1
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Rijns L, Baker MB, Dankers PYW. Using Chemistry To Recreate the Complexity of the Extracellular Matrix: Guidelines for Supramolecular Hydrogel-Cell Interactions. J Am Chem Soc 2024; 146:17539-17558. [PMID: 38888174 PMCID: PMC11229007 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.4c02980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
Hydrogels have emerged as a promising class of extracellular matrix (ECM)-mimicking materials in regenerative medicine. Here, we briefly describe current state-of-the-art of ECM-mimicking hydrogels, ranging from natural to hybrid to completely synthetic versions, giving the prelude to the importance of supramolecular interactions to make true ECM mimics. The potential of supramolecular interactions to create ECM mimics for cell culture is illustrated through a focus on two different supramolecular hydrogel systems, both developed in our laboratories. We use some recent, significant findings to present important design principles underlying the cell-material interaction. To achieve cell spreading, we propose that slow molecular dynamics (monomer exchange within fibers) is crucial to ensure the robust incorporation of cell adhesion ligands within supramolecular fibers. Slow bulk dynamics (stress-relaxation─fiber rearrangements, τ1/2 ≈ 1000 s) is required to achieve cell spreading in soft gels (<1 kPa), while gel stiffness overrules dynamics in stiffer gels. Importantly, this resonates with the findings of others which specialize in different material types: cell spreading is impaired in case substrate relaxation occurs faster than clutch binding and focal adhesion lifetime. We conclude with discussing considerations and limitations of the supramolecular approach as well as provide a forward thinking perspective to further understand supramolecular hydrogel-cell interactions. Future work may utilize the presented guidelines underlying cell-material interactions to not only arrive at the next generation of ECM-mimicking hydrogels but also advance other fields, such as bioelectronics, opening up new opportunities for innovative applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Rijns
- Institute
for Complex Molecular Systems (ICMS), Eindhoven
University of Technology, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- Department
of Biomedical Engineering, Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Eindhoven University of Technology, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Matthew B. Baker
- Department
of Complex Tissue Regeneration, MERLN Institute for Technology Inspired
Regenerative Medicine, Maastricht University, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department
of Instructive Biomaterials Engineering, MERLN Institute for Technology
Inspired Regenerative Medicine, Maastricht
University, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Patricia Y. W. Dankers
- Institute
for Complex Molecular Systems (ICMS), Eindhoven
University of Technology, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- Department
of Biomedical Engineering, Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Eindhoven University of Technology, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- Department
of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Eindhoven
University of Technology, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
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2
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Soliman BG, Nguyen AK, Gooding JJ, Kilian KA. Advancing Synthetic Hydrogels through Nature-Inspired Materials Chemistry. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024:e2404235. [PMID: 38896849 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202404235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2024] [Revised: 05/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
Synthetic extracellular matrix (ECM) mimics that can recapitulate the complex biochemical and mechanical nature of native tissues are needed for advanced models of development and disease. Biomedical research has heavily relied on the use of animal-derived biomaterials, which is now impeding their translational potential and convoluting the biological insights gleaned from in vitro tissue models. Natural hydrogels have long served as a convenient and effective cell culture tool, but advances in materials chemistry and fabrication techniques now present promising new avenues for creating xenogenic-free ECM substitutes appropriate for organotypic models and microphysiological systems. However, significant challenges remain in creating synthetic matrices that can approximate the structural sophistication, biochemical complexity, and dynamic functionality of native tissues. This review summarizes key properties of the native ECM, and discusses recent approaches used to systematically decouple and tune these properties in synthetic matrices. The importance of dynamic ECM mechanics, such as viscoelasticity and matrix plasticity, is also discussed, particularly within the context of organoid and engineered tissue matrices. Emerging design strategies to mimic these dynamic mechanical properties are reviewed, such as multi-network hydrogels, supramolecular chemistry, and hydrogels assembled from biological monomers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bram G Soliman
- School of Chemistry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
- Australian Centre for NanoMedicine, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Ashley K Nguyen
- School of Chemistry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
- Australian Centre for NanoMedicine, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - J Justin Gooding
- School of Chemistry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
- Australian Centre for NanoMedicine, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Kristopher A Kilian
- School of Chemistry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
- Australian Centre for NanoMedicine, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
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3
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Wang Y, Bimmermann AM, Neufurth M, Besenius P. Cucurbit[8]uril Mediated Supramolecular and Photocrosslinked Interpenetrating Network Hydrogel Matrices for 3D-Bioprinting. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2313270. [PMID: 38538535 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202313270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
Printing of biologically functional constructs is significant for applications in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Designing bioinks remains remarkably challenging due to the multifaceted requirements in terms of the physical, chemical, and biochemical properties of the three-dimensional matrix, such as cytocompatibility, printability, and shape fidelity. In order to promote matrix and materials stiffness, while not sacrificing stress relaxation mechanisms which support cell spreading, migration, and differentiation, this work reports an interpenetrating network (IPN) bioink design. The approach makes use of a chemically defined network, combining physical and chemical crosslinking units with a tunable composition and network density, as well as spatiotemporal control over post-assembly material stiffening. To this end, star-shaped poly(ethylene glycol)s functionalized with Phe-Gly-Gly tripeptide or photoactive stilbazolium are synthesized, and used to prepare three-dimensional networks with cucurbit[8]uril (CB[8]) through supramolecular host-guest complexation. The hydrogel obtained shows fast relaxation and thus supports the proliferation and differentiation of cells. Upon irradiation, the mechanical properties of the hydrogel can be rapidly adapted via selective photochemical dimerization of stilbazolium within CB[8], leading to IPNs with increased form stability while retaining the dynamic nature of the hydrogels. This modular approach opens new design opportunities for extrudable and cell-friendly dynamic biomaterials for applications in 3D-bioprinting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuqing Wang
- Department of Chemistry, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Duesbergweg 10-14, 55128, Mainz, Germany
| | | | - Meik Neufurth
- Institute for Physiological Chemistry, University Medical Center Mainz, Duesbergweg 6, 55128, Mainz, Germany
| | - Pol Besenius
- Department of Chemistry, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Duesbergweg 10-14, 55128, Mainz, Germany
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4
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Singhal R, Sarangi MK, Rath G. Injectable Hydrogels: A Paradigm Tailored with Design, Characterization, and Multifaceted Approaches. Macromol Biosci 2024:e2400049. [PMID: 38577905 DOI: 10.1002/mabi.202400049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
Biomaterials denoting self-healing and versatile structural integrity are highly curious in the biomedicine segment. The injectable and/or printable 3D printing technology is explored in a few decades back, which can alter their dimensions temporarily under shear stress, showing potential healing/recovery tendency with patient-specific intervention toward the development of personalized medicine. Thus, self-healing injectable hydrogels (IHs) are stunning toward developing a paradigm for tissue regeneration. This review comprises the designing of IHs, rheological characterization and stability, several benchmark consequences for self-healing IHs, their translation into tissue regeneration of specific types, applications of IHs in biomedical such as anticancer and immunomodulation, wound healing and tissue/bone regeneration, antimicrobial potentials, drugs, gene and vaccine delivery, ocular delivery, 3D printing, cosmeceuticals, and photothermal therapy as well as in other allied avenues like agriculture, aerospace, electronic/electrical industries, coating approaches, patents associated with therapeutic/nontherapeutic avenues, and numerous futuristic challenges and solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rishika Singhal
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Amity Institute of Pharmacy, Amity University, Malhaur Railway Station Road, Gomti Nagar, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, 201313, India
| | - Manoj Kumar Sarangi
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Amity Institute of Pharmacy, Amity University, Malhaur Railway Station Road, Gomti Nagar, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, 201313, India
| | - Goutam Rath
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Siksha 'O' Anusandhan University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, 751030, India
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5
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Yang T, Xue T, Mao J, Chen Y, Tian H, Bartolome A, Xia H, Yao X, Kumar CV, Cheng J, Lin Y. Tailoring Synthetic Polypeptide Design for Directed Fibril Superstructure Formation and Enhanced Hydrogel Properties. J Am Chem Soc 2024; 146:5823-5833. [PMID: 38174701 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c10762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
The biological significance of self-assembled protein filament networks and their unique mechanical properties have sparked interest in the development of synthetic filament networks that mimic these attributes. Building on the recent advancement of autoaccelerated ring-opening polymerization of amino acid N-carboxyanhydrides (NCAs), this study strategically explores a series of random copolymers comprising multiple amino acids, aiming to elucidate the core principles governing gelation pathways of these purpose-designed copolypeptides. Utilizing glutamate (Glu) as the primary component of copolypeptides, two targeted pathways were pursued: first, achieving a fast fibrillation rate with lower interaction potential using serine (Ser) as a comonomer, facilitating the creation of homogeneous fibril networks; and second, creating more rigid networks of fibril clusters by incorporating alanine (Ala) and valine (Val) as comonomers. The selection of amino acids played a pivotal role in steering both the morphology of fibril superstructures and their assembly kinetics, subsequently determining their potential to form sample-spanning networks. Importantly, the viscoelastic properties of the resulting supramolecular hydrogels can be tailored according to the specific copolypeptide composition through modulations in filament densities and lengths. The findings enhance our understanding of directed self-assembly in high molecular weight synthetic copolypeptides, offering valuable insights for the development of synthetic fibrous networks and biomimetic supramolecular materials with custom-designed properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianjian Yang
- Polymer Program, Institute of Materials Science, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut 06269, United States
| | - Tianrui Xue
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - Jianan Mao
- Department of Chemistry, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut 06269, United States
| | - Yingying Chen
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - Huidi Tian
- Department of Chemistry, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut 06269, United States
| | - Arlene Bartolome
- Department of Chemistry, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut 06269, United States
| | - Hongwei Xia
- Department of Chemistry, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut 06269, United States
| | - Xudong Yao
- Department of Chemistry, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut 06269, United States
| | - Challa V Kumar
- Department of Chemistry, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut 06269, United States
| | - Jianjun Cheng
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - Yao Lin
- Polymer Program, Institute of Materials Science, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut 06269, United States
- Department of Chemistry, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut 06269, United States
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6
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Wang X, Wei W, Guo Z, Liu X, Liu J, Bing T, Yu Y, Yang X, Cai Q. Organic-inorganic composite hydrogels: compositions, properties, and applications in regenerative medicine. Biomater Sci 2024; 12:1079-1114. [PMID: 38240177 DOI: 10.1039/d3bm01766d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
Hydrogels, formed from crosslinked hydrophilic macromolecules, provide a three-dimensional microenvironment that mimics the extracellular matrix. They served as scaffold materials in regenerative medicine with an ever-growing demand. However, hydrogels composed of only organic components may not fully meet the performance and functionalization requirements for various tissue defects. Composite hydrogels, containing inorganic components, have attracted tremendous attention due to their unique compositions and properties. Rigid inorganic particles, rods, fibers, etc., can form organic-inorganic composite hydrogels through physical interaction and chemical bonding with polymer chains, which can not only adjust strength and modulus, but also act as carriers of bioactive components, enhancing the properties and biological functions of the composite hydrogels. Notably, incorporating environmental or stimulus-responsive inorganic particles imparts smartness to hydrogels, hence providing a flexible diagnostic platform for in vitro cell culture and in vivo tissue regeneration. In this review, we discuss and compare a set of materials currently used for developing organic-inorganic composite hydrogels, including the modification strategies for organic and inorganic components and their unique contributions to regenerative medicine. Specific emphasis is placed on the interactions between the organic or inorganic components and the biological functions introduced by the inorganic components. The advantages of these composite hydrogels indicate their potential to offer adaptable and intelligent therapeutic solutions for diverse tissue repair demands within the realm of regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Organic-Inorganic Composites; Beijing Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China.
| | - Wei Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Organic-Inorganic Composites; Beijing Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China.
| | - Ziyi Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Organic-Inorganic Composites; Beijing Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China.
| | - Xinru Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Organic-Inorganic Composites; Beijing Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China.
| | - Ju Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Organic-Inorganic Composites; Beijing Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China.
| | - Tiejun Bing
- Immunology and Oncology center, ICE Bioscience, Beijing 100176, China
| | - Yingjie Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Organic-Inorganic Composites; Beijing Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China.
| | - Xiaoping Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Organic-Inorganic Composites; Beijing Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China.
| | - Qing Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Organic-Inorganic Composites; Beijing Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China.
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7
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Janssen ML, Liu T, Özel M, Bril M, Prasad Thelu HV, E Kieltyka R. Dynamic Exchange in 3D Cell Culture Hydrogels Based on Crosslinking of Cyclic Thiosulfinates. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202314738. [PMID: 38055926 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202314738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
Dynamic polymer materials are highly valued substrates for 3D cell culture due to their viscoelasticity, a time-dependent mechanical property that can be tuned to resemble the energy dissipation of native tissues. Herein, we report the coupling of a cyclic thiosulfinate, mono-S-oxo-4-methyl asparagusic acid, to a 4-arm PEG-OH to prepare a disulfide-based dynamic covalent hydrogel with the addition of 4-arm PEG-thiol. Ring opening of the cyclic thiosulfinate by nucleophilic substitution results in the rapid formation of a network showing a viscoelastic fluid-like behaviour and relaxation rates modulated by thiol content through thiol-disulfide exchange, whereas its viscoelastic behaviour upon application as a small molecule linear crosslinker is solid-like. Further introduction of 4-arm PEG-vinylsulfone in the network yields a hydrogel with weeks-long cell culture stability, permitting 3D culture of cell types that lack robust proliferation, such as human pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hPSC-CMs). These cells display native behaviours such as cell elongation and spontaneous beating as a function of the hydrogel's mechanical properties. We demonstrate that the mode of dynamic cyclic thiosulfinate crosslinker presentation within the network can result in different stress relaxation profiles, opening the door to model tissues with disparate mechanics in 3D cell culture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merel L Janssen
- Department of Supramolecular and Biomaterials Chemistry, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, P.O. Box 9502, 2300 RA, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Tingxian Liu
- Department of Supramolecular and Biomaterials Chemistry, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, P.O. Box 9502, 2300 RA, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Mertcan Özel
- Department of Supramolecular and Biomaterials Chemistry, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, P.O. Box 9502, 2300 RA, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Maaike Bril
- Department of Supramolecular and Biomaterials Chemistry, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, P.O. Box 9502, 2300 RA, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Hari Veera Prasad Thelu
- Department of Supramolecular and Biomaterials Chemistry, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, P.O. Box 9502, 2300 RA, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Roxanne E Kieltyka
- Department of Supramolecular and Biomaterials Chemistry, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, P.O. Box 9502, 2300 RA, Leiden, The Netherlands
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8
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Vleugels MEJ, Bosman R, da Camino Soligo PH, Wijker S, Fehér B, Spiering AJH, Rijns L, Bellan R, Dankers PYW, Palmans ARA. Bisurea-Based Supramolecular Polymers for Tunable Biomaterials. Chemistry 2024; 30:e202303361. [PMID: 38032693 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202303361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Water-soluble supramolecular polymers show great potential to develop dynamic biomaterials with tailored properties. Here, we elucidate the morphology, stability and dynamicity of supramolecular polymers derived from bisurea-based monomers. An accessible synthetic approach from 2,4-toluene diisocyanate (TDI) as the starting material is developed. TDI has two isocyanates that differ in intrinsic reactivity, which allows to obtain functional, desymmetrized monomers in a one-step procedure. We explore how the hydrophobic/hydrophilic ratio affects the properties of the formed supramolecular polymers by increasing the number of methylene units from 10 to 12 keeping the hydrophilic hexa(ethylene glycol) constant. All bisurea-based monomers form long, fibrous structures with 3-5 monomers in the cross-section in water, indicating a proper hydrophobic\hydrophilic balance. The stability of the supramolecular polymers increases with an increasing amount of methylene units, whereas the dynamic nature of the monomers decreases. The introduction of one Cy3 dye affords modified supramolecular monomers, which co-assemble with the unmodified monomers into fibrous structures. All systems show excellent water-compatibility and no toxicity for different cell-lines. Importantly, in cell culture media, the fibrous structures remain present, highlighting the stability of these supramolecular polymers in physiological conditions. The results obtained here motivate further investigation of these bisurea-based building blocks as dynamic biomaterial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marle E J Vleugels
- Laboratory of Macromolecular and Organic Chemistry, Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Rik Bosman
- Laboratory of Macromolecular and Organic Chemistry, Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Piers H da Camino Soligo
- Laboratory of Macromolecular and Organic Chemistry, Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Stefan Wijker
- Laboratory of Macromolecular and Organic Chemistry, Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Bence Fehér
- Laboratory of Self-Organizing Soft Matter, Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - A J H Spiering
- Laboratory of Macromolecular and Organic Chemistry, Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- Laboratory of Self-Organizing Soft Matter, Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Laura Rijns
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Riccardo Bellan
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Patricia Y W Dankers
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Anja R A Palmans
- Laboratory of Macromolecular and Organic Chemistry, Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
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9
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Chen Z, Ezzo M, Zondag B, Rakhshani F, Ma Y, Hinz B, Kumacheva E. Intrafibrillar Crosslinking Enables Decoupling of Mechanical Properties and Structure of a Composite Fibrous Hydrogel. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2305964. [PMID: 37671420 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202305964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 09/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023]
Abstract
The fibrous network of an extracellular matrix (ECM) possesses mechanical properties that convey critical biological functions in cell mechanotransduction. Engineered fibrous hydrogels show promise in emulating key aspects of ECM structure and functions. However, varying hydrogel mechanics without changing its architecture remains a challenge. A composite fibrous hydrogel is developed to vary gel stiffness without affecting its structure by controlling intrafibrillar crosslinking. The hydrogel is formed from aldehyde-modified cellulose nanocrystals and gelatin methacryloyl that provide the capability of intrafibrillar photocrosslinking. By varying the degree of gelatin functionalization with methacryloyl groups and/or photoirradiation time, the hydrogel's elastic modulus is changed by more than an order of magnitude, while preserving the same fiber diameter and pore size. The hydrogel is used to seed primary mouse lung fibroblasts and test the role of ECM stiffness on fibroblast contraction and activation. Increasing hydrogel stiffness by stronger intrafibrillar crosslinking results in enhanced fibroblast activation and increased fibroblast contraction force, yet at a reduced contraction speed. The developed approach enables the fabrication of biomimetic hydrogels with decoupled structural and mechanical properties, facilitating studies of ECM mechanics on tissue development and disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengkun Chen
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 3H6, Canada
| | - Maya Ezzo
- Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 3E2, Canada
- Laboratory of Tissue Repair and Regeneration, Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science of the St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, M5B 1T8, Canada
| | - Benjamen Zondag
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 3H6, Canada
| | - Faeze Rakhshani
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 3H6, Canada
| | - Yingshan Ma
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 3H6, Canada
| | - Boris Hinz
- Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 3E2, Canada
- Laboratory of Tissue Repair and Regeneration, Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science of the St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, M5B 1T8, Canada
| | - Eugenia Kumacheva
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 3H6, Canada
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 3E5, Canada
- The Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 3G9, Canada
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10
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Ghosh A, Mandal J, Dubey SK, Padma S, Ghosh NN, Behera A, Hafiz SA, Ruidas P, Midya R, Roy D, Das D, Das S, Singh S, Bhattacharyya S, Mukherjee S, Bhattacharjee S. Concentration- and Solvent-Induced Chiral Tuning by Manipulating Non-Proteinogenic Amino Acids in Glycoconjugate Supra-Scaffolds: Interaction with Protein, and Streptomycin Delivery. Chemistry 2023; 29:e202302529. [PMID: 37846644 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202302529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023]
Abstract
We showed solvent- and concentration-triggered chiral tuning of the fibrous assemblies of two novel glycoconjugates Z-P(Gly)-Glu and Z-F(4-N)-Glu made by chemical attachment of Cbz-protected [short as Z)] non-proteinogenic amino acids L-phenylglycine [short as P(Gly)] and 4-Nitro-L-phenylalanine [short as F(4-N)] with D-glucosamine [short as Glu]. Both biomimetic gelators can form self-healing and shape-persistent gels with a very low critical gelator concentration in water as well as in various organic solvents, indicating they are ambidextrous supergelators. Detailed spectroscopic studies suggested β-sheet secondary structure formation during anisotropic self-aggregation of the gelators which resulted in the formation of hierarchical left-handed helical fibers in acetone with an interlayer spacing of 2.4 nm. After the physical characterization of the gels, serum protein interaction with the gelators was assessed, indicating they may be ideal for biomedical applications. Further, both gelators are benign, non-immunogenic, non-allergenic, and non-toxic in nature, which was confirmed by performing the blood parameters and liver function tests on Wister rats. Streptomycin-loaded hydrogels showed efficacious antibacterial activity in vitro and in vivo as well. Finally, cell attachment and biocompatibility of the hydrogels were demonstrated which opens a newer avenue for promising biomedical and therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angshuman Ghosh
- Department of Chemistry, Kazi Nazrul University, Asansol, 713340, West Bengal, India
| | - Jishu Mandal
- CIF Biophysical Laboratory, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology Jadavpur, Kolkata, 700032, West Bengal, India
| | - Soumen Kumar Dubey
- Department of Chemistry, Kazi Nazrul University, Asansol, 713340, West Bengal, India
| | - Somrita Padma
- Department of Animal Science, Kazi Nazrul University, Asansol, 713340, West Bengal, India
| | | | - Ashok Behera
- Faculty of Pharmacy, DIT University, Makkawala, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Sk Abdul Hafiz
- Department of Chemistry, Kazi Nazrul University, Asansol, 713340, West Bengal, India
| | - Pradip Ruidas
- Department of Chemistry, Kazi Nazrul University, Asansol, 713340, West Bengal, India
| | - Ramkrishna Midya
- Department of Chemistry, Kazi Nazrul University, Asansol, 713340, West Bengal, India
| | - Dipanwita Roy
- Department of Chemistry, Kazi Nazrul University, Asansol, 713340, West Bengal, India
| | - Dona Das
- Department of Zoology, Sidho Kanho Birsha University, Purulia, 723104, West Bengal, India
| | - Surajit Das
- School of Applied & Interdisciplinary Sciences, Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, 2A & 2B, Raja Subodh Chandra Mallick Rd, Jadavpur, Kolkata, 700032, West Bengal, India
| | - Somendra Singh
- Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, Sonipat Campus, Sonipat, 131021, Haryana, India
| | - Sankar Bhattacharyya
- Department of Zoology, Sidho Kanho Birsha University, Purulia, 723104, West Bengal, India
| | - Suprabhat Mukherjee
- Department of Animal Science, Kazi Nazrul University, Asansol, 713340, West Bengal, India
| | - Subham Bhattacharjee
- Department of Chemistry, Kazi Nazrul University, Asansol, 713340, West Bengal, India
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11
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Vrehen AF, Rutten MGTA, Dankers PYW. Development of a Fully Synthetic Corneal Stromal Construct via Supramolecular Hydrogel Engineering. Adv Healthc Mater 2023; 12:e2301392. [PMID: 37747759 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202301392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
Recent advances in the field of ophthalmology show great potential in the design of bioengineered constructs to mimic the corneal stroma. Hydrogels based on synthetic supramolecular polymers, are attractive synthetic mimics of the natural highly hydrated corneal stroma. Here, a fully synthetic corneal stromal construct is developed via engineering of an injectable supramolecular hydrogel based on ureido-pyrimidinone (UPy) moieties. The hydrogel displays a dynamic and tunable behavior, which allows for control of biochemical and mechanical cues. Two hydrogels are developed, a fully synthetic hydrogel functionalized with a bioactive cyclic arginine-glycine-aspartate UPy (UPy-cRGD) additive, and a hybrid hydrogel based on UPy-moieties mixed with collagen type I fibers. Both hydrogels supported cell encapsulation and associated cellular deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins after 21 days. Excitingly, the hydrogels support the activation of isolated primary keratocytes into stromal fibroblasts as well as the differentiation toward more quiescent corneal stromal keratocytes, demonstrated by their characteristic long dendritic protrusions and a substantially diminished cytokine secretion. Furthermore, cells survive shear stresses during an injectability test. Together, these findings highlight the development of an injectable supramolecular hydrogel as a synthetic corneal stromal microenvironment able to host primary keratocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annika F Vrehen
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Laboratory of Cell and Tissue Engineering, Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Eindhoven University of Technology, Groene Loper 7, Eindhoven, 5612 AZ, The Netherlands
| | - Martin G T A Rutten
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Laboratory of Cell and Tissue Engineering, Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Eindhoven University of Technology, Groene Loper 7, Eindhoven, 5612 AZ, The Netherlands
| | - Patricia Y W Dankers
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Laboratory of Cell and Tissue Engineering, Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Eindhoven University of Technology, Groene Loper 7, Eindhoven, 5612 AZ, The Netherlands
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12
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Peng YH, Hsiao SK, Gupta K, Ruland A, Auernhammer GK, Maitz MF, Boye S, Lattner J, Gerri C, Honigmann A, Werner C, Krieg E. Dynamic matrices with DNA-encoded viscoelasticity for cell and organoid culture. NATURE NANOTECHNOLOGY 2023; 18:1463-1473. [PMID: 37550574 PMCID: PMC10716043 DOI: 10.1038/s41565-023-01483-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
Three-dimensional cell and organoid cultures rely on the mechanical support of viscoelastic matrices. However, commonly used matrix materials lack control over key cell-instructive properties. Here we report on fully synthetic hydrogels based on DNA libraries that self-assemble with ultrahigh-molecular-weight polymers, forming a dynamic DNA-crosslinked matrix (DyNAtrix). DyNAtrix enables computationally predictable and systematic control over its viscoelasticity, thermodynamic and kinetic parameters by changing DNA sequence information. Adjustable heat activation allows homogeneous embedding of mammalian cells. Intriguingly, stress-relaxation times can be tuned over four orders of magnitude, recapitulating mechanical characteristics of living tissues. DyNAtrix is self-healing, printable, exhibits high stability, cyto- and haemocompatibility, and controllable degradation. DyNAtrix-based cultures of human mesenchymal stromal cells, pluripotent stem cells, canine kidney cysts and human trophoblast organoids show high viability, proliferation and morphogenesis. DyNAtrix thus represents a programmable and versatile precision matrix for advanced approaches to biomechanics, biophysics and tissue engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Hsuan Peng
- Institute for Biofunctional Polymer Materials, Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden, Cluster of Excellence Physics of Life and Faculty of Chemistry and Food Chemistry, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Syuan-Ku Hsiao
- Institute for Biofunctional Polymer Materials, Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden, Cluster of Excellence Physics of Life and Faculty of Chemistry and Food Chemistry, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Krishna Gupta
- Institute for Biofunctional Polymer Materials, Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden, Cluster of Excellence Physics of Life and Faculty of Chemistry and Food Chemistry, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - André Ruland
- Institute for Biofunctional Polymer Materials, Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Günter K Auernhammer
- Institute for Physical Chemistry and Polymer Physics, Polymer Interfaces, Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Manfred F Maitz
- Institute for Biofunctional Polymer Materials, Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Susanne Boye
- Institute for Macromolecular Chemistry, Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Johanna Lattner
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Dresden, Germany
- Center for Systems Biology Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Claudia Gerri
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Dresden, Germany
- Center for Systems Biology Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Alf Honigmann
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Dresden, Germany
- Center for Systems Biology Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Carsten Werner
- Institute for Biofunctional Polymer Materials, Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden, Cluster of Excellence Physics of Life and Faculty of Chemistry and Food Chemistry, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Elisha Krieg
- Institute for Biofunctional Polymer Materials, Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research Dresden, Dresden, Germany.
- Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden, Cluster of Excellence Physics of Life and Faculty of Chemistry and Food Chemistry, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany.
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13
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Chen J, Wang H, Long F, Bai S, Wang Y. Dynamic supramolecular hydrogels mediated by chemical reactions. Chem Commun (Camb) 2023; 59:14236-14248. [PMID: 37964743 DOI: 10.1039/d3cc04353c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2023]
Abstract
Supramolecular self-assembly in a biological system is usually dominated by sophisticated metabolic processes (chemical reactions) such as catalysis of enzymes and consumption of high energy chemicals, leading to groups of biomolecules with unique dynamics and functions in an aqueous environment. In recent years, increasing efforts have been made to couple chemical reactions to molecular self-assembly, with the aim of creating supramolecular materials with lifelike properties and functions. In this feature article, after summarising the work of chemical reaction mediated supramolecular hydrogels, we first focus on a typical example where dynamic self-assembly of molecular hydrogels is activated by in situ formation of a hydrazone bond in water. We discuss how the formation of the hydrazone-based supramolecular hydrogels can be controlled in time and space. After that, we describe transient assembly of supramolecular hydrogels powered by out-of-equilibrium chemical reaction networks regulated by chemical fuels, which show unique properties such as finite lifetime, dynamic structures, and regenerative capabilities. Finally, we provide a perspective on the future investigations that need to be done urgently, which range from fundamental research to real-life applications of dynamic supramolecular hydrogels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, P. R. China.
| | - Hucheng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, P. R. China.
| | - Feng Long
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, P. R. China.
| | - Shengyu Bai
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, P. R. China.
| | - Yiming Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, P. R. China.
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14
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Nguyen AK, Molley TG, Kardia E, Ganda S, Chakraborty S, Wong SL, Ruan J, Yee BE, Mata J, Vijayan A, Kumar N, Tilley RD, Waters SA, Kilian KA. Hierarchical assembly of tryptophan zipper peptides into stress-relaxing bioactive hydrogels. Nat Commun 2023; 14:6604. [PMID: 37872151 PMCID: PMC10593748 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-41907-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Soft materials in nature are formed through reversible supramolecular assembly of biological polymers into dynamic hierarchical networks. Rational design has led to self-assembling peptides with structural similarities to natural materials. However, recreating the dynamic functional properties inherent to natural systems remains challenging. Here we report the discovery of a short peptide based on the tryptophan zipper (trpzip) motif, that shows multiscale hierarchical ordering that leads to emergent dynamic properties. Trpzip hydrogels are antimicrobial and self-healing, with tunable viscoelasticity and unique yield-stress properties that allow immediate harvest of embedded cells through a flick of the wrist. This characteristic makes Trpzip hydrogels amenable to syringe extrusion, which we demonstrate with examples of cell delivery and bioprinting. Trpzip hydrogels display innate bioactivity, allowing propagation of human intestinal organoids with apical-basal polarization. Considering these extensive attributes, we anticipate the Trpzip motif will prove a versatile building block for supramolecular assembly of soft materials for biotechnology and medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley K Nguyen
- School of Chemistry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
- Australian Center for Nanomedicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Thomas G Molley
- School of Chemistry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
- Australian Center for Nanomedicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Egi Kardia
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
- Molecular and Integrative Cystic Fibrosis Research Centre (miCF_RC), University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
- School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Sylvia Ganda
- School of Chemistry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
- Australian Center for Nanomedicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Sudip Chakraborty
- School of Chemistry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Sharon L Wong
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
- Molecular and Integrative Cystic Fibrosis Research Centre (miCF_RC), University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
- School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Juanfang Ruan
- Electron Microscopy Unit, Mark Wainwright Analytical Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Bethany E Yee
- School of Chemistry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
- Australian Center for Nanomedicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Jitendra Mata
- School of Chemistry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
- Australian Centre for Neutron Scattering, Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organization, Lucas Heights, NSW, 2234, Australia
| | - Abhishek Vijayan
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
- Molecular and Integrative Cystic Fibrosis Research Centre (miCF_RC), University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Naresh Kumar
- School of Chemistry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Richard D Tilley
- School of Chemistry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
- Electron Microscopy Unit, Mark Wainwright Analytical Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Shafagh A Waters
- Australian Center for Nanomedicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
- Molecular and Integrative Cystic Fibrosis Research Centre (miCF_RC), University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
- School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick, NSW, 2031, Australia
| | - Kristopher A Kilian
- School of Chemistry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia.
- Australian Center for Nanomedicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia.
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia.
- School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia.
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15
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Yuan M, Xu S, Zhou Y, Chen Y, Song J, Ma S, He Y, Mao H, Kong D, Gu Z. A facile bioorthogonal chemistry-based reversible to irreversible strategy to surmount the dilemma between injectability and stability of hyaluronic acid hydrogels. Carbohydr Polym 2023; 317:121103. [PMID: 37364964 DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2023.121103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Injectable and stable hydrogels have great promise for clinical applications. Fine-tuning the injectability and the stability of the hydrogels at different stages has been challenging due to the limited number of coupling reactions. A distinct "reversible to irreversible" concept using a thiazolidine-based bioorthogonal reaction between 1,2-aminothiols and aldehydes in physiological conditions to surmount the dilemma between injectability and stability is presented for the first time. Upon mixing aqueous solutions of aldehyde-functionalized hyaluronic acid (SA-HA) and cysteine-capped ethylenediamine (DI-Cys), SA-HA/DI-Cys hydrogels formed through reversible hemithioacetal crosslinking within 2 min. The reversible kinetic intermediate facilitated thiol-triggered gel-to-sol transition, shear-thinning and injectability of the SA-HA/DI-Cys hydrogel but then converted to the irreversible thermodynamic network after injection, thereby permitting the resulting gel with improved stability. As compared to the Schiff base hydrogels, the hydrogels generated from this simple, yet effective concept awarded improved protection to the embedded mesenchymal stem cells and fibroblast during injection, retained the cells homogeneously within the gel, and allowed them further proliferation in vitro and in vivo. There is potential for the proposed approach of "reversible to irreversible" based on thiazolidine chemistry to be applied as a general coupling technique for developing injectable and stable hydrogels for biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Yuan
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, PR China; Research Institute for Biomaterials, Tech Institute for Advanced Materials, NJTech-BARTY Joint Research Center for Innovative Medical Technology, Suqian Advanced Materials Industry Technology Innovation Center, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center for Advanced Inorganic Function Composites, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, PR China
| | - Shuangshuang Xu
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, PR China; Research Institute for Biomaterials, Tech Institute for Advanced Materials, NJTech-BARTY Joint Research Center for Innovative Medical Technology, Suqian Advanced Materials Industry Technology Innovation Center, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center for Advanced Inorganic Function Composites, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, PR China
| | - Yin Zhou
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, PR China; Research Institute for Biomaterials, Tech Institute for Advanced Materials, NJTech-BARTY Joint Research Center for Innovative Medical Technology, Suqian Advanced Materials Industry Technology Innovation Center, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center for Advanced Inorganic Function Composites, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, PR China
| | - Yi Chen
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, PR China; Research Institute for Biomaterials, Tech Institute for Advanced Materials, NJTech-BARTY Joint Research Center for Innovative Medical Technology, Suqian Advanced Materials Industry Technology Innovation Center, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center for Advanced Inorganic Function Composites, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, PR China
| | - Jiliang Song
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, PR China; Research Institute for Biomaterials, Tech Institute for Advanced Materials, NJTech-BARTY Joint Research Center for Innovative Medical Technology, Suqian Advanced Materials Industry Technology Innovation Center, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center for Advanced Inorganic Function Composites, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, PR China
| | - Shengnan Ma
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, Henan, PR China
| | - Yiyan He
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, PR China; Research Institute for Biomaterials, Tech Institute for Advanced Materials, NJTech-BARTY Joint Research Center for Innovative Medical Technology, Suqian Advanced Materials Industry Technology Innovation Center, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center for Advanced Inorganic Function Composites, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, PR China.
| | - Hongli Mao
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, PR China; Research Institute for Biomaterials, Tech Institute for Advanced Materials, NJTech-BARTY Joint Research Center for Innovative Medical Technology, Suqian Advanced Materials Industry Technology Innovation Center, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center for Advanced Inorganic Function Composites, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, PR China
| | - Deling Kong
- Key Laboratory of Bioactive Materials for the Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, PR China
| | - Zhongwei Gu
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, PR China; Research Institute for Biomaterials, Tech Institute for Advanced Materials, NJTech-BARTY Joint Research Center for Innovative Medical Technology, Suqian Advanced Materials Industry Technology Innovation Center, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center for Advanced Inorganic Function Composites, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing 211816, PR China; Huaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC), Department of Radiology, Functional and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, PR China
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16
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Gan Z, Qin X, Liu H, Liu J, Qin J. Recent advances in defined hydrogels in organoid research. Bioact Mater 2023; 28:386-401. [PMID: 37334069 PMCID: PMC10273284 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2023.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Organoids are in vitro model systems that mimic the complexity of organs with multicellular structures and functions, which provide great potential for biomedical and tissue engineering. However, their current formation heavily relies on using complex animal-derived extracellular matrices (ECM), such as Matrigel. These matrices are often poorly defined in chemical components and exhibit limited tunability and reproducibility. Recently, the biochemical and biophysical properties of defined hydrogels can be precisely tuned, offering broader opportunities to support the development and maturation of organoids. In this review, the fundamental properties of ECM in vivo and critical strategies to design matrices for organoid culture are summarized. Two typically defined hydrogels derived from natural and synthetic polymers for their applicability to improve organoids formation are presented. The representative applications of incorporating organoids into defined hydrogels are highlighted. Finally, some challenges and future perspectives are also discussed in developing defined hydrogels and advanced technologies toward supporting organoid research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongqiao Gan
- Division of Biotechnology, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, 116023, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Xinyuan Qin
- Division of Biotechnology, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, 116023, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Haitao Liu
- Division of Biotechnology, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, 116023, China
| | - Jiayue Liu
- University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
- Suzhou Institute for Advanced Research, University of Science and Technology of China, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Jianhua Qin
- Division of Biotechnology, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, 116023, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing, 100049, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, CAS, Beijing, 100101, China
- University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
- Suzhou Institute for Advanced Research, University of Science and Technology of China, Suzhou, 215123, China
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17
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Huang S, Zheng J, Jiang Z, Liu J, Liu Y. Exploring the supramolecular chemistry of cyclopropeniums: halogen-bonding-induced electrostatic assembly of polymers. Chem Sci 2023; 14:9820-9826. [PMID: 37736651 PMCID: PMC10510819 DOI: 10.1039/d3sc03086e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Exploring new noncovalent synthons for supramolecular assembly is essential for material innovation. Accordingly, we herein report a unique type of cyclopropenium-based supramolecular motif and demonstrate its applications to polymer self-assembly. Because of the "ion pair strain" effect, trisaminocyclopropenium iodides complex strongly with fluoroiodobenzene derivatives, forming stable adducts. Crystal structure analysis reveals that halogen-bonding between the iodide anion and the iodo substituent of the fluoroiodobenzene is the driving force for the formation of these electrostatically complexed adducts. Such halogen-bonding-induced electrostatic interactions were further successfully applied to drive the assembly of polymers in solution, on surfaces, and in bulk, demonstrating their potential for constructing supramolecular polymeric materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiwen Huang
- South China Advanced Institute for Soft Matter Science and Technology, School of Emergent Soft Matter, South China University of Technology Guangzhou 510640 China
| | - Jianlin Zheng
- South China Advanced Institute for Soft Matter Science and Technology, School of Emergent Soft Matter, South China University of Technology Guangzhou 510640 China
| | - Zihao Jiang
- South China Advanced Institute for Soft Matter Science and Technology, School of Emergent Soft Matter, South China University of Technology Guangzhou 510640 China
| | - Jiaxiong Liu
- South China Advanced Institute for Soft Matter Science and Technology, School of Emergent Soft Matter, South China University of Technology Guangzhou 510640 China
| | - Yiliu Liu
- South China Advanced Institute for Soft Matter Science and Technology, School of Emergent Soft Matter, South China University of Technology Guangzhou 510640 China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Functional and Intelligent Hybrid Materials and Devices, South China University of Technology Guangzhou 510640 China
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18
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Hafeez S, Aldana AA, Duimel H, Ruiter FAA, Decarli MC, Lapointe V, van Blitterswijk C, Moroni L, Baker MB. Molecular Tuning of a Benzene-1,3,5-Tricarboxamide Supramolecular Fibrous Hydrogel Enables Control over Viscoelasticity and Creates Tunable ECM-Mimetic Hydrogels and Bioinks. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2023; 35:e2207053. [PMID: 36858040 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202207053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Traditional synthetic covalent hydrogels lack the native tissue dynamics and hierarchical fibrous structure found in the extracellular matrix (ECM). These dynamics and fibrous nanostructures are imperative in obtaining the correct cell/material interactions. Consequently, the challenge to engineer functional dynamics in a fibrous hydrogel and recapitulate native ECM properties remains a bottle-neck to biomimetic hydrogel environments. Here, the molecular tuning of a supramolecular benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxamide (BTA) hydrogelator via simple modulation of hydrophobic substituents is reported. This tuning results in fibrous hydrogels with accessible viscoelasticity over 5 orders of magnitude, while maintaining a constant equilibrium storage modulus. BTA hydrogelators are created with systematic variations in the number of hydrophobic carbon atoms, and this is observed to control the viscoelasticity and stress-relaxation timescales in a logarithmic fashion. Some of these BTA hydrogels are shear-thinning, self-healing, extrudable, and injectable, and can be 3D printed into multiple layers. These hydrogels show high cell viability for chondrocytes and human mesenchymal stem cells, establishing their use in tissue engineering applications. This simple molecular tuning by changing hydrophobicity (with just a few carbon atoms) provides precise control over the viscoelasticity and 3D printability in fibrillar hydrogels and can be ported onto other 1D self-assembling structures. The molecular control and design of hydrogel network dynamics can push the field of supramolecular chemistry toward the design of new ECM-mimicking hydrogelators for numerous cell-culture and tissue-engineering applications and give access toward highly biomimetic bioinks for bioprinting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahzad Hafeez
- Department of Complex Tissue Regeneration, MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, Maastricht, 6200 MD, The Netherlands
| | - Ana A Aldana
- Department of Complex Tissue Regeneration, MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, Maastricht, 6200 MD, The Netherlands
| | - Hans Duimel
- Maastricht MultiModal Molecular Imaging (M4I) Institute, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, Maastricht, 6200 MD, The Netherlands
| | - Floor A A Ruiter
- Department of Complex Tissue Regeneration, MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, Maastricht, 6200 MD, The Netherlands
- Department of Cell Biology-Inspired Tissue Engineering, MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, Maastricht, 6200 MD, The Netherlands
| | - Monize Caiado Decarli
- Department of Complex Tissue Regeneration, MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, Maastricht, 6200 MD, The Netherlands
| | - Vanessa Lapointe
- Department of Cell Biology-Inspired Tissue Engineering, MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, Maastricht, 6200 MD, The Netherlands
| | - Clemens van Blitterswijk
- Department of Complex Tissue Regeneration, MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, Maastricht, 6200 MD, The Netherlands
| | - Lorenzo Moroni
- Department of Complex Tissue Regeneration, MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, Maastricht, 6200 MD, The Netherlands
| | - Matthew B Baker
- Department of Complex Tissue Regeneration, MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, Maastricht, 6200 MD, The Netherlands
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19
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Yang X, Yang B, Deng Y, Xie X, Qi Y, Yan G, Peng X, Zhao P, Bian L. Coacervation-Mediated Cytocompatible Formation of Supramolecular Hydrogels with Self-Evolving Macropores for 3D Multicellular Spheroid Culture. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2023; 35:e2300636. [PMID: 36908012 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202300636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Coacervation driven liquid-liquid phase separation of biopolymers has aroused considerable attention for diverse applications, especially for the construction of microstructured polymeric materials. Herein, a coacervate-to-hydrogel transition strategy is developed to create macroporous hydrogels (MPH), which are formed via the coacervation process of supramolecular assemblies (SA) built by the host-guest complexation between γ-cyclodextrin and anthracene dimer. The weak and reversible supramolecular crosslinks endow the SA with liquid-like rheological properties, which facilitate the formation of SA-derived macroporous coacervates and the subsequent transition to MPH (pore size ≈ 100 µm). The excellent structural dynamics (derived from SA) and the cytocompatible void-forming process of MPH can better accommodate the dramatic volumetric expansion associated with colony growth of encapsulated multicellular spheroids compared with the non-porous static hydrogel with similar initial mechanical properties. The findings of this work not only provide valuable guidance to the design of biomaterials with self-evolving structures but also present a promising strategy for 3D multicellular spheroid culture and other diverse biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuefeng Yang
- Anhui Key Laboratory of Modern Biomanufacturing, School of Life Sciences, Anhui University, Hefei, 230601, P. R. China
| | - Boguang Yang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077, P. R. China
| | - Yingrui Deng
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077, P. R. China
| | - Xian Xie
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077, P. R. China
| | - Yanwei Qi
- Anhui Key Laboratory of Modern Biomanufacturing, School of Life Sciences, Anhui University, Hefei, 230601, P. R. China
| | - Guoqing Yan
- Anhui Key Laboratory of Modern Biomanufacturing, School of Life Sciences, Anhui University, Hefei, 230601, P. R. China
| | - Xin Peng
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077, P. R. China
| | - Pengchao Zhao
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, Guangzhou International Campus, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 511442, P. R. China
- National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, P. R. China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Materials and Engineering of the Ministry of Education, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, P. R. China
| | - Liming Bian
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Engineering, Guangzhou International Campus, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 511442, P. R. China
- National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, P. R. China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Materials and Engineering of the Ministry of Education, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, P. R. China
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20
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Hagelaars MJ, Rijns L, Dankers PYW, Loerakker S, Bouten CVC. Engineering Strategies to Move from Understanding to Steering Renal Tubulogenesis. TISSUE ENGINEERING. PART B, REVIEWS 2023; 29:203-216. [PMID: 36173101 DOI: 10.1089/ten.teb.2022.0120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Rebuilding the kidney in the context of tissue engineering offers a major challenge as the organ is structurally complex and has a high variety of specific functions. Recreation of kidney function is inherently connected to the formation of tubules since the functional subunit of the kidney, the nephron, is based on tubular structures. In vivo, tubulogenesis culminates in a perfectly shaped, patterned, and functional renal tubule via different morphogenic processes that depend on delicately orchestrated chemical, physical, and mechanical interactions between cells and between cells and their microenvironment. This review summarizes the current understanding of the role of the microenvironment in the morphogenic processes involved in in vivo renal tubulogenesis. We highlight the current state-of-the-art of renal tubular engineering and provide a view on the design elements that can be extracted from these studies. Next, we discuss how computational modeling can aid in specifying and identifying design parameters and provide directions on how these design parameters can be incorporated in biomaterials for the purpose of engineering renal tubulogenesis. Finally, we propose that a step-by-step reciprocal interaction between understanding and engineering is necessary to effectively guide renal tubulogenesis. Impact statement Tubular tissue engineering lies at the foundation of regenerating kidney tissue function, as the functional subunit of the kidney, the nephron, is based on tubular structures. Guiding renal tubulogenesis toward functional renal tubules requires in-depth knowledge of the developmental processes that lead to the formation of native tubules as well as engineering approaches to steer these processes. In this study, we review the role of the microenvironment in the developmental processes that lead to functional renal tubules and give directions how this knowledge can be harnessed for biomaterial-based tubular engineering using computational models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria J Hagelaars
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems (ICMS), Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Laura Rijns
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems (ICMS), Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Patricia Y W Dankers
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems (ICMS), Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Sandra Loerakker
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems (ICMS), Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Carlijn V C Bouten
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems (ICMS), Eindhoven, The Netherlands
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21
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Liu J, Zhang Y, van Dongen K, Kennedy C, Schotman MJG, Marín San Román PP, Storm C, Dankers PYW, Sijbesma RP. Hepatic Spheroid Formation on Carbohydrate-Functionalized Supramolecular Hydrogels. Biomacromolecules 2023. [PMID: 37246400 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.2c01390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Two synthetic supramolecular hydrogels, formed from bis-urea amphiphiles containing lactobionic acid (LBA) and maltobionic acid (MBA) bioactive ligands, are applied as cell culture matrices in vitro. Their fibrillary and dynamic nature mimics essential features of the extracellular matrix (ECM). The carbohydrate amphiphiles self-assemble into long supramolecular fibers in water, and hydrogels are formed by physical entanglement of fibers through bundling. Gels of both amphiphiles exhibit good self-healing behavior, but remarkably different stiffnesses. They display excellent bioactive properties in hepatic cell cultures. Both carbohydrate ligands used are proposed to bind to asialoglycoprotein receptors (ASGPRs) in hepatic cells, thus inducing spheroid formation when seeding hepatic HepG2 cells on both supramolecular hydrogels. Ligand nature, ligand density, and hydrogel stiffness influence cell migration and spheroid size and number. The results illustrate the potential of self-assembled, carbohydrate-functionalized hydrogels as matrices for liver tissue engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Liu
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven 5600 MB, The Netherlands
| | - Ying Zhang
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven 5600 MB, The Netherlands
| | - Kim van Dongen
- CytoSMART Technologies B.V., Vrijstraat 9B, Eindhoven 5611 AT, The Netherlands
| | - Chris Kennedy
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Department of Applied Physics, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven 5600 MB, the Netherlands
| | - Maaike J G Schotman
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven 5600 MB, The Netherlands
| | - Patricia P Marín San Román
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven 5600 MB, The Netherlands
| | - Cornelis Storm
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Department of Applied Physics, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven 5600 MB, the Netherlands
| | - Patricia Y W Dankers
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven 5600 MB, The Netherlands
| | - Rint P Sijbesma
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven 5600 MB, The Netherlands
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22
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Yu N, Zhang F, Tang X, Liu Y, Zhang J, Yang B, Wang Q. Hierarchical hydrogel microarrays fabricated based on a microfluidic printing platform for high-throughput screening of stem cell lineage specification. Acta Biomater 2023; 161:144-153. [PMID: 36868445 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2023.02.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2023]
Abstract
2D cell cultures are suitable for rapid exploration of the factors in the extracellular matrix affecting the development of cells. The technology of the micrometre-sized hydrogel array provides a feasible, miniaturized, and high-throughput strategy for the process. However, current microarray devices lack a handy and parallelized methodology in sample treatment, which makes the process of high-throughput cell screening (HTCS) expensive and inefficient. Here, based on the functionalization of micro-nano structures and the fluid control capability of microfluidic chips, we build a microfluidic spotting-screening platform (MSSP). The MSSP can print 20000 microdroplet spots within 5 min, coupled with a simple strategy for parallel addition of compound libraries. Compared with open microdroplet arrays, the MSSP can control the evaporation rate of nanoliter droplets, providing a stable fabrication platform for hydrogel-microarray-based materials. As a proof-of-concept demonstration, the MSSP successfully controlled the adhesion, adipogenic, and osteogenic differentiation behavior of mesenchymal stem cells by rationally designing the substrate stiffness, adhesion area, and cell density. We anticipate that the MSSP may provide an accessible and promising tool for hydrogel-based HTCS. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: High-throughput screening of cells is a common approach to improve the efficiency of biological experiments, and one challenge of the existing technologies is to achieve rapid and precise cell screening with a low-cost and simple strategy. Through the integration of the microfluidic and micro-nanostructure technologies, we fabricated a microfluidic spotting-screening platforms. Benefiting from the flexible control of the fluids, the device can print 20000 microdroplet spots within 5 min, coupled with a simple procedure for parallel addition of compound libraries. High-throughput screening of stem cell lineage specification has also been achieved by the platform, which provides a high-throughput, high-content information extraction strategy for cell-biomaterial interaction research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nianzuo Yu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130031, PR China; Joint Laboratory of Opto-Functional Theranostics in Medicine and Chemistry, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130031, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Supramolecular Structure and Materials, College of Chemistry, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, PR China
| | - Feiran Zhang
- Joint Laboratory of Opto-Functional Theranostics in Medicine and Chemistry, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130031, PR China
| | - Xiaoduo Tang
- Joint Laboratory of Opto-Functional Theranostics in Medicine and Chemistry, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130031, PR China
| | - Yongshun Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Optoelectronics, College of Electronic Science and Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, PR China.
| | - Junhu Zhang
- Joint Laboratory of Opto-Functional Theranostics in Medicine and Chemistry, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130031, PR China; State Key Laboratory of Supramolecular Structure and Materials, College of Chemistry, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, PR China.
| | - Bai Yang
- Joint Laboratory of Opto-Functional Theranostics in Medicine and Chemistry, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130031, PR China
| | - Quan Wang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130031, PR China.
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23
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Blache U, Ford EM, Ha B, Rijns L, Chaudhuri O, Dankers PY, Kloxin AM, Snedeker JG, Gentleman E. Engineered hydrogels for mechanobiology. NATURE REVIEWS. METHODS PRIMERS 2022; 2:98. [PMID: 37461429 PMCID: PMC7614763 DOI: 10.1038/s43586-022-00179-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
Cells' local mechanical environment can be as important in guiding cellular responses as many well-characterized biochemical cues. Hydrogels that mimic the native extracellular matrix can provide these mechanical cues to encapsulated cells, allowing for the study of their impact on cellular behaviours. Moreover, by harnessing cellular responses to mechanical cues, hydrogels can be used to create tissues in vitro for regenerative medicine applications and for disease modelling. This Primer outlines the importance and challenges of creating hydrogels that mimic the mechanical and biological properties of the native extracellular matrix. The design of hydrogels for mechanobiology studies is discussed, including appropriate choice of cross-linking chemistry and strategies to tailor hydrogel mechanical cues. Techniques for characterizing hydrogels are explained, highlighting methods used to analyze cell behaviour. Example applications for studying fundamental mechanobiological processes and regenerative therapies are provided, along with a discussion of the limitations of hydrogels as mimetics of the native extracellular matrix. The article ends with an outlook for the field, focusing on emerging technologies that will enable new insights into mechanobiology and its role in tissue homeostasis and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulrich Blache
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology and Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence for Immune-Mediated Disease, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Eden M. Ford
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, DE, USA
| | - Byunghang Ha
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Stanford University, CA, USA
| | - Laura Rijns
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Eindhoven University of Technology, PO Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Ovijit Chaudhuri
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Stanford University, CA, USA
| | - Patricia Y.W. Dankers
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Eindhoven University of Technology, PO Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - April M. Kloxin
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, DE, USA
- Department of Material Science and Engineering, University of Delaware, DE, USA
| | - Jess G. Snedeker
- University Hospital Balgrist and ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Eileen Gentleman
- Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative Biology, King’s College London, London SE1 9RT, UK
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24
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Jiang Y, Wang J, Zhang H, Chen G, Zhao Y. Bio-inspired natural platelet hydrogels for wound healing. Sci Bull (Beijing) 2022; 67:1776-1784. [PMID: 36546063 DOI: 10.1016/j.scib.2022.07.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2022] [Revised: 07/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Wound healing has invariably been a fundamental health concern, demanding manpower and materials and causing financial burdens. In this research, inspired by the hemostatic function of platelets, we proposed a novel bionic hydrogel by covalent amidation crosslinking natural platelet and alginate for wound healing. With the natural functional groups, the platelet-derived hydrogel exhibited outstanding biocompatibility and blood compatibility. By changing the addition ratio of platelets to alginates, the mechanical properties of the achieved hydrogel were variable to cater to different wound environments. Furthermore, silver nanoparticles could be loaded into the void space of the hydrogel which endowed the composites with superior anti-infective properties. We have demonstrated that the bio-inspired platelet hydrogel could promote hemostasis of acute tissue damage, prevent bacterial proliferation, and promote angiogenesis, collagen deposition, and granulation tissue formation in wound healing. These features signify the potential values of the bio-inspired platelet hydrogel in clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Jiang
- Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Jie Wang
- College of Artificial Intelligence, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210031, China
| | - Hui Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
| | - Guopu Chen
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210096, China
| | - Yuanjin Zhao
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210096, China; Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210008, China; State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China.
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25
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Bertsch P, Diba M, Mooney DJ, Leeuwenburgh SCG. Self-Healing Injectable Hydrogels for Tissue Regeneration. Chem Rev 2022; 123:834-873. [PMID: 35930422 PMCID: PMC9881015 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.2c00179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 167] [Impact Index Per Article: 83.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Biomaterials with the ability to self-heal and recover their structural integrity offer many advantages for applications in biomedicine. The past decade has witnessed the rapid emergence of a new class of self-healing biomaterials commonly termed injectable, or printable in the context of 3D printing. These self-healing injectable biomaterials, mostly hydrogels and other soft condensed matter based on reversible chemistry, are able to temporarily fluidize under shear stress and subsequently recover their original mechanical properties. Self-healing injectable hydrogels offer distinct advantages compared to traditional biomaterials. Most notably, they can be administered in a locally targeted and minimally invasive manner through a narrow syringe without the need for invasive surgery. Their moldability allows for a patient-specific intervention and shows great prospects for personalized medicine. Injected hydrogels can facilitate tissue regeneration in multiple ways owing to their viscoelastic and diffusive nature, ranging from simple mechanical support, spatiotemporally controlled delivery of cells or therapeutics, to local recruitment and modulation of host cells to promote tissue regeneration. Consequently, self-healing injectable hydrogels have been at the forefront of many cutting-edge tissue regeneration strategies. This study provides a critical review of the current state of self-healing injectable hydrogels for tissue regeneration. As key challenges toward further maturation of this exciting research field, we identify (i) the trade-off between the self-healing and injectability of hydrogels vs their physical stability, (ii) the lack of consensus on rheological characterization and quantitative benchmarks for self-healing injectable hydrogels, particularly regarding the capillary flow in syringes, and (iii) practical limitations regarding translation toward therapeutically effective formulations for regeneration of specific tissues. Hence, here we (i) review chemical and physical design strategies for self-healing injectable hydrogels, (ii) provide a practical guide for their rheological analysis, and (iii) showcase their applicability for regeneration of various tissues and 3D printing of complex tissues and organoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pascal Bertsch
- Department
of Dentistry-Regenerative Biomaterials, Radboud Institute for Molecular
Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical
Center, 6525 EX Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Mani Diba
- Department
of Dentistry-Regenerative Biomaterials, Radboud Institute for Molecular
Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical
Center, 6525 EX Nijmegen, The Netherlands,John
A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, United States,Wyss
Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - David J. Mooney
- John
A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, United States,Wyss
Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Sander C. G. Leeuwenburgh
- Department
of Dentistry-Regenerative Biomaterials, Radboud Institute for Molecular
Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical
Center, 6525 EX Nijmegen, The Netherlands,
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26
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Lei L, Hu Y, Shi H, Bao Z, Wu Y, Jiang J, Li X. Biofunctional peptide-click PEG-based hydrogels as 3D cell scaffolds for corneal epithelial regeneration. J Mater Chem B 2022; 10:5938-5945. [PMID: 35894700 DOI: 10.1039/d2tb00983h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)-based hydrogels as highly promising 3D cell scaffolds have been widely implemented in the field of tissue regrowth and regeneration, yet the functionalized PEG hydrogel providing dynamic, cell-instructive microenvironments is inherently difficult to obtain. Here, we have exploited the specificity of click reaction to develop a set of hydrogels based on 4-arm PEG tetraazide (4-arm-PEG-N3) and di-propargylated peptides (GRGDG and GRDGG) with tunable physicochemical properties applicable for 3D cell scaffolds. The azide groups of PEG were reacted with the alkynyl groups of peptides, catalyzed by copper to form triazole rings, thus generating a cross-linked hydrogel. The gelation time and mechanical strength of the hydrogels varied according to the PEG/peptide feed ratio. The resulting hydrogel exhibited a typical porous microstructure and suitable swelling behavior. The in vitro cytotoxicity test indicated that the resulting hydrogels did not cause apparent cytotoxicity against human corneal epithelial cells (HCECs). After co-incubation with HCECs, the density of RGD as well as peptide sequence in the hydrogels remarkably affected the cell attachment, spreadability, and proliferation. Additionally, the proposed hydrogel showed high ocular biocompatibility after being embedded subconjunctivally into rabbit eyes. Overall, these findings highlighted that the biofunctional hydrogels formed by PEG and RGD motifs via a controllable click reaction might be promising 3D cell scaffolds for corneal epithelial regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Lei
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, School of Ophthalmology & Optometry and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, 270 Xueyuan Road, Wenzhou 325027, P. R. China.
| | - Yuhan Hu
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, School of Ophthalmology & Optometry and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, 270 Xueyuan Road, Wenzhou 325027, P. R. China.
| | - Hui Shi
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, School of Ophthalmology & Optometry and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, 270 Xueyuan Road, Wenzhou 325027, P. R. China.
| | - Zhishu Bao
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, School of Ophthalmology & Optometry and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, 270 Xueyuan Road, Wenzhou 325027, P. R. China.
| | - Yiping Wu
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, School of Ophthalmology & Optometry and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, 270 Xueyuan Road, Wenzhou 325027, P. R. China.
| | - Jun Jiang
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, School of Ophthalmology & Optometry and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, 270 Xueyuan Road, Wenzhou 325027, P. R. China.
| | - Xingyi Li
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, School of Ophthalmology & Optometry and Eye Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, 270 Xueyuan Road, Wenzhou 325027, P. R. China.
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27
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Hafeez S, Passanha FR, Feliciano AJ, Ruiter FAA, Malheiro A, Lafleur RPM, Matsumoto NM, van Blitterswijk C, Moroni L, Wieringa P, LaPointe VLS, Baker MB. Modular mixing of benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxamide supramolecular hydrogelators allows tunable biomimetic hydrogels for control of cell aggregation in 3D. Biomater Sci 2022; 10:4740-4755. [PMID: 35861034 PMCID: PMC9400794 DOI: 10.1039/d2bm00312k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Few synthetic hydrogels can mimic both the viscoelasticity and supramolecular fibrous structure found in the naturally occurring extracellular matrix (ECM). Furthermore, the ability to control the viscoelasticity of fibrous supramolecular hydrogel networks to influence cell culture remains a challenge. Here, we show that modular mixing of supramolecular architectures with slow and fast exchange dynamics can provide a suitable environment for multiple cell types and influence cellular aggregation. We employed modular mixing of two synthetic benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxamide (BTA) architectures: a small molecule water-soluble BTA with slow exchange dynamics and a telechelic polymeric BTA-PEG-BTA with fast exchange dynamics. Copolymerisation of these two supramolecular architectures was observed, and all tested formulations formed stable hydrogels in water and cell culture media. We found that rational tuning of mechanical and viscoelastic properties is possible by mixing BTA with BTA-PEG-BTA. These hydrogels showed high viability for both chondrocyte (ATDC5) and human dermal fibroblast (HDF) encapsulation (>80%) and supported neuronal outgrowth (PC12 and dorsal root ganglion, DRG). Furthermore, ATDC5s and human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) were able to form spheroids within these viscoelastic hydrogels, with control over cell aggregation modulated by the dynamic properties of the material. Overall, this study shows that modular mixing of supramolecular architectures enables tunable fibrous hydrogels, creating a biomimetic environment for cell encapsulation. These materials are suitable for the formation and culture of spheroids in 3D, critical for upscaling tissue engineering approaches towards cell densities relevant for physiological tissues. Dynamic hydrogels can allow cells to form complex multicellular aggregates. Herein, we show that the dynamics of the hydrogel environment can directly influence the speed and size of cellular aggregates formed by using a modularly tunable supramolecular hydrogel.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahzad Hafeez
- Department of Complex Tissue Regeneration, MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands.
| | - Fiona R Passanha
- Department of Cell Biology-Inspired Tissue Engineering, MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Antonio J Feliciano
- Department of Complex Tissue Regeneration, MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands.
| | - Floor A A Ruiter
- Department of Complex Tissue Regeneration, MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands. .,Department of Cell Biology-Inspired Tissue Engineering, MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Afonso Malheiro
- Department of Complex Tissue Regeneration, MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands.
| | - René P M Lafleur
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Nicholas M Matsumoto
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MB Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Clemens van Blitterswijk
- Department of Complex Tissue Regeneration, MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands.
| | - Lorenzo Moroni
- Department of Complex Tissue Regeneration, MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands.
| | - Paul Wieringa
- Department of Complex Tissue Regeneration, MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands.
| | - Vanessa L S LaPointe
- Department of Cell Biology-Inspired Tissue Engineering, MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Matthew B Baker
- Department of Complex Tissue Regeneration, MERLN Institute for Technology-Inspired Regenerative Medicine, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands.
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28
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Schotman MJG, Fransen PP, Song J, Dankers PYW. Tuning the affinity of amphiphilic guest molecules in a supramolecular polymer transient network. RSC Adv 2022; 12:14052-14060. [PMID: 35558837 PMCID: PMC9088426 DOI: 10.1039/d2ra00346e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Dynamicity plays a central role in biological systems such as in the cellular microenvironment. Here, the affinity and dynamics of different guest molecules in a transient supramolecular polymer hydrogel system, i.e. the host network, are investigated. The hydrogel system consists of bifunctional ureido-pyrimidinone (UPy) poly(ethylene glycol) polymers. A monofunctional complementary UPy guest is introduced, designed to interact with the host network based on UPy–UPy interactions. Furthermore, two other guest molecules are synthesized, being cholesterol and dodecyl (c12) guests; both designed to interact with the host network via hydrophobic interactions. At the nanoscale in solution, differences in morphology of the guest molecules were observed. The UPy–guest molecule formed fibers, and the cholesterol and c12 guests formed aggregates. Furthermore, cellular internalization of fluorescent guest molecules was studied. No cellular uptake of the UPy–cy5 guest was observed, whereas the cholesterol–cy5 guest showed membrane binding and cellular uptake. Also the c12–cy5 guest showed cellular uptake. Formulation of the guest molecules into the UPy hydrogel system was done to study the guest–host affinity. No changes in mechanical properties as measured with rheology were found upon guest–hydrogel formulation. Fluorescence recovery after photobleaching showed the diffusive properties of the cy5-functionalized guests throughout the host network. The c12 guest displayed a relatively fast mobility, the UPy guest displayed a decrease in mobility, and the cholesterol–guest remained relatively stable in the host network with little mobility. This demonstrates the tunable dynamic differences of affinity-based interaction between guest molecules and the host network. Interestingly, the cholesterol guest is internalized in cells and is robustly incorporated in the hydrogel network, while the UPy guest is not taken up by cells but shows an affinity to the hydrogel network. These results show the importance of guest–hydrogel affinity for future drug release. However, if modified with cholesterol these guests, or future drugs, will be taken up by cells; if modified with a UPy unit this does not occur. In this way both the drug–hydrogel interaction and the cell internalization behavior can be tuned. Regulating the host–guest dynamics in transient hydrogels opens the door to various drug delivery purposes and tissue engineering. Dynamicity plays a central role in biological systems, which can be mimicked by tuning dynamicity in hydrogel networks.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Maaike J G Schotman
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology P. O. Box 513 Eindhoven 5600 MB The Netherlands .,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Eindhoven University of Technology P. O. Box 513 Eindhoven 5600 MB The Netherlands
| | - Peter-Paul Fransen
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology P. O. Box 513 Eindhoven 5600 MB The Netherlands .,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Eindhoven University of Technology P. O. Box 513 Eindhoven 5600 MB The Netherlands
| | - Jiankang Song
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology P. O. Box 513 Eindhoven 5600 MB The Netherlands .,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Eindhoven University of Technology P. O. Box 513 Eindhoven 5600 MB The Netherlands
| | - Patricia Y W Dankers
- Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology P. O. Box 513 Eindhoven 5600 MB The Netherlands .,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Eindhoven University of Technology P. O. Box 513 Eindhoven 5600 MB The Netherlands.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Laboratory for Cell and Tissue Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology P. W. Box 513 5600 MB The Netherlands
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29
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Wu DT, Jeffreys N, Diba M, Mooney DJ. Viscoelastic Biomaterials for Tissue Regeneration. Tissue Eng Part C Methods 2022; 28:289-300. [PMID: 35442107 PMCID: PMC9347380 DOI: 10.1089/ten.tec.2022.0040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) mechanical properties regulate key cellular processes in tissue development and regeneration. The majority of scientific investigation has focused on ECM elasticity as the primary mechanical regulator of cell and tissue behavior. However, all living tissues are viscoelastic, exhibiting both solid- and liquid-like mechanical behavior. Despite increasing evidence regarding the role of ECM viscoelasticity in directing cellular behavior, this aspect is still largely overlooked in the design of biomaterials for tissue regeneration. Recently, with the emergence of various bottom-up material design strategies, new approaches can deliver unprecedented control over biomaterial properties at multiple length scales, thus enabling the design of viscoelastic biomaterials that mimic various aspect of the native tissue ECM microenvironment. This review describes key considerations for the design of viscoelastic biomaterials for tissue regeneration. We provide an overview of the role of matrix viscoelasticity in directing cell behavior towards regenerative outcomes, highlight recent strategies utilizing viscoelastic hydrogels for regenerative therapies, and outline remaining challenges, potential solutions, and emerging applications for viscoelastic biomaterials in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Tiansui Wu
- Harvard University John A Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, 124077, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States.,Harvard University Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, 465574, Boston, Massachusetts, United States.,Harvard School of Dental Medicine, 124048, Oral Medicine, Infection, and Immunity, Boston, Massachusetts, United States;
| | - Nicholas Jeffreys
- Harvard University John A Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, 124077, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States.,Harvard University Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, 465574, Boston, Massachusetts, United States;
| | - Mani Diba
- Harvard University John A Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, 124077, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States;
| | - David J Mooney
- Harvard University John A Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, 124077, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States.,Harvard University Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, 465574, Boston, Massachusetts, United States;
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30
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Tong C, Wondergem JAJ, van den Brink M, Kwakernaak MC, Chen Y, Hendrix MMRM, Voets IK, Danen EHJ, Le Dévédec S, Heinrich D, Kieltyka RE. Spatial and Temporal Modulation of Cell Instructive Cues in a Filamentous Supramolecular Biomaterial. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2022; 14:17042-17054. [PMID: 35403421 PMCID: PMC9026256 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.1c24114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Supramolecular materials provide unique opportunities to mimic both the structure and mechanics of the biopolymer networks that compose the extracellular matrix. However, strategies to modify their filamentous structures in space and time in 3D cell culture to study cell behavior as encountered in development and disease are lacking. We herein disclose a multicomponent squaramide-based supramolecular material whose mechanics and bioactivity can be controlled by light through co-assembly of a 1,2-dithiolane (DT) monomer that forms disulfide cross-links. Remarkably, increases in storage modulus from ∼200 Pa to >10 kPa after stepwise photo-cross-linking can be realized without an initiator while retaining colorlessness and clarity. Moreover, viscoelasticity and plasticity of the supramolecular networks decrease upon photo-irradiation, reducing cellular protrusion formation and motility when performed at the onset of cell culture. When applied during 3D cell culture, force-mediated manipulation is impeded and cells move primarily along earlier formed channels in the materials. Additionally, we show photopatterning of peptide cues in 3D using either a photomask or direct laser writing. We demonstrate that these squaramide-based filamentous materials can be applied to the development of synthetic and biomimetic 3D in vitro cell and disease models, where their secondary cross-linking enables mechanical heterogeneity and shaping at multiple length scales.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ciqing Tong
- Department
of Supramolecular and Biomaterials Chemistry, Leiden Institute of
Chemistry, Leiden University, P.O. Box 9502, 2300 RA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Joeri A. J. Wondergem
- Biological
and Soft Matter Physics, Huygens-Kamerlingh Onnes Laboratory, Leiden University, P.O. Box 9504, 2300 RA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Marijn van den Brink
- Department
of Supramolecular and Biomaterials Chemistry, Leiden Institute of
Chemistry, Leiden University, P.O. Box 9502, 2300 RA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Markus C. Kwakernaak
- Department
of Supramolecular and Biomaterials Chemistry, Leiden Institute of
Chemistry, Leiden University, P.O. Box 9502, 2300 RA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Ying Chen
- Department
of Supramolecular and Biomaterials Chemistry, Leiden Institute of
Chemistry, Leiden University, P.O. Box 9502, 2300 RA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Marco M. R. M. Hendrix
- Institute
for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven
University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MD Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Ilja K. Voets
- Institute
for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven
University of Technology, P.O. Box 513, 5600 MD Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Erik H. J. Danen
- Division
of Drug Discovery and Safety, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, P.O. Box 9502, 2333 CC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Sylvia Le Dévédec
- Division
of Drug Discovery and Safety, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, P.O. Box 9502, 2333 CC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Doris Heinrich
- Biological
and Soft Matter Physics, Huygens-Kamerlingh Onnes Laboratory, Leiden University, P.O. Box 9504, 2300 RA Leiden, The Netherlands
- Institute
for Bioprocessing and Analytical Measurement Techniques, Rosenhof 1, 37308 Heilbad Heiligenstadt, Germany
- Faculty for
Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Technische
Universität Ilmenau, 98693 Ilmenau, Germany
| | - Roxanne E. Kieltyka
- Department
of Supramolecular and Biomaterials Chemistry, Leiden Institute of
Chemistry, Leiden University, P.O. Box 9502, 2300 RA Leiden, The Netherlands
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31
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Baker MB, Bosman T, Cox MAJ, Dankers P, Dias A, Jonkheijm P, Kieltyka R. Supramolecular Biomaterials in the Netherlands. Tissue Eng Part A 2022; 28:511-524. [PMID: 35316128 DOI: 10.1089/ten.tea.2022.0010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Synthetically designed biomaterials strive to recapitulate and mimic the complex environment of natural systems. Using natural materials as a guide, the ability to create high performance biomaterials that control cell fate, and support the next generation of cell and tissue-based therapeutics, is starting to emerge. Supramolecular chemistry takes inspiration from the wealth of non-covalent interactions found in natural materials that are inherently complex, and using the skills of synthetic and polymer chemistry, recreates simple systems to imitate their features. Within the past decade, supramolecular biomaterials have shown utility in tissue engineering and the progress predicts a bright future. On this 30th anniversary of the Netherlands Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering society, we will briefly recount the state of supramolecular biomaterials in the Dutch academic and industrial research and development context. This review will provide the background, recent advances, industrial successes and challenges, as well as future directions of the field, as we see it. Throughout this work, we notice the intricate interplay between simplicity and complexity in creating more advanced solutions. We hope that the interplay and juxtaposition between these two forces can propel the field forward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew B Baker
- Maastricht University, 5211, Complex Tissue Regeneration Department, MERLN Institute for Technology Inspired Regenerative Medicine, 6211LK, Limburg, Netherlands.,Maastricht University, 5211, MERLN/CTR, Maastricht, Limburg, Netherlands;
| | | | - Martijn A J Cox
- Xeltis BV, Lismortel 31, PO Box 80, Eindhoven, Netherlands, 5600AB;
| | - Patricia Dankers
- Eindhoven University of Technology, 3169, Department of Pathology, Eindhoven, Noord-Brabant, Netherlands;
| | | | - Pascal Jonkheijm
- MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Twente , Molecular Nanofabrication group, Enschede, Netherlands;
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32
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Zhang Q, Wang X, Cong Y, Kang Y, Wu Z, Li L. Conjugated Polymer-Functionalized Stretchable Supramolecular Hydrogels to Monitor and Control Cellular Behavior. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2022; 14:12674-12683. [PMID: 35235302 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c00460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Natural extracellular matrix is formed by the assembly of small molecules and macromolecules into a hydrogel-like network that can mechanically support cells and involve in cellular processes. Here, we developed a fluorescent supramolecular hydrogel based on a conjugated oligomer OFBTCO2Na, which facilitated noncovalent assembly through hydrophobic interactions and hydrogen bonds in a molecular scale. The generated dense three-dimensional network endows the supramolecular hydrogel with stretchability and stability. Furthermore, fluorescent OFBTCO2Na in hydrogel acted as a donor, which can excite the acceptor dyes on cells encapsulated in hydrogel via the Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) mechanism. Investigating the fluorescence signal responsiveness of hydrogel to dynamic mechanical stretching well reflected that enhanced stretching dictated the extent of connection between the cell and matrix, which enables effective FRET at a molecular level and allow spatiotemporally monitoring cell-matrix interactions at the three-dimensional network. Importantly, cells can sense stretch forces by their connection with a hydrogel matrix. The dynamic cell-matrix interaction can be conveniently employed to formulate cell morphology. Therefore, the fluorescent supramolecular hydrogel offers a suitable culture platform not only to investigate cell interactions on interfaces but also to regulate cell behavior at interfaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Advanced Metals and Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, P. R. China
| | - Xiaoyu Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Advanced Metals and Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, P. R. China
| | - Yujie Cong
- State Key Laboratory for Advanced Metals and Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, P. R. China
| | - Yuetong Kang
- State Key Laboratory for Advanced Metals and Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, P. R. China
| | - Zhenglin Wu
- State Key Laboratory for Advanced Metals and Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, P. R. China
| | - Lidong Li
- State Key Laboratory for Advanced Metals and Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, P. R. China
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33
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Kittel Y, Kuehne AJC, De Laporte L. Translating Therapeutic Microgels into Clinical Applications. Adv Healthc Mater 2022; 11:e2101989. [PMID: 34826201 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202101989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Revised: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Microgels are crosslinked, water-swollen networks with a 10 nm to 100 µm diameter and can be modified chemically or biologically to render them biocompatible for advanced clinical applications. Depending on their intended use, microgels require different mechanical and structural properties, which can be engineered on demand by altering the biochemical composition, crosslink density of the polymer network, and the fabrication method. Here, the fundamental aspects of microgel research and development, as well as their specific applications for theranostics and therapy in the clinic, are discussed. A detailed overview of microgel fabrication techniques with regards to their intended clinical application is presented, while focusing on how microgels can be employed as local drug delivery materials, scavengers, and contrast agents. Moreover, microgels can act as scaffolds for tissue engineering and regeneration application. Finally, an overview of microgels is given, which already made it into pre-clinical and clinical trials, while future challenges and chances are discussed. This review presents an instructive guideline for chemists, material scientists, and researchers in the biomedical field to introduce them to the fundamental physicochemical properties of microgels and guide them from fabrication methods via characterization techniques and functionalization of microgels toward specific applications in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yonca Kittel
- DWI – Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials Forckenbeckstrasse 50 52074 Aachen Germany
| | - Alexander J. C. Kuehne
- DWI – Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials Forckenbeckstrasse 50 52074 Aachen Germany
- Institute of Organic and Macromolecular Chemistry Ulm University Albert‐Einstein‐Allee 11 89081 Ulm Germany
- Institute of Technical and Macromolecular Chemistry (ITMC) Polymeric Biomaterials RWTH University Aachen Worringerweg 2 52074 Aachen Germany
| | - Laura De Laporte
- DWI – Leibniz Institute for Interactive Materials Forckenbeckstrasse 50 52074 Aachen Germany
- Max Planck School‐Matter to Life (MtL) Jahnstraße 29 69120 Heidelberg Germany
- Advanced Materials for Biomedicine (AMB) Institute of Applied Medical Engineering (AME) Center for Biohybrid Medical Systems (CBMS) University Hospital RWTH 52074 Aachen Germany
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34
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Hendrikse SIS, Contreras-Montoya R, Ellis AV, Thordarson P, Steed JW. Biofunctionality with a twist: the importance of molecular organisation, handedness and configuration in synthetic biomaterial design. Chem Soc Rev 2021; 51:28-42. [PMID: 34846055 DOI: 10.1039/d1cs00896j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The building blocks of life - nucleotides, amino acids and saccharides - give rise to a large variety of components and make up the hierarchical structures found in Nature. Driven by chirality and non-covalent interactions, helical and highly organised structures are formed and the way in which they fold correlates with specific recognition and hence function. A great amount of effort is being put into mimicking these highly specialised biosystems as biomaterials for biomedical applications, ranging from drug discovery to regenerative medicine. However, as well as lacking the complexity found in Nature, their bio-activity is sometimes low and hierarchical ordering is missing or underdeveloped. Moreover, small differences in folding in natural biomolecules (e.g., caused by mutations) can have a catastrophic effect on the function they perform. In order to develop biomaterials that are more efficient in interacting with biomolecules, such as proteins, DNA and cells, we speculate that incorporating order and handedness into biomaterial design is necessary. In this review, we first focus on order and handedness found in Nature in peptides, nucleotides and saccharides, followed by selected examples of synthetic biomimetic systems based on these components that aim to capture some aspects of these ordered features. Computational simulations are very helpful in predicting atomic orientation and molecular organisation, and can provide invaluable information on how to further improve on biomaterial designs. In the last part of the review, a critical perspective is provided along with considerations that can be implemented in next-generation biomaterial designs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone I S Hendrikse
- Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia. .,School of Chemistry, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | | | - Amanda V Ellis
- Department of Chemical Engineering, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia.
| | - Pall Thordarson
- School of Chemistry, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
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