Covalent Immobilization of Glycosaminoglycans to Reduce the Inflammatory Effects of Biomaterials

Abstract

Background The inflammatory responses evoked by artificial organs and implantation of devices like biosensors and guide wires can lead to acute and chronic inflammation, largely limiting the functionality and longevity of the devices with negative effects on patients. Aims The present study aimed to reduce the inflammatory responses to biomaterials by covalent immobilization of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) on amino-terminated surfaces used as model biomaterials here. Methods and Results Water contact angle (WCA) and zeta potential measurements showed a significant increase in wettability and negative charges on the GAG-modified surfaces, respectively, confirming the successful immobilization of GAGs on the amino-terminated surfaces. THP-1-derived macrophages were used as a model cell type to investigate the efficacy of GAG-modified surfaces in modulating inflammatory responses. It was found that macrophage adhesion, macrophage spreading morphology, foreign body giant cell (FBGC) formation, as well as β1 integrin expression and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) production were all significantly decreased on GAG-modified surfaces compared to the initial amino-terminated surface. Conclusions This study demonstrates the potential of covalent GAG immobilization to reduce the inflammatory potential of biomaterials in different clinical settings.