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Research Article

The effect of deoxycholic acid-based hydrogels on hepatic, muscle and pancreatic beta cells

    Bozica Kovacevic

    The Biotechnology & Drug Development Research Laboratory, Curtin Medical School & Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Bentley, Perth, WA 6102, Australia

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    ,
    Melissa Jones

    The Biotechnology & Drug Development Research Laboratory, Curtin Medical School & Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Bentley, Perth, WA 6102, Australia

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    ,
    Susbin Raj Wagle

    The Biotechnology & Drug Development Research Laboratory, Curtin Medical School & Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Bentley, Perth, WA 6102, Australia

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    ,
    Corina Mihaela Ionescu

    The Biotechnology & Drug Development Research Laboratory, Curtin Medical School & Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Bentley, Perth, WA 6102, Australia

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    ,
    Thomas Foster

    The Biotechnology & Drug Development Research Laboratory, Curtin Medical School & Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Bentley, Perth, WA 6102, Australia

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    ,
    Maja Đanić

    Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology & Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, 21101, Serbia

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    ,
    Momir Mikov

    Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology & Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, 21101, Serbia

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    ,
    Armin Mooranian‡

    **Author for correspondence:

    E-mail Address: a.mooranian@curtin.edu.au

    The Biotechnology & Drug Development Research Laboratory, Curtin Medical School & Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Bentley, Perth, WA 6102, Australia

    School of Pharmacy, University of Otago, Dunedin, 9054, Otago, New Zealand

    ‡Corresponding authors contributed equally

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    &
    Hani Al-Salami‡

    *Author for correspondence:

    E-mail Address: hani.al-salami@curtin.edu.au

    The Biotechnology & Drug Development Research Laboratory, Curtin Medical School & Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Bentley, Perth, WA 6102, Australia

    Medical School, University of Western Australia, 6009, Perth, Australia

    ‡Corresponding authors contributed equally

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    Published Online:5 Jan 2024https://doi.org/10.4155/tde-2023-0054

    Abstract

    Aim: The aim of this study is to test the biocompatibility of hydrogels with polysaccharides and bile acids on three murine cell lines. Materials & methods: Novel hydrogels containing poloxamer 407, polysaccharides (starch, pectin, acacia, carboxymethyl and methyl 2-hydroxyethyl cellulose) and deoxycholic acid were prepared using cold method, sterilized and used in biological assays to determine effects on hepatic, muscle, and pancreatic beta cells. Results and conclusion: Hydrogels with deoxycholic acid had tissue-depending effects on cellular survival and bioenergetics, resulting in the best cellular viability and bioenergetics within pancreatic beta cells. Further research is needed as proposed hydrogels may be beneficial for cell delivery systems of pancreatic beta cells.

    Plain language summary

    In this study, we made gels using different materials, including five types of sugar and an acid found in bile. We investigated whether these gels would harm cells and their respiration. Muscle cells responded poorly to gels, as gels harmed their natural processes. Liver cells responded slightly better to gels, but gels still harmed them a lot. Cells found in the pancreas were not especially affected by gels, and these gels may be good candidates for further research with pancreatic cells. The gels could potentially be used to deliver drugs to the cells.

    Graphical abstract

    Papers of special note have been highlighted as: • of interest; •• of considerable interest

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