Abstract

Modification of Bacterial Nano-cellulose with IKVAV Peptide for Tissue Engineering Applications

Luismar Porto, Associate Professor, Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC) Brazil

The fabrication of suitable porous polymer scaffolds which mimic natural tissues is still one of the main challenges of tissue engineering. Bacterial nanocellulose (BNC) hydrogels possesses a nanofiber network that resembles the native extracellular matrix. The immobilization of bioactive molecules into its microstructure may add functionality and improves support for adhesion and proliferation of human cells. The main goal of this work was the functionalization of BNC hydrogel membrane with IKVAV peptide (BHMI) to enhance the biomaterial. BNC membranes were produced by Gluconacetobacter hansenii. BHMIs were prepared by oxidation reaction of BNC followed by chemical derivatization with EDC (1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide) and functionalization with IKVAV. Scanning electron microscopy imaging of BNC before oxidation showed a clear 3D nanofiber network structure; after IKVAV immobilization, granules of the peptide were formed on the nanofiber surface. Functionalization was confirmed by Fourier Transformed Infrared Spectroscopy. Human umbilical endothelial cells (HUVECs) were aseptically seeded on BHMI and, after 48 hours, the functionalized scaffold was able to promote HUVEC adhesion and proliferation. Cell alignment, spreading and endothelial tube organization was also observed. Our results showed that BNC-IKVAV hydrogels supports tubulogenesis in vitro showing that they are a very versatile biomaterial.