineering, great attention is paid to the immobilization of biomolecules onto synthetic grafts to increase bio- and hemocompatibility-two critical milestones in the field. The surface modification field of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET), a well-known vascular-graft material, is matured and oversaturated. Nevertheless, most developed methods are laborious multistep procedures generally accompanied by coating instability or toxicity issues. Herein, a straightforward surface modification procedure is presented engineered to simultaneously promote surface endothelialization and anticoagulation properties via the covalent immobilization of gelatin through a photoactivated azide derivative. A complete physicochemical characterization and biological study including cytotoxicity and endotoxin testing are performed. In addition, biocompatibility toward small (diameter ≤ 6 mm) and/or large caliber (diameter ≥ 6 mm) vessels is assessed by micro- and macrovascular endothelial cell assays. Superior bio- and hemocompatibility properties are seen for the gelatin-covalently modified PET surfaces compared to the conventional surface-modification procedures based on physisorption.

The fine line in tuning haemo- and bio-compatibility via surface modification: case study of gelatin-PET systems

Abstracts from the XLII Congress of the European Society for Artificial Organs, 2-5 September 2015, Leuven, Belgium.