Fabrication of injectable hydrogel derived amnion extracellular matrix

Abstract

This study was carried out to successfully fabricate hydrogel from decellularized amniotic extracellular matrix (ECM) powder. The pre-gel sample form ECM powder was prepared by pepsin digestion and neutralization process. Hydrogel formation was initiated by incubation at physiological temperature. The inversion test determined that 24-hour dissolving in pepsin solution was optimal for the hydrogel fabrication. Histology examination revealed a three-dimensional fibrin network composed of randomly linked fibers. The hydrogel sample retained its shape in PBS 1X solution. In vitro cytotoxicity showed that the hydrogel liquid extract was safe to the cultured fibroblasts. After 24 hour subcutaneuos injection, pre-gel sample was capable of self-assembling and form hydrogel network under in vivo physiological conditio, indicating the potential application to accommodate irregular defects.