Semi-Interpenetrating Polymer Networks Incorporating Polygalacturonic Acid: Physical Characterization and In Vitro Biocompatibility

Polygalacturonic acid (PGA), derived from the natural plant polysaccharide, pectin, has been suggested as a biomaterial for implantable medical devices and tissue engineering; particularly in the field of bone implant materials. As a negatively charged polysaccharide, PGA can be considered similar to hyaluronic acid, a component of the extracellular matrix (ECM). PGA-based biomaterials may therefore exhibit favorable biocompatibility with surface chemistry mimicking the natural ECM. In this study, we synthesized semi-interpenetrating polymer networks (SIPNs) incorporating PGA, and conducted physical characterization and in vitro biocompatibility studies. Biocompatibility testing revealed the SIPNs to be cytocompatible, with the PGA component conferring some resistance to the adherence of the macrophage cell line RAW264.7. In addition, SIPNs did not support the fusion of primary murine macrophages into foreign body giant cells (FBGCs). Macrophage adherence and FBGC formation on implanted biomaterial surfaces are important events in the progression of a foreign body response. Our in vitro studies suggest that PGA-based materials may offer desirable biocompatibility profiles, holding promise for future clinical applications.