TIME-CONTROLLED GLUCOSE RELEASING HYDROGELS AND APPLICATIONS THEREOF

Abstract

The present invention relates generally to a hydrogel releasing glucose in a time-controlled manner, to medical applications thereof, and to a method for preparing said hydrogel.

Claims

1.-16. (canceled)

17. A time-controlled glucose releasing hydrogel, comprising: a) a water-containing gelified polymer; b) a glucose polymer entrapped in polymer a); and c) at least one enzyme capable of hydrolyzing the glucose polymer b) into glucose, said enzyme being entrapped in polymer a).

18. The hydrogel according to claim 17, wherein said polymer a) is a protein polymer selected from the group consisting of water-containing gelified silk proteins, soy proteins, milk proteins, wheat proteins, linen proteins, egg proteins, albumin, elastin, myosin, actin, myoglobin, polylysine, polyglutamine, self-assembling peptides, proteins comprising RGD sequence(s), and derivatives thereof.

19. The hydrogel according to claim 18, wherein said protein comprising RGD sequence(s) is fibrin.

20. The hydrogel according to claim 19, wherein the concentration of fibrin is ranging from about 2.5 mg/ml to about 90 mg/ml.

21. The hydrogel according to claim 17, wherein said polymer a) is a synthetic polymer selected from the group consisting of water-containing gelified polyethylene oxide (PEO), polyacrylic acid (PAA), polypropylene oxide (PPO), polyethyl hydroxide (PEH), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAM), polyacrylamide (PAM), polyvinyl sulfone (PVS), and derivatives thereof.

22. The hydrogel according to claim 17, wherein said glucose polymer b) is selected from the group consisting of starch, amylose, amylopectin, glycogen, maltodextrins, cyclodextrins polymers, isomaltose polymers, icodextrins, malto-oligosaccharides, dextran, cellulose, and derivatives thereof.

23. The hydrogel according to claim 22, wherein said glucose polymer is starch.

24. The hydrogel according to claim 23, wherein the concentration of starch is ranging from about 1% (w/v) to about 10% (w/v).

25. The hydrogel according to claim 17, wherein said enzyme is selected from the group consisting of α-glucosidases, β-glucosidases, dextrinases, maltodextrinases, α-amylases, β-amylases, maltohydrolases, cellobiosidases, and combinations thereof.

26. The hydrogel according to claim 17, wherein said enzyme is entrapped within polymeric particles in polymer a).

27. The hydrogel according to claim 26, wherein said polymeric particles are nanoparticles.

28. The hydrogel according to claim 26, wherein said polymeric particles are selected from the group consisting of alginate, chitin, gelatin, collagen, albumin, poly(lactic) acid (PLA), poly(glycolic) acid (PGA), poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA), polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), poly(hydroxybutyrate-co-valerate) (PHBV), polycaprolactone (PCL), poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), poly(cyanoacrylate) (PCA) polymeric particles, and derivatives thereof.

29. The hydrogel according to claim 17, further comprising at least one biological material, said material being entrapped in said hydrogel.

30. The hydrogel according to claim 29, wherein said biological material is selected from the group consisting of cells, tissues, stromata, derivatives thereof, and combinations thereof.

31. A medical device, comprising the hydrogel as defined in claim 17.

32. The device according to claim 31, wherein said device is selected from the group consisting of a patch, a bandage, and an implant.

33. A method for treating a disorder in a subject in need thereof, comprising: (i) administering to said subject a time-controlled glucose releasing hydrogel, comprising: a) a water-containing gelified polymer; b) a glucose polymer entrapped in polymer a); and c) at least one enzyme capable of hydrolyzing the glucose polymer b) into glucose, said enzyme being entrapped in polymer a); or (ii) using on said subject a medical device comprising a time-controlled glucose releasing hydrogel, comprising: d) a water-containing gelified polymer; e) a glucose polymer entrapped in polymer d); and f) at least one enzyme capable of hydrolyzing the glucose polymer e) into glucose, said enzyme being entrapped in polymer d).

34. A method of tissue regeneration in a subject in need thereof, comprising: (i) administering to said subject a time-controlled glucose releasing hydrogel, comprising: a) a water-containing gelified polymer; b) a glucose polymer entrapped in polymer a); and c) at least one enzyme capable of hydrolyzing the glucose polymer b) into glucose, said enzyme being entrapped in polymer a); or (ii) using on said subject a medical device comprising a time-controlled glucose releasing hydrogel, comprising: d) a water-containing gelified polymer; e) a glucose polymer entrapped in polymer d); and f) at least one enzyme capable of hydrolyzing the glucose polymer e) into glucose, said enzyme being entrapped in polymer d).

35. A method for preparing the hydrogel as defined in claim 17, comprising the step of mixing: a) a water-soluble gellable monomer or polymer; b) a glucose polymer; and c) at least one enzyme capable of hydrolyzing the glucose polymer b) into glucose.

36. A kit, comprising: d) a water-soluble gellable monomer or polymer; e) a glucose polymer; and f) at least one enzyme capable of hydrolyzing the glucose polymer b) into glucose.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0125] FIG. 1 shows the different strategies tried to limit the burst release of the glucose entrapped in the hydrogels and to subsequently control the kinetic of the delivery of glucose.

[0126] Various assays were carried out to entrap directly the glucose in the hydrogels, and facing the impossibility to keep directly the glucose into the gel phase, different coral scaffolds based polyelectrolytes systems were tested as potential reservoirs.

[0127] Basically, corals (at pH 6.0) were immersed during a couple of hours in a glucose solution at 20 g/L (sample referred as “glucose” on FIG. 1). Then, different post treatments were performed in order to attempt limiting the glucose delivery from the coral scaffolds:

[0128] i) a film of PLLA was deposited around the corals via deep-coating or evaporation (sample referred on FIG. 1 as “glucose deep coating” and “glucose PLLA”, respectively);

[0129] ii) a 20 layers thinfilm consisting of PLL and PGA deposit thanks to the layer-by-layer strategy was made around the corals incubated with glucose (sample referred as “nanofilm” on FIG. 1);

[0130] iii) a 20 layers thinfilm consisting of L-B-L PLL/PGA followed by a deeped or evaporated PLLA film (sample referred as “nanofilm deep coating” and “nanofilm PLLA”, respectively).

[0131] FIG. 2 shows that the hydrogels of the invention, comprising a glucose polymer, allows a constant release of a high quantity of glucose for more than 350 hours.

[0132] (A) The addition of a glucose polymer increased the viscosity of the inner hydrogel and allowed both the delay of the glucose burst and the stabilisation of the level of glucose released. Hydrogel containing glucose without glucose polymer (squares) exhibited an almost immediate burst release whereas glucose polymer addition to the previous hydrogel (circles) allowed a delayed delivery and a higher and longer glucose release.

[0133] (B) Comparative release kinetics of glucose based on the selected starch. The delay of glucose delivery and the concentration of glucose released were higher with wheat starch (squares) than with corn starch (circles), as glucose polymers respectively.

[0134] (C) Glucose delivery from 4% wheat starch as a function of time with the enzyme directly entrapped in the gel. Comparison of theoretical and experimental release. Results for the mathematical model (circles) were in accordance with the experimental results (squares).

[0135] FIG. 3 shows that the use of nanoparticules encapsulating an enzyme capable of hydrolysing a glucose polymer into glucose (herein, α-amyloglucosidase) allows a gradual and constant delivery of enzyme and reduce its release out of the hydrogel, in order to prolonge the rate of glucose delivery (squares). Indeed, without entrappement of the enzyme within the nanoparticles, the enzyme started to be released out of the hydrogel (cross) on day 4, whereas the use of nanoparticles encapsulating the enzyme prevented its release (circles).

[0136] FIG. 4 shows that corn and wheat starchs have the smallest impact on rheologic properties of the hydrogels by comparison to rice and potato starch, based on rheology measurements of various hydrogels comprising said glucose polymers as a function of time. Storage modulus (FIG. 4A) and loss modulus (FIG. 4B) of hFb/starch materials for rice (diamonds), corn (squares), potato (circles) and wheat (triangles) at a 2% concentration (w/V). Storage modulus (black line—Figure A) and loss modulus (black line—Figure B) of a simple fibrin hydrogel was presented as a reference.

[0137] FIG. 5 shows that the hydrogels of the invention can retain high amount of glucose polymer. The available glucose concentration is presented herein for different starch concentrations originating from various sources entrapped into the hydrogel.

[0138] FIG. 6 shows that the hydrogels of the invention allow a constant release of glucose. A) over 350 hours (release of glucose from hFb/4% starch implant containing nanoparticles encapsulating α-amyloglucosidase as a function of time; Corn starch (squares), wheat starch (circles). The dotted line shows the required glucose level). B) over 260 hours (release of glucose from hFb/2% starch implant containing nanoparticles encapsulating α-amyloglucosidase as a function of time).

[0139] FIG. 7 shows that the hydrogels of the invention can be used to improve the survival of cells seeded into the hydrogel, particularly in in vitro ischemic conditions. A) Hydrogels comprising hMSC, fibrin, heated starch, nanoparticles and an enzyme capable of hydrolysing starch allowed an improvement of the hMSC viability after 7 days in ischemic conditions by comparison to a hydrogel made solely out of fibrin. B) Hydrogels comprising hMSC, fibrin, heated starch, nanoparticles and an enzyme capable of hydrolyzing starch allowed an improvement of the hMSC viability by comparison to a hydrogel made solely out of fibrin or comprising glucose at a concentration of 5 g/L. C) Hydrogels comprising fibrin, heated starch, nanoparticles and an enzyme capable of hydrolysing starch allowed an improvement of the viability of hMSC but also myoblast and human adipose-derived stem cells (ADSC) after 14 days in ischemic conditions by comparison to a hydrogel made solely out of fibrin.

[0140] FIG. 8 shows that the hydrogels of the invention improve the survival of biological material loaded within the hydrogel, particularly in in vivo ischemic conditions. Hydrogels comprising fibrin, enzyme, heat starch and/or nanoparticles/enzyme capable of hydrolysing starch were implanted in mice and Biolumminescent Intensity produced by hCSM were mesured at day 7 (A), day 14 (B) and day 28 (C).

[0141] FIG. 9 shows that the hydrogels of the invention improve the survival of biological material (hMSCs) loaded within the hydrogel in in vivo ischemic conditions. (A) Representative micrographs of hydrogels containing hMSCs for up to 14 days. (B) quantification of viable hMSCs in hydrogels during 14 days with hydrogels containing Fibrin/starch/AMG (black) in comparison to hydrogels containing Fibrin (white). x: comparison between hydrogels containing Fibrin/starch/AMG and hydrogels containing Fibrin with a two way ANOVA analysis (p<0.05).

[0142] FIG. 10 shows the integration of coral particles inside hydrogels.

[0143] FIG. 11 shows the stability of the kit comprising the components of the gel, after long term storage (up to 21 days). The mechanical properties (storage and loss moduli G′ and G″) are identical at D0, D7 or D21 storage.

EXAMPLES

1. Material and Methods

1.1. Solubilization of Fibrin

[0144] Under laminar flow hood, fibrinogen was solubilized at a 50 mg.Math.ml.sup.−1 concentration in Hepes buffer 10 mM pH 7.4 at 37° C. Then, the solution was incubated during 3 h at 37° C. without any shacking to complete solubilisation of the protein.

1.2. Solubilization of Thrombin

[0145] Under PSM, Thrombin was solubilized at a 100 u.Math.ml.sup.−1 concentration in Hepes buffer 10 mM pH 6.5 with 0.1% (w/v) BSA, at 37° C. The resulting solution was either stored at 20° C. at this concentration, or diluted at 20 u.Math.ml.sup.−1.

1.3. Solubilization of Starch

[0146] A suspension of 8% (w/v) starch, 300 mM NaCl and 40 mM CaCl.sub.2 was preparedin Hepes buffer 10 mM pH 7.4. The solubilization of starch was achieved by incubating this solution at 90° C. during 2 h with stirring followed by autoclaving (121° C., 1 Pa). The starch solution was then cooled down at room temperature overnight.

1.4. Nanoparticles Synthesis

[0147] Nanoparticles were prepared using the double emulsion technique. Briefly, poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA) was dissolved in dichloromethane at 0.5% (w/v), covered and incubated for 1 h at room temperature. A concentrated α-amyloglucosidase solution (glucan 1,4 α-glucosidase, EC: 3.2.1.3) was added to the PLGA solution and was submitted three times to a 10 s sonication. 5% (w/v) polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) was previously prepared by dissolving PVA in Hepes 10 mM pH 7.4. The solution was heated under stirring for 2 h at 90° C. and cooled down to room temperature. This PVA solution was added to the first emulsion with a 2:1 volume ratio PVA/first emulsion, and then submitted three times to a 10 s sonication. This second emulsion was poured into a 0.3% (w/v) PVA solution with a 50:3 volume ratio PVA/second emulsion. Then to evaporate the dichloromethane, the solution was placed under stirring for 3 h at room temperature. The resulting nanoparticles were centrifuged at 12,000 rpm for 8 min and resuspended in Hepes 10 mM pH 7.4 three times. After flash freezing and lyophilisation, dried nanoparticles were collected and resuspended in deionized water.

1.5. Gelation Procedure

[0148] The starch solution was firstly heated during 2 h at 90° C. with stirring, and the fibrinogen and thrombin solutions were heated for 15 minutes at 37° C., while the α-amyloglucosidase solution was kept at room temperature.

[0149] The starch solution was mixed with an appropriate volume of Hepes buffer 10 mM pH 7.4, based on the final volume. Then, all solutions were cooled down at room temperature before adding fibrinogen (50 mg.Math.ml.sup.−1) and an appropriate volume of α-amyloglucosidase which was either free or entrapped in nanoparticles. The polymerization of the hydrogel was subsequently initiated by introducing thrombin at a 20 u.Math.ml.sup.−1 concentration in the mix. The final concentration of each component of the gel was: 4% (w/v) starch, 0.5% (w/v) fibrinogen and 2 u.Math.ml.sup.−1 thrombin, while the concentration of α-amyloglucosidase had to be adapted with the desired quantity of released of glucose. As soon as the thrombin was introduced, the mix was put in a teflon tubular mold which was sealed to avoid any drying. The polymerization was carried out during 1 h at 37° C. After polymerization, the hydrogel was removed from the mold with a needle and stored in Hepes buffer 10 mM pH 7.4.

1.6. In Vitro Analysis of Glucose “Production”

[0150] To study glucose release, the hydrogel was incubated in Hepes buffer 10 mM pH 7.4. A fraction or total volume of buffer was collected at different time points, and replaced by fresh Hepes buffer solution. Glucose concentration in collected fractions was determined using Glucose (GO) Assay Kit from Sigma (Product code GAGO-20). Briefly, released glucose was oxidized into gluconic acid and hydrogen peroxide by glucose oxidase. The produced hydrogen peroxide reacted with the reduced o-dianisidine in the presence of peroxidase to form oxidized o-dianisidine. The oxidized o-dianisidine then reacted with sulfuric acid to form a more stable pink colored product. The intensity of the pink color measured at 540 nm was proportional to the original glucose concentration. Glucose concentration was then determined using a standard curve made with a glucose standard solution.

1.7. Cells Cultures

[0151] Human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) were isolated from bone marrow obtained as discarded tissue during routine bone surgery from 5 adult donors at the Lariboisiere Hospital Paris, France, according to the French bioethics laws These cells were isolated from each patient's bone marrow using a procedure adapted from literature reports, characterized, pooled at an equal ratio at passage 1, and were cultured in Alpha Minimum Essential Medium (αMEM; Dutscher, Brumath, France) under standard cell culture conditions, that is, a humidified 37° C., 5% CO.sub.2, 95% air environment. At 80-85% confluence, the cells were trypsinized using trypsin-EDTA (Sigma) and passaged. Cells passages 4-5 were used for experiments. ADSCs were cultured in the same conditions, and specific media was used for myoblasts cultivation.

1.8. In Vivo Experiments

[0152] 1.8.a) Isolation and Transduction of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells (hMSCs)

[0153] Human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) were isolated from the bone marrow samples of discarded tissue obtained during routine bone surgery at the Lariboisiere Hospital (Paris, France), as previously described (Friedenstein et al., 1987). hMSCs from 5 donors at passages 4-5 were pooled for the experiments described in the sections that follow. Each experiment was conducted in sextuplicate. For the in vivo evaluation of cell survival, hMSCs were genetically modified by rMLV-LTR-eGFP-luc retroviral vector that contains fused genes encoding for the firefly luciferase (Luc) and for the green fluorescent protein (GFP).

1.8.b) Preparation of a Hydrogel Containing hMSCs Cells

[0154] The hydrogel was prepared as described above the day before implantation, without adding thrombin, and subsequently mixed with. 3×10..sup.5 GFP-Luc hMSCs cells The thrombin was then added to this mix, which was then incubated for 1 h at 37° C. to allow polymerization. After removal from the mold, the cell-containing hydrogel was stored in a phosphate suffer solution (PBS).

[0155] Four different types of hydrogels were generated for in vivo studies, i.e. hydrogels containing

[0156] (i) cells/fibrin (n=6),

[0157] (ii) cells/starch/fibrin (n=6),

[0158] (iii) cells/starch/fibrin/amyloglucosidase (n=6), and

[0159] (iv) cells/starch/fibrin/amyloglucosidase encapsulated in nanoparticles (n=6).

1.8.c) Surgical Procedure

[0160] hMScs survival was assessed in a mouse ectopic model (8-week-old male nu/nu mice; Janvier, St Berthevin, France). All animal procedures were performed in compliance with institutional published guidelines (Directive du Conseil 24.11.1986. 86/609/CEE).

[0161] Nude mice (nu/nu) (30 g body weight) were anaesthetized by an intraperitoneal injection of 1 mg/10 g kétamine (Ketalar®, ROCHE) and 0.1 mg/10 g xylazine (Rompun®, BAYER). Incisions (each 5 mm long) were made along the vertebral axis and separated subcutaneous pockets (in the thoracic and in the lumbar regions) were created by blunt dissection. The cell-containing hydrogels were then randomly implanted in the subcutaneous pockets of the mice, and skin closure was accomplished using interrupted Ethicon non-resorbable vicryl 3-0 sutures (Johnson and Johnson, Belgium).

1.8.d) In Vivo Cell Survival Assessment

[0162] Cell survival was assessed by bioluminescence imaging. Briefly, at day 1, 7 and 14 post-implantation, 0.1 ml of D-Luciferin (15 mg/mL in PBS) was locally injected at the implantation sites of each anesthetized (by inhaling isoflurane) mouse. Animals were then placed in the prone position inside the detection chamber of the bioluminescent imaging system (Ivis Lumina II®, Caliper Life Science) and the photons flux for the region of interest of each implant was quantified using the living Image® 3.1 software (Caliper Life Science).

1.8.e) Immunohistology

[0163] In addition to Bioluminescence assessment, viable human Mesenchymal Stem cells remaining in the hydrogels were detected using immunohistology, Briefly, at days 1, 3, 7, 10 and 14 post-implantation, hydrogels were collected, fixed in paraformaldehyde 4% and paraffin embedded. 5 μm thin sections were used for immunohistological analysis targeting β2-microglobuline, a specific marker of human cells (Dako kit, Envision). Hydrogels sections were microscopically analysed and the number of immuno-stained cells in each hydrogel was determined.

1.9. Mathematical Model for Measuring Glucose Release from the Hydrogel

[0164] The present model was based on a general solution of diffusion in liquid phases. This model was modified to integrate steric hindrance due to the gel network. It was based on the second Fick's law which considered both the kinetics (time, t) and space conditions (x) as follows:

[00002]$\frac{\partial \phi }{\partial t}=D.Math.\frac{{\partial }^2.Math.\phi }{\partial x^2}$

[0165] The general solution for this equation in a three-dimensional model was:

[00003]$n=\frac{n_0}{\sqrt{4.Math.\pi .Math.D.Math.t}}.Math.e^{-\frac{x^2}{4.Math.D.Math.t}}$

[0166] where n.sub.0 was the initial concentration of diffusing molecules of interest, D the diffusion coefficient of the diffusive molecule in the considered medium, x the diffusion distance, and n the molecules concentration at distance x and at instant t.

[0167] Calculations were carried out as follows: [0168] the concentration of the diffusive molecule was normalized to 100 (adimensional value) to express results in %, so that n.sub.0=100; [0169] hydrodynamical radii were obtained from literature or experimentally determined (e.g. by dynamical light scattering); [0170] diffusion coefficients were simply calculated using the Stokes-Einstein equation:

[00004]$D=\frac{k_B.Math.T}{6.Math.\mathrm{\pi \eta }.Math..Math.r}$ [0171] Where D was expressed in m.sup.2.Math.s.sup.1, κ.sub.B is the Bolzmann's constant, T the temperature in kelvin, η the viscosity in Pa.Math.s., and r the dynamical radius in m; [0172] an x value equal to 2.3 mm, the mean radius of the gel considered as a sphere, was used as the diffusion distance.

[0173] The presence of the gel network was taken into account to evaluate the viscosity of the liquid phase. A derivation from the Einstein equation relating the viscosity of a suspension of solid particles to the viscosity of the dispersion medium η.sub.s was considered:

η=ηs(1+2.5φ+6.2φ.sup.2)

[0174] where η.sub.s was the solvent viscosity (i.e. water viscosity of 10-.sup.3 Pa.Math.s) in absence of starch and φ the solid volumic fraction. Here, φ was the fibrin concentration, 1.8%, considered as entirely engaged in the solid network.

[0175] The liquid phase viscosity varied with the nature and concentration of starch entrapped in the fibrin gel. Viscosity was the parameter modulating diffusional constraints. Hence, viscosity, η was measured by rheology for each type and concentration of starch used in the fibrin gels. Diffusion coefficients, D, were then calculated for each material from these data.

[0176] Besides, the average mesh size of the solid phase of the gel was evaluated from rheology data when the gel had reached a quasi-equilibrium point using the Maxwell model, assuming that the volume ξ.sup.3 stored an elastic energy equal to κ.sub.BT. Using a Gaussian repartition the relation became:

ξ.sup.3=κ.sub.BT/G′

[0177] where ξ was the mesh size and G′ the storage modulus expressed in Pa. For a G′ value of 10.sup.3 Pa, an average mesh size of 16.2 nm was assumed. This value was used to evaluate the role of steric hindrance generated by the solid network on diffusion of large molecules. Hydrodynamical radii were: 0.43 nm for glucose, 7 nm for enzyme and 250 nm for nanoparticles. Ionic interaction might as well alter the diffusion this parameter was however omitted from the calculations as starch and glucose were uncharged.

1.10. Evaluation of Coral Distribution Inside the Hydrogel

[0178] A coral-containing hydrogel was prepared as described in the “gelation procedure” section described above (1.5). Briefly, the pre-heated starch solution was mixed with an appropriate volume of Hepes buffer 10 mM pH 7.4, based on the final volume. Then, all solutions were cooled down at room temperature before adding fibrinogen (50 mg.Math.ml.sup.−1). At that time, 400 mg/ml of coral particles (600-1000 micro-meters in average) were added and gently mixed to the mix. The polymerization of the hydrogel was subsequently initiated by introducing thrombin at a 20 μ.Math.ml.sup.−1 concentration in the mix. The final concentration of each component of the gel was: 4% (w/v) starch, 0.5% (w/v) fibrinogen and 2 μ.Math.ml.sup.−1 thrombin and 400 mg/ml coral. As soon as the thrombin was introduced, the mix was put in a teflon tubular mold which was sealed to avoid any drying. The polymerization was carried out during 1 h at 37° C. After polymerization, the hydrogel was removed from the mold with a needle and imaged with a micro-scanner (Skyscan 1172, Bruker, France).

2. Results

2.1. Modelisation of Glucose Diffusion in a Hydrogel Containing Glucose or Starch

[0179] Several strategies were pursued to attempt limiting the release of glucose directly entrapped in hydrogels and to subsequently control the kinetic of glucose delivery (FIG. 1). However, none of the different post-treatments performed, as described in the legend of FIG. 1 above, were successful in limiting the glucose delivery from the gel. Indeed, after few seconds, all treated gel had released from about 70 μg to 80 μg of glucose, and no more glucose was released afterwards. This experience was performed over a period of 20 hours, during which the supernatant was not renewed after each measure of glucose (by contrast, all further experiments were carried out on a longer timeline by renewing the supernatant after each measure of glucose). It can therefore be concluded that, wathever the system used, an efficient entrappment of glucose does not allow to control its delivery in a prolonged manner.

2.1.a) Glucose Directly Entrapped in the Gel at t=0

[0180] Modelisation of glucose diffusion as illustrated in FIG. 2 demonstrated that a constant delivery of glucose over a long period of time depended on its regular production in situ. This modelisation indeed showed that a regular in situ production of glucose was necessary in order to maintain constant its internal concentration, while an alternative solution consisting in introducing a large concentration of glucose at t=0 was not pertinent.

[0181] The following calculations were based on the former condition (in situ production of glucose=constant or pseudo-constant glucose concentration).

2.1.b) Impact of Starch on the Glucose Delivery Kinetic

[0182] As shown in FIG. 2A, the use of a hydrogel without starch which contained a fixed quantity of glucose led to the release of glucose released firstly into a large burst rapidly followed by a stabilization phase where the quantity of glucose delivered was far smaller.

[0183] By contrast, the use of a hydrogel containing starch as a glucose polymer (instead of pure glucose) increased not only the internal viscosity of the fibrin gel, but slowed down as well the gel viscosity variations (FIG. 2A). This led to a delayed delivery of glucose as well as to a higher and longer release of glucose. This hydrogel further displayed a homogeneous structure, a lack of syneresis and good mechanical properties; the presence of starch did not affect the gelification time of fibrin, and did not alter the fibrin network properties.

[0184] Those results therefore showed that the addition of starch as a source of polymerized glucose in the hydrogel was crucial, notably for its viscosigen property. The starch to be selected should therefore be able to mechanically support the enzymatic hydrolysis over time, as confirmed by the experimental results displayed on FIGS. 2B and 2C. Indeed, wheat starch displayed a higher viscosity compared to corn starch and lead to a more constant glucose delivery over time (FIG. 2B).

2.1.c) Enzyme Diffusion

[0185] Modelisation of the results obtained with a hydrogel containing a non encapsulated enzyme capable of hydrolysing a glucose polymer into glucose (herein α-amyloglucosidase) showed that said enzyme was released from the gel after 4 days (FIG. 3). By contrast, the enzyme encapsulation into nanoparticles allowed a far longer delivery (FIG. 3). It should be further noted that, as long as the nanoparticles maintained their integrity, they remained confined inside the gel (the size ratio between the nanoparticles and the fibrin mesh was around 10; NP=250 nm/gel mesh=25 nm).

[0186] The optimized degradation kinetics of the nanoparticles that compensated for the loss of enzyme due to its natural diffusion outside of the gel was further determined by modelisation. In order to optimize said kinetics, a regular delivery of the enzyme can be obtained using different pools of tailored nanoparticles. Indeed, as well known to the skilled person in the art, the size and the nature of the polymeric particles used to form a shell, notably in nanoparticles, can be tuned to deliver agents of interest (such as an enzyme, as proposed herein) from a few days to several weeks.

2.2. Introduction of a Glucose Polymer into the Hydrogel of the Invention

2.2.a) Glucose Polymer Influence on the Rheology of the Hydrogel

[0187] The viscoelastic properties of the materials entrapping various starch sources were compared. Operating conditions were 1% imposed deformation at 1 Hz, cone/plate geometry (cone: diameter 25 mm, angle 2°), at 37° C. The addition of starch decreased the material elasticity depending on the starch origin. Potato starch displayed the highest destabilizing effect while corn and wheat starch had only a weak impact on the mechanical properties of the hydrogel (FIG. 4).

2.2.b) Introduction of High Amount of Glucose Polymer into the Hydrogel

[0188] Different concentrations of starch from various origins could be entrapped into the fibrin hydrogel. Depending on the nature of the starch, its chain length and structure differed and the starch concentration inside the gel was limited by the polysaccharide solubility.

[0189] The required glucose concentration could be obtained with rice wheat and corn starch with concentrations ≧3%, while potato starch had to be used at least at a 4% concentration (FIG. 5).

2.2.c) Glucose Release in High and Constant Concentration

[0190] With either 4% (w/V) wheat or corn starch entrapped in the fibrin hydrogel, a high enough glucose concentration for cell feeding was released from the gel for at least two weeks (FIG. 6A). Furthermore, a controlled release over 11 days can be obtained with 2% starch fibrin hydrogel (FIG. 6B).

2.3. Hydrogels of the Invention Improved Cell Survival In Vitro

[0191] hMSC were genetically labelled with the luciferase (Luc) gene reporter and seeded (at 3.10.sup.5 cells per tissue constructs) within hydrogels containing fibrin (18 mg/ml, heat starch (4%), with or without enzyme (2.10.sup.−4 μmol.Math.min.sup.−1.Math.mg.sup.−1) and with or without nanoparticles.

[0192] hMSC.sup.Luc-containing hydrogels were then cultured in glucose-free culture medium (except for the glucose medium condition) and incubated in a near anoxic environment (pO2<0.1%) for 7 days. The bioluminescent (BLI) signal (expressed in photon/second) emitted by viable hMSC.sup.Luc was measured for each tested hydrogel using a bioluminescent imaging system. BLI signal from each hydrogel was normalized to those obtained from cell-containing fibrin (negative control).

[0193] In the presence of glucose-containing medium (positive control), the hMSC.sup.Luc viability was increased by 6 fold the presence of starch with or without empty (no enzyme) nanoparticles did not significantly increased cell viability compared to fibrin hydrogels. By contrast, when the enzyme was present, the hMSC.sup.Luc viability was after 7 days as good as the positive control (FIG. 7A).

[0194] However, when the viability was compared for a longer time, it has been shown that the viability of cells after 14 days is increased in hydrogels according to the invention by more than 100 time compared to fibrin hydrogels and by 2 times compared to glucose containing hydrogel (FIG. 7B).

[0195] Furthermore, it was also shown that hydrogels of the invention can increase the viability of adipose-derived stem cells (ADSC) and myoblasts (FIG. 7C).

2.4. Hydrogels of the Invention Improved Cell Survival In Vivo

[0196] hMSC were genetically labelled with the luciferase (Luc) gene reporter. Hydrogel comprising hMSC.sup.Luc (3.10.sup.5 cells per tissue constructs), fibrin (18 mg/ml, heat starch (4%), with or without enzyme (2.10.sup.−4 μmol.Math.min.sup.−1.Math.mg.sup.−1) and with or without nanoparticles were subcutaneously implanted in the back of immunocompromised (Nude) mice. The bioluminescent (BLI) signal (expressed in photon/second) emitted by viable hMSC.sup.Luc was measured in each mouse at both day 1 and day 14 post-implantation using a bioluminescent imaging system.

[0197] In the absence of the enzyme, the BLI signal, and therefore the hMSC viability, dramatically decreased 7 days after implantation. By contrast, in the presence of the enzyme, the BLI signal emitted by viable hMSC.sup.Luc increased compared to day 1 indicating that the hMSC.sup.Luc not only survived but also proliferated within the hydrogels over the 7 day-period of implantation (FIG. 8A). 14 days (FIG. 8B) and 28 days (FIG. 8C) after implantation the BLI signal emitted by viable hMSC.sup.Luc is more than 30 time higher compared to fibrin hydrogel.

[0198] Those results were also observed with a lower concentration of glucose polymer (e.g. 1%). Furthermore, incorporation of the enzyme within the NPs greatly improved the hMSC.sup.Luc proliferation.

[0199] Moreover, it was shown that the hydrogels of the invention improve the survival of biological material (hMSCs) loaded within the hydrogel in in vivo ischemic conditions. An haematoxylin counterstain allows to observe the hydrogels infiltration by host cells (stain by haematoxylin but not by beta2-microglobulin) (FIG. 9A). Beta2-microglobulin immunostaining (specific of hMSCs) showed a significant increase (7.5 fold) of viable hMSCs after 14 days in hydrogels containing Fibrin/starch/AMG in comparison to hydrogels containing Fibrin, as confirmed by the quantification of viable hMSCs in hydrogels (FIG. 9B).

2.5. Introduction of Coral Inside the Hydrogel of the Invention

[0200] A good homogeneity of the coral repartition inside the hydrogel was achieved with hydrogels comprising wheat starch (FIG. 10).

2.6. Stability of the Kit Components

[0201] The kit components showed a good stability over 28 days as confirmed by the good mechanical properties of the resulting hydrogel (FIG. 11). The activity of the enzyme AMG was preserved after 14 days storage allowing a long term storage of the kit components.

3. Conclusion

[0202] The Inventors successfully developed a mixed hydrogel of fibrin and starch displaying homogeneous structure, a lack of syneresis and good mechanical properties, in the presence of relatively elevated concentration of starch. Starch retention of up to 60 mg/mL could be reached.

[0203] More particularly, said gel may is capable to contain nanoparticles encapsulating an enzyme hydrolysing starch into glucose, which allowed the diffusion of glucose in a near linear manner for at least 16 days. The presence of the nanoparticles did not alter the activity of the enzyme.

[0204] The hydrogel of the invention may also comprise biological material, such as cells. In vitro and in vivo data showed that such gel could be used to promote cell survival in ischemic conditions, and may therefore be used in therapies requiring cell or tissue regeneration.

[0205] This time-controlled release system, which allows a gradual hydrolysis of starch into glucose, displays far greater properties on cellular activity in hypoxic conditions than a direct exogenous glucose delivery.

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