Objective To explore a way to make a new kind of chitosan-basedmicrosphere (MS), which can be used as a novel biodegradable haemostatic powder, and to confirm its haemostatic efficiency. MethodsChitosan(CTS), a haemostatic polysaccharide, was selected as a main material for the haemostatic powder; alginate (ALG), another haemostatic polysaccharide that has been found to be effective in promoting haemostasis in surgical procedures, was selected to be thecostar. The emulsification and the cross-link were chosen as a preparation process based on the interaction between the polysaccharides. The diameter of the prepared MS was determined by SPOS, and the surface of MS was observed under SEM. The swelling characteristics of MS in the simulative wound efflusion were investigated. In a splenic bleeding model in 6 rabbits, MS and Yunnanbaiyao were randomly used as a haemostatic agent, and the corresponding bleeding time was recorded. Results The MS prepared in the above-mentioned process was well proportioned and was similarly shaped. It became a kind of white powder after dehydration, and had a coralloid surface under SEM. The diameter of the MS was 4.05±2.55 μm, which was determined by SPOS. The swelling ratio of the MS was 280.139% within 5 min. The bleeding time was significantly decreased in the MStreated group (2.83±0.17 min) when compared with that in the control group (5.33±0.49 min)(P＜0.01). Conclusion The CTS/ALG-MS, which is made from haemostatic biomaterials (CTS, ALG) by emulsification and the cross-link processes, can be provided with favorable haemostatic efficiency. It can be used as a novel haemostaticpowder.However, its biodegrading rate and mode still remain to be further studied.
Objective To investigate bio characteristics of bone stromal cells (MSC) in different concentrations of alginate combined with xenograft. Methods The configuration and secretion of MSC in different concentrations of alginate combined with xenograft were observed by scanning electron microscope and inverted microscope. Results When the concentration of alginate was 0.25% or 1%, alginate was equally combined in xenograft, 4% and 8% only on the surface of xenograft. After cultured for 4 days, alginate of 0.25# came off from xenograft. But alginate of 1% was equally combined in xenograft with cell secreting well in alginate. The growth of cells in alginate of 4% was restricted and no cell was seen in alginate of 8%. Conclusion Alginate of 1% is suitable fro constructing carrier of tissue engineering bone.
Objective To investigate tissue engineered spinal cord which was constructed of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) seeded on the chitosan-alginate scaffolds bridging the both stumps of hemi-transection spinal cord injury (SCI) in rats to repair the acute SCI. Methods BMSCs were separated and cultured from adult male SD rat. Chitosan-alginate scaffold was produced via freeze drying, of which the structure was observed by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and the toxicity was determined through leaching l iquor test. Tissue engineered spinal cord was constructed by seeding second passage BMSCs on the chitosan-alginate scaffolds (1 × 106/mL) in vitro and its biocompatibil ity was observed under SEM at 1, 3, and 5 days. Moreover, 40 adult female SD rats were made SCI models by hemi-transecting at T9 level, and were randomly divided into 4 groups (each group, n=10). Tissue engineered spinal cord or chitosan-alginate scaffolds or BMSCs were implanted in groups A, B, and C, respectively. Group D was blank control whose spinal dura mater was sutured directly. After 1, 2, 4, and 6 weeks of surgery, the functional recovery of the hindl imbs was evaluated by the Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan (BBB) locomotor rating score. Other indexes were tested by wheat germ agglutinin-horseradish peroxidase (WGA-HRP) retrograde tracing, HE staining and immunofluorescence staining after 6 weeks of surgery. Results Chitosan-alginate scaffold showed three-dimensional porous sponge structure under SEM. The cells adhered to and grew on the surface of scaffold, arranging in a directional manner after 3 days of co-culture. The cytotoxicity of chitosan-alginate scaffold was in grade 0-1. At 2, 4, and 6 weeks after operation, the BBB score was higher in group A than in other groups and was lower in group D than in other groups; showing significant differences (P lt; 0.05). At 4 and 6 weeks, the BBB score was higher in group B than in group C (P lt; 0.05). After 6 weeks of operation, WGA-HRP retrograde tracing indicated that there was no regenerated nerve fiber through the both stumps of SCI in each group. HE and immunofluorescence staining revealed that host spinal cord and tissue engineering spinal cord l inked much compactly, no scar tissue grew, and a large number of neurofilament 200 (NF-200) positive fibers and neuron specitic enolase (NSE) positive cells were detected in the lesioned area in group A. In group B, a small quantity of scar tissue intruded into non-degradative chitosan-alginate scaffold at the lesion area edge, and a few of NSE flourescence or NF-200 flourescence was observed at the junctional zone. The both stumps of SCI in group C or group D were filled with a large number of scar tissue, and NSE positive cells or NF-200 positive cells were not detected. Otherwise, there were obviously porosis at the SCI of group D. Conclusion The tissue engineered spinal cord constructed by multi-channel chitosan-alginate bioscaffolds and BMSCs would repair the acute SCI of rat. It would be widely appl ied as the matrix material in the future.
ObjectiveTo observe the growth characteristics of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUCMSCs) cultured on the alginate gel scaffolds and to explore the feasibility of hUCMSCs-alginate dressing for wound healing. MethodshUCMSCs were separated from human umbilical cords and cultured in vitro. After the 4th passage cells were co-cultured with alginate gel (experimental group), the cell growth characteristics were observed under the inverted phase contrast microscope. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) content was measured and the number of cells was counted at 0, 3, 6, and 9 days after culture; and the cell migration capacity was observed. The hUCMSCs were cultured without alginated gel as control. The model of full-thickness skin defects was established in 32 8-weekold Balb/c male mice and they were randomly divided into 4 groups (n=8): wounds were covered with hUCMSCsalginate gel compound (MSC-gel group), cell supernatants-alginate gel compound (CS-gel group), 10% FBS-alginate gel compound (FBS-gel group), and 0.01 mol/L PBS-alginate compound (PBS-gel group), respectively. Wound healing rates at 5, 10, and 15 days were observed and calculated; and the wound tissues were harvested for histological and immunohistochemical staining to assess new skin conditions at 15 days after operation. ResultshUCMSCs grew well with grape-like proliferation on the alginate gel, but no cell migration was observed at 7 days after cultivation. VEGF expression and cell number in experimental group were significantly less than those in control group at 3 days（P<0.05）; then they gradually increased, and VEGF expression and cell number were significantly more than those in control group at 9 days (P<0.05). The wound healing rates of MSC-gel and CS-gel groups were significantly higher than those of FBSgel and PBS-gel groups at 5, 10, and 15 days (P<0.05). The squamous epithelium, fibroblasts, sebaceous glands, capillaries and VEGF expression of the new skin in MSC-gel and CS-gel groups were significantly more than FBS-gel and PBS-gel groups (P<0.05). But there was no significance between MSC-gel and CS-gel groups (P>0.05). ConclusionhUCMSCs can continuously express VEGF in alginate gel, which is necessary for wound healing. The hUCMSCs-alginate compound is probably a good wound dressing.
ObjectiveTo summarize the current research status of alginate derivatives based on biomedical materials, and analyze several key points as novel clinical products. MethodsThe general preparation and application methods of alginate derivatives based on biomedical materials at home and abroad were reviewed. The present status and problems were analyzed. ResultsThe derivation methods to prepare alginate derivatives include crosslink, sulfation, biological factors derivatization, hydrophobic modification, and graft copolymerization. With excellent bionic performance of structure and properties, many alginate derivatives are available for tissue engineering scaffolds, artificial organs, and drug delivery systems etc. However, more systematic applied basic research data should be collected and statistically analyzed for risk managements. ConclusionAlginate derivatives have good feasibility as novel medical products, meanwhile, systematic evaluation and verification should be executed for their safety, effectiveness, and suitability.
Objective To investigate the application potential of alginate-strontium (Sr) hydrogel as an injectable scaffold material in bone tissue engineering. Methods The alginate-Sr/-calcium (Ca) hydrogel beads were fabricated by adding 2.0wt% alginate sodium to 0.2 mol/L SrCl2/CaCl2 solution dropwise. Microstructure, modulus of compression, swelling rate, and degradability of alginate-Sr/-Ca hydrogels were tested. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) were isolated from femoral bones of rabbits by flushing of marrow cavity. BMSCs at passage 5 were seeded onto the alginate-Sr hydrogel (experimental group) and alginate-Ca hydrogel (control group), and the viability and proliferation of BMSCs in 2 alginate hydrogels were assessed. The osteogenic differentiation of cells embeded in 2 alginate hydrogels was evaluated by alkaline phosphate (ALP) activity, osteoblast specific gene [Osterix (OSX), collagen type I, and Runx2] expression level and calcium deposition by fluorescent quantitative RT-PCR and alizarin red staining, Von Kossa staining. The BMSCs which were embeded in alginate-Ca hydrogel and cultured with common growth medium were harvested as blank control group. Results The micromorphology of alginate-Sr hydrogel was similar to that of the alginate-Ca hydrogel, with homogeneous pore structure; the modulus of compression of alginate-Sr hydrogel and alginate-Ca hydrogel was (186.53 ± 8.37) and (152.14 ± 7.45) kPa respectively, showing significant difference (t=6.853, P=0.002); there was no significant difference (t=0.737, P=0.502) in swelling rate between alginate-Sr hydrogel (14.32% ± 1.53%) and alginate-Ca hydrogel (15.25% ± 1.64%). The degradabilities of 2 alginate hydrogels were good; the degradation rate of alginate-Sr hydrogel was significantly lower than that of alginate-Ca hydrogel on the 20th, 25th, and 30th days (P lt; 0.05). At 1-4 days, the morphology of cells on 2 alginate hydrogels was spherical and then the shape was spindle or stellate. When three-dimensional cultured for 21 days, the DNA content of BMSCs in experimental group [(4.38 ± 0.24) g] was significantly higher than that in control group [(3.25 ± 0.21) g ] (t=8.108, P=0.001). On the 12th day after osteogenic differentiation, the ALP activity in experimental group was (15.28 ± 1.26) U/L, which was significantly higher than that in control group [(12.07 ± 1.12) U/L] (P lt; 0.05). Likewise, the mRNA expressions of OSX, collagen type I, and Runx2 in experimental group were significantly higher than those in control group (P lt; 0.05). On the 21th day after osteogenic differentiation, alizarin red staining and Von Kossa staining showed calcium deposition in 2 groups; the calcium nodules and phosphate deposition in experimental group were significantly higher than those in control group (P lt; 0.05). Conclusion Alginate-Sr hydrogel has good physicochemical properties and can promote the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs, so it is an excellent injectable scaffold material for bone tissue engineering.
Objective To compare the clinical effect between alginate calcium dressing and radix yarn dressing after anal fistula surgery. Methods A survey of 128 patients with anal fistula from April to October 2008 were studied. Patients were divided into two groups using a simple random method: 64 cases in therapy group which were treated with alginate calcium dressing and 64 cases in control group which were treated with traditional radix yarn dressing. The difference of the wound recovery indexes between two groups was compared.Results With regard to age, gender, anal fistula type, the proportion of preoperative diabetes and the diameter of wound, there was no statistical significance between therapy group and control group (Pgt;0.05). The proportion of slight pain during dressing change in therapy group (45.32%, 29/64) was more than control group (25.00%, 16/64), which had statistical significance (Pgt;0.05). The incidence of skin allergy was significantly different between two groups (29.69% vs. 60.94%, P＜0.05). Also, the rotten tissue and the soakage disappears with a shorter period, which both had statistical significance 〔(8.60±2.37) d vs. (12.22±3.29) d， (16.96±5.83) d vs. (22.02±5.90) d〕， Plt;0.05.Conclusion With the shorten of inflammatory and increment stage of the wound recovery, alginate calcium dressing is an ideal material for the postoperative duration of surgery of anal fistula.
ObjectiveTo analyze standards of alginate-based medical devices at home and abroad, and to emphasize key issues of quality control that should be concerned about.MethodsBased on investigation of alginate application in medical devices and alginate-related medical standards, alginate-related technical indicators and quality control points were comprehensively analyzed.ResultsWith the rapid development of alginate-based medical materials and medical devices, the relevant standards at home and abroad have been elaborated on the basic technical indicators and detection methods. In addition to Chinese Pharmacopoeia, China has issued one alginate standard for tissue engineering and three alginate related product standards.ConclusionConsidering the special physical and chemical properties of alginate, researchers also need to focus on the sterilization method, expiry date, molecular weight, and ratio of α-L-guluronic acid to β-D-mannuronic acid of alginate, and impurity content.
Objective To review the current situation of alginate-based biomedical materials, especially focus on the clinical strategies and research progress in the clinical applications and point out several key issues that should be concerned about. Methods Based on extensive investigation of domestic and foreign alginate-based biomedical materials research and related patent, literature, and medicine producted, the paper presented the comprehensive analysis of its research and development, application status, and then put forward several new research directions which should be focused on. Results Alginate-based biomedical materials have been widely used in clinical field with a number of patients, but mainly in the fields of wound dressings and dental impression. Heart failure treatment, embolization, tissue engineering, and stem cells culture are expected to become new directions of research and products development. Conclusion Development of alginate-based new products has good clinical feasibility and necessity, but a lot of applied basic researches should be carried out in the further investigations.
ObjectiveTo review the research progress of modern biological dressings. MethodsThe related literature at home and abroad was reviewed, analyzed, and summarized in the progress of biological dressing situation and various types of biological dressing research. ResultsCompared with the traditional dressing, the biological dressing can greatly promote wound healing. Biological dressings are mainly divided into the natural materials, artificial synthetic materials, and drug loaded dressings. The natural material dressings are mainly the alginate dressing, this kind of dressing can promote wound healing, which has been confirmed by a large number of studies. The artificial synthetic materials include film dressings, liquid, water colloids, gels, and foam, each has its own advantages and disadvantages, which can be chosen according to need. The drug dressing can play the role of drug loading, and further promote the wound healing; using microcapsule technology to construct the dressing and choosing Chinese medicine as drugs is the research direction of load. ConclusionThe experiment and clinical application of biological dressing are many types, clinical application prospect is wide, but each has its own advantages and disadvantages, further study is needed to improve its efficacy.