Development and Characterization of Mesenchymal Stem Cell Secretome-infused Hydrogel

Abstract

The secretome of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) has been found to have healing properties, but a cell-free vehicle for its targeted delivery is needed. Hydrogels are biomaterials that can hold significant amounts of water and are widely used in the healthcare industry, and they can be used as a vehicle for the targeted delivery of MSC secretome to wounds. Chitosan/PVA/Vanillin hydrogels were formed. Secretome was infused by mixing it in the Chitosan/Vanillin solution. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) was used to assess the surface morphological characteristics of hydrogels and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) was used to determine their crystalline structure. The chemical bonds in hydrogels were analyzed by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). Water Uptake Analysis was performed to check for the hydrogels' hydrophilicity. SEM analysis revealed that the secretome constituents were evenly spread out in the hydrogel. XRD analysis saw a slight distortion of the indicative peaks of Chitosan/PVA/Vanillin hydrogel and revealed new peaks, suggesting proper infusion of the stem cell secretome. FTIR analysis saw an increase in the amine peaks, suggesting the integrity of the secretome and its proper infusion. Water Uptake Analysis revealed less hydrophilicity of secretome-infused hydrogels than the control hydrogels, suggesting a thorough infusion of the secretome. Overall, our study optimized the protocol for stem cell secretome infusion in hydrogels as a novel drug delivery approach and revealed the compatibility of secretome with Chitosan/PVA/Vanillin hydrogels.