Work

Development and characterization of hybrid hydrogels derived from decellularized human umbilical cord for tissue engineering applications

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Decellularized extracellular matrix (ECM) are rich in distinct structural and functional components which help in cell growth and proliferation. ECM of human decellularized umbilical cord (DUC) is rich in collagen, glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), glycoproteins, growth factors, and other bioactive molecules that can affect various cellular functions like cell proliferation, survival, differentiation, and migration. This study presents the development of extracellular matrix (ECM)-based hydrogels, derived from decellularized human umbilical cord (UC) tissue, combined with varying concentrations of chitosan. Human umbilical cord (UC) tissue was decellularized using a newly established decellularization protocol, and its efficacy was confirmed via DNA quantification, gel electrophoresis, histological analyses (H&E, Masson's trichrome, and Alcian blue staining) and by the quantification of collagen and GAGs. The resulting ECM was enzymatically digested, and subsequently, hydrogels were fabricated by adding different concentrations of chitosan (CS) (2 %CS Hydrogel, 2.5 %CS Hydrogel, and 3 %CS Hydrogel) in solubilized ECM solution. FTIR spectroscopy and rheological frequency sweep analysis were performed to study the chemical and mechanical properties of hydrogels. Additionally, swelling and degradation behaviour of hydrogels were explored in PBS and lysozyme solution, respectively. An in vitro cell viability assay was performed on NIH-3T3 mouse fibroblasts, which confirmed that all the hydrogels are biocompatible. Overall, DUC hydrogels and DUC-CS hybrid hydrogels have considerable potential for biomedical engineering, drug delivery, and tissue engineering applications.

Source: Journal of Drug Delivery Science and Technology

DOI: 10.1016/j.jddst.2025.107773

Authors: Muhammad Khaqan Zia, Tayyaba Bari, Samra Kanwal, Muhammad Hamza Anjum, Asima Asghar, Farooq Azam Khan, Memoona Hafeez, Fakhera Ikram

Institutions: COMSATS University Islamabad, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Sharif Medical and Dental College

Language: English

Topic: Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine

Subfield: Surgery

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,810