Influence of viscoelastic properties of an hyaluronic acid-based hydrogel on viability of mesenchymal stem cells

Abstract

BACKGROUND : The present research is involved in the framework of the biotherapy using mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Here, MSC encapsulation in a hydrogel based on hyaluronic acid (HA) is investigated to optimize the composition of the biomaterial. M E T H O D S : Several formulations candidates of the hydrogel (9 in total) are postulated as a scaffold for the 3D MSC culture in order to investigate their potential to mimic the in vivo cellular environment. Rheological measurements in oscillation mode of complex modulus and complex viscosity are performed on the different hydrogels. Biological tests are carried out for the measurement of the cell viability of MSC encapsulated in the hydrogels. R E S U LT S : Rheological and biological findings are correlated together in order to establish relationships between the viscoelastic properties of the hydrogel and the cellular viability of MSC. C O N C L U S I O N S : In the light of the viaility results, the composition of the hydrogel was related to the MSC proliferation. Thus, such relations are useful tools for scientists offering them more flexibility in the design of their hydrogels while ensuring an acceptable level of MSC viability.