Medical Use of Polycatecholamines plus Oxidoreductases-Modified Curdlan Hydrogels-Perspectives

Curdlan (beta-1,3-glucan), as a biodegradable polymer, is still an underestimated but potentially attractive matrix for the production of dressing materials. However, due to its lack of susceptibility to functionalization, its use is limited. The proposed curdlan modification, using a functional polycatecholamine layer, enables the immobilization of selected oxidoreductases (laccase and peroxidase) on curdlan hydrogel. The following significant changes of biological and mechanical properties of polycatecholamines + oxidoreductases-modified matrices were observed: reduced response of human monocytes in contact with the hydrogels, modulated reaction of human blood, in terms of hemolysis and clot formation, and changed mechanical properties. The lack of toxicity towards human fibroblasts and the suppression of cytokines released by human monocytes in comparison to pristine curdlan hydrogel, seems to make the application of such modifications attractive for biomedical purposes. The obtained results could also be useful for construction of a wide range of biomaterials based on other polymer hydrogels.

Automated summary

This study explores the modification of Curdlan hydrogel with a functional polycatecholamine layer, enabling the immobilization of oxidoreductases and resulting in significant changes in its biological and mechanical properties. The modified hydrogel shows reduced response of human monocytes, modulated reaction of human blood, and altered mechanical properties, making it attractive for biomedical applications.