Title: Development of a biocompatible hydrogel based on native temporomandibular joint extracellular matrix powder

Authors: Daniela Trindade; Carla Moura; Cecília Calado; David Ângelo; Nuno Alves

Addresses: Centre for Rapid and Sustainable Product Development, Polytechnic of Leiria, Leiria, 2030-028, Portugal ' Centre for Rapid and Sustainable Product Development, Polytechnic of Leiria, Leiria, 2030-028, Portugal ' ISEL-Instituto Superior de Engenharia de Lisboa, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, Lisboa, 1959-007, Portugal; CIMOSM, Centro de Investigação em Modelação e Optimização de Sistemas Multifuncionais, ISEL, Lisboa, 1959-007, Portugal ' Centre for Rapid and Sustainable Product Development, Polytechnic of Leiria, Leiria, 2030-028, Portugal; Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, 1649-028, Portugal; Instituto Português da Face, Lisboa, 1050-227, Portugal ' Centre for Rapid and Sustainable Product Development, Polytechnic of Leiria, Leiria, 2030-028, Portugal

Abstract: The temporomandibular joint disc (TMJd) is an avascular and fibrocartilaginous tissue with low regeneration capacities. To date there is no permanent solution upon its damage. So, our group hypothesise that the combination of a synthetic material [poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate, PEGDA] and decellularised matrices may be the answer, since it has the advantage of retaining extracellular matrix (ECM) components. For this purpose, lamb TMJd were decellularised with ethanol (96%) / acetone (99.5%) followed by an analysis to the ECM obtained. Afterwards, different concentrations of ECM powder were added to the PEGDA to obtain hybrid hydrogels. Their swelling capacities and mechanical behaviour (hydrated or dry) were assessed. Results show a reduction of the proteoglycans in the disc, except in the posterior region. Dried hydrogels with 2% ECM powder are the ones with the closer compressive modulus to the native disc, along with greater viscoelastic capacity, representing a possible approach to a TMJd replacement.

Keywords: decellularisation; extracellular matrix powder; poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate hydrogels; temporomandibular joint disc.

DOI: 10.1504/WRSTSD.2023.133890

World Review of Science, Technology and Sustainable Development, 2023 Vol.19 No.4, pp.404 - 416

Received: 30 Dec 2020
Accepted: 16 Nov 2021

Published online: 05 Oct 2023 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article