In this study, the stability and biocompatibility of methacrylated gellan gumhydrogels, obtained either by ionic- (iGG-MA) or photo-crosslinking (phGGMA),were evaluated in vitro and in vivo. Size exclusion chromatographyanalysis of the methacrylated gellan gum (GG-MA) powder revealed thatmolecular weight is lower as compared to the non-modifi ed material, i.e.,low acyl gellan gum. The water uptake and swelling of iGG-MA and phGGMAhydrogels were investigated in phosphate-buffered saline solution (pH7.4). The biocompatibility of the hydrogels was fi rstly evaluated by producingcell-laden hydrogels. The in vitro cells encapsulation study showed that lungfi broblast cells (L929 cells) and human intervertebral disc (hIVD) cells areviable when cultured within both hydrogels, up to 21 days of culturing. TheiGG-MA and phGG-MA hydrogels were also subcutaneously implanted inLewis rats for 10 and 18 days. Tissue response to the hydrogels implantationwas determined by histological analysis (haematoxylin-eosin staining). A thinfi brous capsule was observed around the implanted hydrogels. No necrosis,calcifi cation, and acute infl ammatory reaction were observed. The results presentedin this study demonstrate that iGG-MA and phGG-MA hydrogels arestable in vitro and in vivo, support L929 and hIVD cells’ encapsulation andviability, and were found to be well-tolerated and non-toxic in vivo.
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