Polymeric membranes based on PVA/cellulose and their possible application in repairing the synovial membrane

Abstract

Introduction: The synovial membrane is a specialized connective tissue that lines the joint cavities, responsible for producing synovial fluid and lubricating the joints. The synovium is the central area of pathology in a range of inflammatory joint diseases. However, there are few specific strategies for its repair. In this study, a polymer membrane based on polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and cellulose was designed and synthesized as a structural support for human synoviocytes. Objective: The goal was to obtain a PVA membrane that, with the incorporation of cellulose, could improve its mechanical properties and promote the proliferation of human synoviocytes.

Methodology: The membranes were synthesized from a PVA solution, to which cellulose was added at different concentrations (2% and 3% w/v) to obtain different mixtures; they underwent heat treatment, were frozen, and finally lyophilized to obtain the PVA/cellulose membranes. Various characterizations were carried out, including mechanical tests like uniaxial tension, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Human synoviocytes were cultured and seeded on the scaffolds, and cell viability tests were performed using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and calcein AM-ethidium homodimer-1 at 24 hours. Results: The results were supported by computational tools for analysis and later interpretation. The addition of cellulose increased the Young's modulus of the membranes. The infrared spectrum and the diffraction pattern provided information about the composition of the membranes, identifying the contributions of PVA and cellulose in each of them. PVA/cellulose membranes with cell viability tests showed no cytotoxicity in human synoviocytes. Conclusions: The results suggest that PVA/cellulose membranes have adjustable mechanical properties that allow synovial cells to remain viable without causing cytotoxicity.