| Abstrakt: |
New tissue engineering technologies will rely on biomaterials that physically support tissue growth and stimulate specific cell functions. The goal of this study was to create a biomaterial that combines inherent biological properties which can specifically trigger desired cellular responses e.g., angiogenesis with electrical properties which have been shown to improve the regeneration of several tissues including bone and nerve. To this end, composites of the biologically active polysaccharide hyaluronic acid HA and the electrically conducting polymer polypyrrole PP were synthesized and characterized. Electrical conductivity of the composite biomaterial PPHA was measured by a fourpoint probe technique, scanning electron microscopy was used to characterize surface topography, Xray photoelectron spectroscopy and reflectance infrared spectroscopy were used to evaluate surface and bulk chemistry, and an assay with biotinylated hyaluronic acid binding protein was used to determine surface HA content. PPHA materials were also evaluated for in vitrocell compatibility and tissue response in rats. Smooth, conductive, HAcontaining PP films were produced; these films retained HA on their surfaces for several days in vitroand promoted vascularization in vivo. PPHA composite biomaterials are promising candidates for tissue engineering and woundhealing applications that may benefit from both electrical stimulation and enhanced vascularization. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 50, 574–584, 2000. |
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