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Ustunel S, Pandya H, Prévôt ME, Pegorin G, Shiralipour F, Paul R, Clements RJ, Khabaz F, Hegmann E. A Molecular Rheology Dynamics Study on 3D Printing of Liquid Crystal Elastomers. Macromol Rapid Commun 2024:e2300717. [PMID: 38445752 DOI: 10.1002/marc.202300717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
This work presents a rheological study of a biocompatible and biodegradable liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) ink for three dimensional (3D) printing. These materials have shown that their structural variations have an effect on morphology, mechanical properties, alignment, and their impact on cell response. Within the last decade LCEs are extensively studied as potential printing materials for soft robotics applications, due to the actuation properties that are produced when liquid crystal (LC) moieties are induced through external stimuli. This report utilizes experiments and coarse-grained molecular dynamics to study the macroscopic rheology of LCEs in nonlinear shear flow. Results from the shear flow simulations are in line with the outcomes of these experimental investigations. This work believes the insights from these results can be used to design and print new material with desirable properties necessary for targeted applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Senay Ustunel
- Materials Science Graduate Program, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44240, USA
- Advanced Materials and Liquid Crystal Institute, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44240, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44240, USA
| | - Harsh Pandya
- School of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering, University of Akron, Akron, OH, 44325, USA
| | - Marianne E Prévôt
- Advanced Materials and Liquid Crystal Institute, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44240, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Kent State University, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44240, USA
| | - Gisele Pegorin
- Materials Science Graduate Program, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44240, USA
- Advanced Materials and Liquid Crystal Institute, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44240, USA
| | - Faeze Shiralipour
- Materials Science Graduate Program, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44240, USA
- Advanced Materials and Liquid Crystal Institute, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44240, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44240, USA
| | - Rajib Paul
- Advanced Materials and Liquid Crystal Institute, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44240, USA
| | - Robert J Clements
- Advanced Materials and Liquid Crystal Institute, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44240, USA
- Biomedical Sciences Program, Kent State University, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44240, USA
- Brain Health Research Institute, Kent State University, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44240, USA
| | - Fardin Khabaz
- School of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering, University of Akron, Akron, OH, 44325, USA
- Department of Chemical, Biomolecular, and Corrosion Engineering, University of Akron, Akron, OH, 44325, USA
| | - Elda Hegmann
- Materials Science Graduate Program, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44240, USA
- Advanced Materials and Liquid Crystal Institute, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44240, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44240, USA
- Biomedical Sciences Program, Kent State University, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44240, USA
- Brain Health Research Institute, Kent State University, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44240, USA
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2
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Afsharian MH, Mahdavian R, Jafari S, Allahverdi A, Soleymani H, Naderi-Manesh H. Investigation of synergic effects of nanogroove topography and polyaniline-chitosan nanocomposites on PC12 cell differentiation and axonogenesis. iScience 2024; 27:108828. [PMID: 38303727 PMCID: PMC10831943 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.108828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Axonal damage is the main characteristic of neurodegenerative diseases. This research was focused on remodeling cell morphology and developing a semi-tissue nanoenvironment via mechanobiological stimuli. The combination of nanogroove topography and polyaniline-chitosan enabled the manipulation of the cells by changing the morphology of PC12 cells to spindle shape and inducing the early stage of signal transduction, which is vital for differentiation. The nanosubstarte embedded with nanogooves induced PC12 cells to elongate their morphology and increase their size by 51% as compared with controls. In addition, the use of an electroconductive nanocomposite alongside nanogrooves resulted in the differentiation of PC12 cells into neurons with an average length of 193 ± 7 μm for each axon and an average number of seven axons for each neurite. Our results represent a combined tool to initiate a promising future for cell reprogramming by inducing cell differentiation and specific cellular morphology in many cases, including neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Hossein Afsharian
- Department of Biophysics, Faculty of Biological Sciences Tarbiat Modares University, Jalal Ale Ahmad Highway, P.O. Box: 14115-111, Tehran, Iran
| | - Reza Mahdavian
- Department of Biophysics, Faculty of Biological Sciences Tarbiat Modares University, Jalal Ale Ahmad Highway, P.O. Box: 14115-111, Tehran, Iran
| | - Samira Jafari
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, School of Pharmacy, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Abdollah Allahverdi
- Department of Biophysics, Faculty of Biological Sciences Tarbiat Modares University, Jalal Ale Ahmad Highway, P.O. Box: 14115-111, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hossein Soleymani
- Department of Biophysics, Faculty of Biological Sciences Tarbiat Modares University, Jalal Ale Ahmad Highway, P.O. Box: 14115-111, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hossein Naderi-Manesh
- Department of Biophysics, Faculty of Biological Sciences Tarbiat Modares University, Jalal Ale Ahmad Highway, P.O. Box: 14115-111, Tehran, Iran
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3
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Bril M, Saberi A, Jorba I, van Turnhout MC, Sahlgren CM, Bouten CV, Schenning AP, Kurniawan NA. Shape-Morphing Photoresponsive Hydrogels Reveal Dynamic Topographical Conditioning of Fibroblasts. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2303136. [PMID: 37740666 PMCID: PMC10625123 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202303136] [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: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/25/2023]
Abstract
The extracellular environment defines a physical boundary condition with which cells interact. However, to date, cell response to geometrical environmental cues is largely studied in static settings, which fails to capture the spatiotemporally varying cues cells receive in native tissues. Here, a photoresponsive spiropyran-based hydrogel is presented as a dynamic, cell-compatible, and reconfigurable substrate. Local stimulation with blue light (455 nm) alters hydrogel swelling, resulting in on-demand reversible micrometer-scale changes in surface topography within 15 min, allowing investigation into cell response to controlled geometry actuations. At short term (1 h after actuation), fibroblasts respond to multiple rounds of recurring topographical changes by reorganizing their nucleus and focal adhesions (FA). FAs form primarily at the dynamic regions of the hydrogel; however, this propensity is abolished when the topography is reconfigured from grooves to pits, demonstrating that topographical changes dynamically condition fibroblasts. Further, this dynamic conditioning is found to be associated with long-term (72 h) maintenance of focal adhesions and epigenetic modifications. Overall, this study offers a new approach to dissect the dynamic interplay between cells and their microenvironment and shines a new light on the cell's ability to adapt to topographical changes through FA-based mechanotransduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maaike Bril
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringEindhoven University of TechnologyEindhoven5600 MBThe Netherlands
- Institute for Complex Molecular SystemsEindhoven University of TechnologyEindhoven5600 MBThe Netherlands
| | - Aref Saberi
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringEindhoven University of TechnologyEindhoven5600 MBThe Netherlands
- Institute for Complex Molecular SystemsEindhoven University of TechnologyEindhoven5600 MBThe Netherlands
| | - Ignasi Jorba
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringEindhoven University of TechnologyEindhoven5600 MBThe Netherlands
- Institute for Complex Molecular SystemsEindhoven University of TechnologyEindhoven5600 MBThe Netherlands
| | - Mark C. van Turnhout
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringEindhoven University of TechnologyEindhoven5600 MBThe Netherlands
| | - Cecilia M. Sahlgren
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringEindhoven University of TechnologyEindhoven5600 MBThe Netherlands
- Institute for Complex Molecular SystemsEindhoven University of TechnologyEindhoven5600 MBThe Netherlands
- Faculty of Science and EngineeringÅbo Akademi UniversityTurkuFI‐20520Finland
| | - Carlijn V.C. Bouten
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringEindhoven University of TechnologyEindhoven5600 MBThe Netherlands
- Institute for Complex Molecular SystemsEindhoven University of TechnologyEindhoven5600 MBThe Netherlands
| | - Albert P.H.J. Schenning
- Institute for Complex Molecular SystemsEindhoven University of TechnologyEindhoven5600 MBThe Netherlands
- Department of Chemical Engineering & ChemistryEindhoven University of TechnologyEindhoven5612 AEThe Netherlands
| | - Nicholas A. Kurniawan
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringEindhoven University of TechnologyEindhoven5600 MBThe Netherlands
- Institute for Complex Molecular SystemsEindhoven University of TechnologyEindhoven5600 MBThe Netherlands
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4
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Zhang Z, Yang X, Zhao Y, Ye F, Shang L. Liquid Crystal Materials for Biomedical Applications. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2023; 35:e2300220. [PMID: 37235719 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202300220] [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: 01/08/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Liquid crystal is a state of matter being intermediate between solid and liquid. Liquid crystal materials exhibit both orientational order and fluidity. While liquid crystals have long been highly recognized in the display industry, in recent decades, liquid crystals provide new opportunities into the cross-field of material science and biomedicine due to their biocompatibility, multifunctionality, and responsiveness. In this review, the latest achievements of liquid crystal materials applied in biomedical fields are summarized. The start is made by introducing the basic concepts of liquid crystals, and then shifting to the components of liquid crystals as well as functional materials derived therefrom. After that, the ongoing and foreseeable applications of liquid crystal materials in the biomedical field with emphasis put on several cutting-edge aspects, including drug delivery, bioimaging, tissue engineering, implantable devices, biosensing, and wearable devices are discussed. It is hoped that this review will stimulate ingenious ideas for the future generation of liquid crystal-based drug development, artificial implants, disease diagnosis, health status monitoring, and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuohao Zhang
- Shanghai Xuhui Central Hospital, Zhongshan-Xuhui Hospital, and the Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, the International Co-laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism (Ministry of Science and Technology), Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Xinyuan Yang
- Shanghai Xuhui Central Hospital, Zhongshan-Xuhui Hospital, and the Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, the International Co-laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism (Ministry of Science and Technology), Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yuanjin Zhao
- Shanghai Xuhui Central Hospital, Zhongshan-Xuhui Hospital, and the Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, the International Co-laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism (Ministry of Science and Technology), Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
| | - Fangfu Ye
- Beijing National Laboratory for Condensed Matter Physics, Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
- Wenzhou Institute, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, 325001, China
| | - Luoran Shang
- Shanghai Xuhui Central Hospital, Zhongshan-Xuhui Hospital, and the Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, the International Co-laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism (Ministry of Science and Technology), Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
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5
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Luo Y, Gu M, Park M, Fang X, Kwon Y, Urueña JM, Read de Alaniz J, Helgeson ME, Marchetti CM, Valentine MT. Molecular-scale substrate anisotropy, crowding and division drive collective behaviours in cell monolayers. J R Soc Interface 2023; 20:20230160. [PMID: 37403487 PMCID: PMC10320338 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2023.0160] [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: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The ability of cells to reorganize in response to external stimuli is important in areas ranging from morphogenesis to tissue engineering. While nematic order is common in biological tissues, it typically only extends to small regions of cells interacting via steric repulsion. On isotropic substrates, elongated cells can co-align due to steric effects, forming ordered but randomly oriented finite-size domains. However, we have discovered that flat substrates with nematic order can induce global nematic alignment of dense, spindle-like cells, thereby influencing cell organization and collective motion and driving alignment on the scale of the entire tissue. Remarkably, single cells are not sensitive to the substrate's anisotropy. Rather, the emergence of global nematic order is a collective phenomenon that requires both steric effects and molecular-scale anisotropy of the substrate. To quantify the rich set of behaviours afforded by this system, we analyse velocity, positional and orientational correlations for several thousand cells over days. The establishment of global order is facilitated by enhanced cell division along the substrate's nematic axis, and associated extensile stresses that restructure the cells' actomyosin networks. Our work provides a new understanding of the dynamics of cellular remodelling and organization among weakly interacting cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yimin Luo
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
| | - Mengyang Gu
- Department of Statistics and Applied Probability, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
| | - Minwook Park
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
| | - Xinyi Fang
- Department of Statistics and Applied Probability, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
| | - Younghoon Kwon
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
| | - Juan Manuel Urueña
- BioPACIFIC MIP, California NanoSystems Institute, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
| | - Javier Read de Alaniz
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
| | - Matthew E. Helgeson
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
| | - Cristina M. Marchetti
- Department of Physics, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
| | - Megan T. Valentine
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
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6
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Shin MJ, Im SH, Kim B, Choi J, Lucia SE, Kim W, Park JG, Kim P, Chung HJ, Yoon DK. Fabrication of Scratched Nanogrooves for Highly Oriented Cell Alignment and Application as a Wound Healing Dressing. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023; 15:18653-18662. [PMID: 37014981 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c00530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Using improper wound care materials may cause impaired wound healing, which can involve scar formation and infection. Herein, we propose a facile method to fabricate a cell-alignment scaffold, which can effectively enhance cell growth and migration, leading to the reproduction of cellular arrangements and restoration of tissues. The principle is scratching a diamond lapping film that gives uniaxial nanotopography on substrates. Cells are seeded to follow the geometric cue via contact guidance, resulting in highly oriented cell alignment. Remarkable biocompatibility is also demonstrated by the high cell viability on various substrates. In vivo studies in a wound healing model in mice show that the scratched film supports directed cell guidance on the nanostructure, with significantly reduced wound areas and inhibition of excessive collagen deposition. Rapid recovery of the epidermis and dermis is also shown by histological analyses, suggesting the potential application of the scratching technique as an advanced wound dressing material for effective tissue regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Jeong Shin
- Department of Chemistry, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - San Hae Im
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Baekman Kim
- Department of Chemistry, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Jieun Choi
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
- KI for Health Science and Technology (KIHST), Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Stephani Edwina Lucia
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
- KI for Health Science and Technology (KIHST), Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Wantae Kim
- Department of Chemistry, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Jesse G Park
- Department of Chemistry, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Pilhan Kim
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
- Graduate School of Nanoscience and Technology, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
- KI for Health Science and Technology (KIHST), Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun Jung Chung
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
- Graduate School of Nanoscience and Technology, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong Ki Yoon
- Department of Chemistry, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
- Graduate School of Nanoscience and Technology, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
- KAIST Institute for Nanocentury, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141 Republic of Korea
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7
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Prévôt ME, Ustunel S, Freychet G, Webb CR, Zhernenkov M, Pindak R, Clements RJ, Hegmann E. Physical Models from Physical Templates Using Biocompatible Liquid Crystal Elastomers as Morphologically Programmable Inks For 3D Printing. Macromol Biosci 2023; 23:e2200343. [PMID: 36415071 DOI: 10.1002/mabi.202200343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Advanced manufacturing has received considerable attention as a tool for the fabrication of cell scaffolds however, finding ideal biocompatible and biodegradable materials that fit the correct parameters for 3D printing and guide cells to align remain a challenge. Herein, a photocrosslinkable smectic-A (Sm-A) liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) designed for 3D printing is presented, that promotes cell proliferation but most importantly induces cell anisotropy. The LCE-based bio-ink allows the 3D duplication of a highly complex brain structure generated from an animal model. Vascular tissue models are generated from fluorescently stained mouse tissue spatially imaged using confocal microscopy and subsequently processed to create a digital 3D model suitable for printing. The 3D structure is reproduced using a Digital Light Processing (DLP) stereolithography (SLA) desktop 3D printer. Synchrotron Small-Angle X-ray Diffraction (SAXD) data reveal a strong alignment of the LCE layering within the struts of the printed 3D scaffold. The resultant anisotropy of the LCE struts is then shown to direct cell growth. This study offers a simple approach to produce model tissues built within hours that promote cellular alignment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianne E Prévôt
- Advanced Materials and Liquid Crystal Institute, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44242, USA
| | - Senay Ustunel
- Advanced Materials and Liquid Crystal Institute, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44242, USA.,Materials Science Graduate Program, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44242, USA
| | - Guillaume Freychet
- Brookhaven National Laboratory, National Synchrotron Light Source-II, Upton, NY, 11973, USA
| | - Caitlyn R Webb
- Advanced Materials and Liquid Crystal Institute, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44242, USA.,Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44242, USA
| | - Mikhail Zhernenkov
- Brookhaven National Laboratory, National Synchrotron Light Source-II, Upton, NY, 11973, USA
| | - Ron Pindak
- Brookhaven National Laboratory, National Synchrotron Light Source-II, Upton, NY, 11973, USA
| | - Robert J Clements
- Advanced Materials and Liquid Crystal Institute, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44242, USA.,Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44242, USA.,Biomedical Sciences Program, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44242, USA
| | - Elda Hegmann
- Advanced Materials and Liquid Crystal Institute, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44242, USA.,Materials Science Graduate Program, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44242, USA.,Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44242, USA.,Biomedical Sciences Program, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44242, USA.,Brain Health Research Institute, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44242, USA
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8
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Rojas-Rodríguez M, Fiaschi T, Mannelli M, Mortati L, Celegato F, Wiersma DS, Parmeggiani C, Martella D. Cellular Contact Guidance on Liquid Crystalline Networks with Anisotropic Roughness. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023; 15. [PMID: 36791024 PMCID: PMC10037237 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c22892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Cell contact guidance is widely employed to manipulate cell alignment and differentiation in vitro. The use of nano- or micro-patterned substrates allows efficient control of cell organization, thus opening up to biological models that cannot be reproduced spontaneously on standard culture dishes. In this paper, we explore the concept of cell contact guidance by Liquid Crystalline Networks (LCNs) presenting different surface topographies obtained by self-assembly of the monomeric mixture. The materials are prepared by photopolymerization of a low amount of diacrylate monomer dissolved in a liquid crystalline solvent, not participating in the reaction. The alignment of the liquid crystals, obtained before polymerization, determines the scaffold morphology, characterized by a nanometric structure. Such materials are able to drive the organization of different cell lines, e.g., fibroblasts and myoblasts, allowing for the alignment of single cells or high-density cell cultures. These results demonstrate the capabilities of rough surfaces prepared from the spontaneous assembly of liquid crystals to control biological models without the need of lithographic patterning or complex fabrication procedures. Interestingly, during myoblast differentiation, also myotube structuring in linear arrays is observed along the LCN fiber orientation. The implementation of this technology will open up to the formation of muscular tissue with well-aligned fibers in vitro mimicking the structure of native tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Rojas-Rodríguez
- European
Laboratory for Non-linear Spectroscopy, via Nello Carrara 1, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Tania Fiaschi
- Department
of Biomedical, Experimental, and Clinical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, viale Morgagni 50, 50143 Florence, Italy
| | - Michele Mannelli
- Department
of Biomedical, Experimental, and Clinical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, viale Morgagni 50, 50143 Florence, Italy
| | - Leonardo Mortati
- Istituto
Nazionale di Ricerca Metrologica (INRiM), strada delle Cacce 91, 10135 Turin, Italy
| | - Federica Celegato
- Istituto
Nazionale di Ricerca Metrologica (INRiM), strada delle Cacce 91, 10135 Turin, Italy
| | - Diederik S. Wiersma
- European
Laboratory for Non-linear Spectroscopy, via Nello Carrara 1, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
- Istituto
Nazionale di Ricerca Metrologica (INRiM), strada delle Cacce 91, 10135 Turin, Italy
- Department
of Physics and Astronomy, University of
Florence, via Sansone
1, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Camilla Parmeggiani
- European
Laboratory for Non-linear Spectroscopy, via Nello Carrara 1, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
- Istituto
Nazionale di Ricerca Metrologica (INRiM), strada delle Cacce 91, 10135 Turin, Italy
- Department
of Chemistry “Ugo Schiff”, University of Florence, via della Lastruccia 3−13, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Daniele Martella
- European
Laboratory for Non-linear Spectroscopy, via Nello Carrara 1, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
- Istituto
Nazionale di Ricerca Metrologica (INRiM), strada delle Cacce 91, 10135 Turin, Italy
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9
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Lewis KL, Herbert KM, Matavulj VM, Hoang JD, Ellison ET, Bauman GE, Herman JA, White TJ. Programming Orientation in Liquid Crystalline Elastomers Prepared with Intra-Mesogenic Supramolecular Bonds. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023; 15:3467-3475. [PMID: 36598490 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c18993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The large, directional stimuli-response of aligned liquid crystalline elastomers (LCEs) could enable functional utility in robotics, medicine, consumer goods, and photonics. The alignment of LCEs has historically been realized via mechanical alignment of a two-stage reaction. Recent reports widely utilize chain extension reactions of liquid crystal monomers (LCM) to form LCEs that are subject to either surface-enforced or mechanical alignment. Here, we prepare LCEs that contain intra-mesogenic supramolecular bonds synthesized via direct free-radical chain transfer photopolymerization processible by a distinctive mechanical alignment mechanism. The LCEs were prepared by the polymerization of a benzoic acid monomer (11OBA), which dimerized to form a liquid crystal monomer, with a diacrylate LCM (C6M). The incorporation of the intra-mesogenic hydrogen bonds increases the achievable nematic order from mechanical programming. Accordingly, LCEs prepared with larger 11OBA concentration exhibit higher magnitude thermomechanical strain values when compared to a LCE containing only covalent bonds. These LCEs can be reprogrammed with heat to return the aligned film to the polydomain state. The LCE can then be subsequently programmed to orient in a different direction. The facile preparation of (re)programmable LCEs with supramolecular bonds opens new avenues for the implementation of these materials as shape deployable elements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin L Lewis
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado80309, United States
| | - Katie M Herbert
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado80309, United States
| | - Valentina M Matavulj
- Material Science and Engineering Program, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado80309, United States
| | - Jonathan D Hoang
- Material Science and Engineering Program, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado80309, United States
| | - Eric T Ellison
- Department of Geological Sciences, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado80309, United States
| | - Grant E Bauman
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado80309, United States
| | - Jeremy A Herman
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado80309, United States
| | - Timothy J White
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado80309, United States
- Material Science and Engineering Program, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado80309, United States
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10
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Uchida J, Soberats B, Gupta M, Kato T. Advanced Functional Liquid Crystals. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2022; 34:e2109063. [PMID: 35034382 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202109063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Liquid crystals have been intensively studied as functional materials. Recently, integration of various disciplines has led to new directions in the design of functional liquid-crystalline materials in the fields of energy, water, photonics, actuation, sensing, and biotechnology. Here, recent advances in functional liquid crystals based on polymers, supramolecular complexes, gels, colloids, and inorganic-based hybrids are reviewed, from design strategies to functionalization of these materials and interfaces. New insights into liquid crystals provided by significant progress in advanced measurements and computational simulations, which enhance new design and functionalization of liquid-crystalline materials, are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junya Uchida
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8656, Japan
| | - Bartolome Soberats
- Department of Chemistry, University of the Balearic Islands, Cra. Valldemossa Km. 7.5, Palma de Mallorca, 07122, Spain
| | - Monika Gupta
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8656, Japan
| | - Takashi Kato
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8656, Japan
- Research Initiative for Supra-Materials, Shinshu University, Wakasato, Nagano, 380-8553, Japan
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11
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Wang Y, Cui H, Esworthy T, Mei D, Wang Y, Zhang LG. Emerging 4D Printing Strategies for Next-Generation Tissue Regeneration and Medical Devices. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2022; 34:e2109198. [PMID: 34951494 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202109198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The rapid development of 3D printing has led to considerable progress in the field of biomedical engineering. Notably, 4D printing provides a potential strategy to achieve a time-dependent physical change within tissue scaffolds or replicate the dynamic biological behaviors of native tissues for smart tissue regeneration and the fabrication of medical devices. The fabricated stimulus-responsive structures can offer dynamic, reprogrammable deformation or actuation to mimic complex physical, biochemical, and mechanical processes of native tissues. Although there is notable progress made in the development of the 4D printing approach for various biomedical applications, its more broad-scale adoption for clinical use and tissue engineering purposes is complicated by a notable limitation of printable smart materials and the simplistic nature of achievable responses possible with current sources of stimulation. In this review, the recent progress made in the field of 4D printing by discussing the various printing mechanisms that are achieved with great emphasis on smart ink mechanisms of 4D actuation, construct structural design, and printing technologies, is highlighted. Recent 4D printing studies which focus on the applications of tissue/organ regeneration and medical devices are then summarized. Finally, the current challenges and future perspectives of 4D printing are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Fluid Power and Mechatronics Systems, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Manufacturing Technology of Zhejiang Province, School of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
| | - Haitao Cui
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, 20052, USA
| | - Timothy Esworthy
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, 20052, USA
| | - Deqing Mei
- State Key Laboratory of Fluid Power and Mechatronics Systems, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Manufacturing Technology of Zhejiang Province, School of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
| | - Yancheng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Fluid Power and Mechatronics Systems, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Manufacturing Technology of Zhejiang Province, School of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310027, China
| | - Lijie Grace Zhang
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, 20052, USA
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, 20052, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, 20052, USA
- Department of Medicine, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, 20052, USA
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12
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Shin MJ, Im SH, Kim W, Ahn H, Shin TJ, Chung HJ, Yoon DK. Recyclable Periodic Nanostructure Formed by Sublimable Liquid Crystals for Robust Cell Alignment. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2022; 38:3765-3774. [PMID: 35302783 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.1c03359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
We demonstrate a facile method to fabricate a recyclable cell-alignment scaffold using nanogrooves based on sublimable liquid crystal (LC) material. Randomly and uniaxially arranged smectic LC structures are obtained, followed by sublimation and recondensation processes, which directly produce periodic nanogrooves with dimensions of a couple of hundreds of nanometers. After treatment with osmium tetroxide (OsO4), the nanogroove can serve as a scaffold to efficiently induce directed cell growth without causing cytotoxicity, and it can be used repeatedly. Together, various cell types are applied to the nanogroove, proving the scaffold's broad applicability. Depending on the nanotopography of the LC structures, cells exhibit different morphologies and gene expression patterns, compared to cells on standard glass substrates, according to microscopic observation and qPCR. Furthermore, cell sheets can be formed, which consist of oriented cells that can be repeatedly formed and transferred to other substrates, while maintaining its organization. We believe that our cell-aligning scaffold may pave the way for the soft material field to bioengineering, which can involve fundamentals in cell behavior and function, as well as applications for regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Jeong Shin
- Department of Chemistry, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - San Hae Im
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Wantae Kim
- Department of Chemistry, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyungju Ahn
- Pohang Accelerator Laboratory, POSTECH, Pohang, 37673, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae Joo Shin
- Graduate School of Semiconductor Materials and Devices Engineering, UNIST, Ulsan, 44919, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun Jung Chung
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
- Graduate School of Nanoscience and Technology, orea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong Ki Yoon
- Department of Chemistry, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
- Graduate School of Nanoscience and Technology, orea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
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Abstract
Smart soft materials are envisioned to be the building blocks of the next generation of advanced devices and digitally augmented technologies. In this context, liquid crystals (LCs) owing to their responsive and adaptive attributes could serve as promising smart soft materials. LCs played a critical role in revolutionizing the information display industry in the 20th century. However, in the turn of the 21st century, numerous beyond-display applications of LCs have been demonstrated, which elegantly exploit their controllable stimuli-responsive and adaptive characteristics. For these applications, new LC materials have been rationally designed and developed. In this Review, we present the recent developments in light driven chiral LCs, i.e., cholesteric and blue phases, LC based smart windows that control the entrance of heat and light from outdoor to the interior of buildings and built environments depending on the weather conditions, LC elastomers for bioinspired, biological, and actuator applications, LC based biosensors for detection of proteins, nucleic acids, and viruses, LC based porous membranes for the separation of ions, molecules, and microbes, living LCs, and LCs under macro- and nanoscopic confinement. The Review concludes with a summary and perspectives on the challenges and opportunities for LCs as smart soft materials. This Review is anticipated to stimulate eclectic ideas toward the implementation of the nature's delicate phase of matter in future generations of smart and augmented devices and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hari Krishna Bisoyi
- Advanced Materials and Liquid Crystal Institute and Chemical Physics Interdisciplinary Program, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio 44242, United States
| | - Quan Li
- Advanced Materials and Liquid Crystal Institute and Chemical Physics Interdisciplinary Program, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio 44242, United States.,Institute of Advanced Materials, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, and Jiangsu Hi-Tech Key Laboratory for Biomedical Research, Southeast University, Nanjing 211189, China
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14
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Mukaddam K, Astasov-Frauenhoffer M, Fasler-Kan E, Marot L, Kisiel M, Meyer E, Köser J, Waser M, Bornstein MM, Kühl S. Effect of a Nanostructured Titanium Surface on Gingival Cell Adhesion, Viability and Properties against P. gingivalis. MATERIALS 2021; 14:ma14247686. [PMID: 34947280 PMCID: PMC8706887 DOI: 10.3390/ma14247686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Revised: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The transgingival part of titanium implants is either machined or polished. Cell-surface interactions as a result of nano-modified surfaces could help gingival fibroblast adhesion and support antibacterial properties by means of the physico-mechanical aspects of the surfaces. The aim of the present study was to determine how a nanocavity titanium surface affects the viability and adhesion of human gingival fibroblasts (HGF-1). Additionally, its properties against Porphyromonas gingivalis were tested. MATERIAL AND METHODS Two different specimens were evaluated: commercially available machined titanium discs (MD) and nanostructured discs (ND). To obtain ND, machined titanium discs with a diameter of 15 mm were etched with a 1:1 mixture of 98% H2SO4 and 30% H2O2 (piranha etching) for 5 h at room temperature. Surface topography characterization was performed via scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Samples were exposed to HGF-1 to assess the effect on cell viability and adhesion, which were compared between the two groups by means of MTT assay, immunofluorescence and flow cytometry. After incubation with P. gingivalis, antibacterial properties of MD and ND were determined by conventional culturing, live/dead staining and SEM. Results: The present study successfully created a nanostructured surface on commercially available machined titanium discs. The etching process created cavities with a 10-20 nm edge-to-edge diameter. MD and ND show similar adhesion forces equal to about 10-30 nN. The achieved nanostructuration reduced the cell alignment along machining structures and did not negatively affect the proliferation of gingival fibroblasts when compared to MD. No differences in the expression levels of both actin and vinculin proteins, after incubation on MD or ND, were observed. However, the novel ND surface failed to show antibacterial effects against P. gingivalis. CONCLUSION Antibacterial effects against P. gingivalis cannot be achieved with nanocavities within a range of 10-20 nm and based on the piranha etching procedure. The proliferation of HGF-1 and the expression levels and localization of the structural proteins actin and vinculin were not influenced by the surface nanostructuration. Further studies on the strength of the gingival cell adhesion should be performed in the future. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Since osseointegration is well investigated, mucointegration is an important part of future research and developments. Little is known about how nanostructures on the machined transgingival part of an implant could possibly influence the surrounding tissue. Targeting titanium surfaces with improved antimicrobial properties requires extensive preclinical basic research to gain clinical relevance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khaled Mukaddam
- Department of Oral Surgery, University Center for Dental Medicine Basel (UZB), University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 40, 4058 Basel, Switzerland;
- Correspondence:
| | - Monika Astasov-Frauenhoffer
- Department Research, University Center for Dental Medicine Basel (UZB), University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 40, 4058 Basel, Switzerland;
| | - Elizaveta Fasler-Kan
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel and University Hospital Basel, Hebelstrasse 20, 4031 Basel, Switzerland;
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children’s Hospital, Inselspital Bern, Department of Biomedical Research, University of Bern, Freiburgstrasse 15, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Laurent Marot
- Department of Physics, University of Basel, Klingelbergstraße 82, 4056 Basel, Switzerland; (L.M.); (M.K.); (E.M.)
| | - Marcin Kisiel
- Department of Physics, University of Basel, Klingelbergstraße 82, 4056 Basel, Switzerland; (L.M.); (M.K.); (E.M.)
| | - Ernst Meyer
- Department of Physics, University of Basel, Klingelbergstraße 82, 4056 Basel, Switzerland; (L.M.); (M.K.); (E.M.)
| | - Joachim Köser
- Institut für Chemie und Bioanalytik, Hochschule für Life Sciences, Hofackerstrasse 30, 4132 Muttenz, Switzerland; (J.K.); (M.W.)
| | - Marcus Waser
- Institut für Chemie und Bioanalytik, Hochschule für Life Sciences, Hofackerstrasse 30, 4132 Muttenz, Switzerland; (J.K.); (M.W.)
| | - Michael M. Bornstein
- Department of Oral Health & Medicine, University Center for Dental Medicine Basel (UZB), University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 40, 4058 Basel, Switzerland;
| | - Sebastian Kühl
- Department of Oral Surgery, University Center for Dental Medicine Basel (UZB), University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 40, 4058 Basel, Switzerland;
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15
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Martella D, Nocentini S, Parmeggiani C, Wiersma DS. Photonic artificial muscles: from micro robots to tissue engineering. Faraday Discuss 2021; 223:216-232. [PMID: 32716468 DOI: 10.1039/d0fd00032a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Light responsive shape-changing polymers are able to mimic the function of biological muscles accomplishing mechanical work in response to selected stimuli. A variety of manufacturing techniques and chemical processes can be employed to shape these materials to different length scales, from centimeter fibers and films to 3D printed micrometric objects trying to replicate biological functions and operations. Controlled deformations shown to mimick basic animal operations such as walking, swimming or grabbing objects, while also controlling the refractive index and the geometry of devices, opens up the potential to implement tunable optical properties. Another possibility is that of combining artificial polymers with cells or biological tissue (such as intact cardiac trabeculae) with the aim to improve tissue formation in vitro or to support the mechanical function of damaged biological muscles. Such versatility is afforded by chemistry. New customized liquid crystalline monomers are presented here that modulate material properties for different applications. The role of synthetic material composition is highlighted as we demonstrate how using apparently similar molecular formulations, that liquid crystalline polymers can be adapted to different technological and medical challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Martella
- European Laboratory for Non-Linear Spectroscopy (LENS), University of Florence, via Nello Carrara 1, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy. and Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Florence, Via Sansone 1, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Sara Nocentini
- European Laboratory for Non-Linear Spectroscopy (LENS), University of Florence, via Nello Carrara 1, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy. and Istituto Nazionale di Ricerca Metrologica INRiM, Strada delle Cacce 91, 10135 Turin, Italy
| | - Camilla Parmeggiani
- European Laboratory for Non-Linear Spectroscopy (LENS), University of Florence, via Nello Carrara 1, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy. and Istituto Nazionale di Ricerca Metrologica INRiM, Strada delle Cacce 91, 10135 Turin, Italy and Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff", University of Florence, via della Lastruccia 3-13, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Diederik S Wiersma
- European Laboratory for Non-Linear Spectroscopy (LENS), University of Florence, via Nello Carrara 1, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy. and Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Florence, Via Sansone 1, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy and Istituto Nazionale di Ricerca Metrologica INRiM, Strada delle Cacce 91, 10135 Turin, Italy
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16
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Cell instructive Liquid Crystalline Networks for myotube formation. iScience 2021; 24:103077. [PMID: 34568797 PMCID: PMC8449234 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.103077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Revised: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Development of biological tissues in vitro is not a trivial task and requires the correct maturation of the selected cell line. To this aim, many attempts were done mainly by mimicking the biological environment using micro/nanopatterned or stimulated scaffolds. However, the obtainment of functional tissues in vitro is still far from being achieved. In contrast with the standard methods, we here present an easy approach for the maturation of myotubes toward the reproduction of muscular tissue. By using liquid crystalline networks with different stiffness and molecular alignment, we demonstrate how the material itself can give favorable interactions with myoblasts helping a correct differentiation. Electrophysiological studies demonstrate that myotubes obtained on these polymers have more adult-like morphology and better functional features with respect to those cultured on standard supports. The study opens to a platform for the differentiation of other cell lines in a simple and scalable way.
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17
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Lavrentovich OD. Design of nematic liquid crystals to control microscale dynamics. LIQUID CRYSTALS REVIEWS 2021; 8:59-129. [PMID: 34956738 PMCID: PMC8698256 DOI: 10.1080/21680396.2021.1919576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 04/11/2021] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
The dynamics of small particles, both living such as swimming bacteria and inanimate, such as colloidal spheres, has fascinated scientists for centuries. If one could learn how to control and streamline their chaotic motion, that would open technological opportunities in the transformation of stored or environmental energy into systematic motion, with applications in micro-robotics, transport of matter, guided morphogenesis. This review presents an approach to command microscale dynamics by replacing an isotropic medium with a liquid crystal. Orientational order and associated properties, such as elasticity, surface anchoring, and bulk anisotropy, enable new dynamic effects, ranging from the appearance and propagation of particle-like solitary waves to self-locomotion of an active droplet. By using photoalignment, the liquid crystal can be patterned into predesigned structures. In the presence of the electric field, these patterns enable the transport of solid and fluid particles through nonlinear electrokinetics rooted in anisotropy of conductivity and permittivity. Director patterns command the dynamics of swimming bacteria, guiding their trajectories, polarity of swimming, and distribution in space. This guidance is of a higher level of complexity than a simple following of the director by rod-like microorganisms. Namely, the director gradients mediate hydrodynamic interactions of bacteria to produce an active force and collective polar modes of swimming. The patterned director could also be engraved in a liquid crystal elastomer. When an elastomer coating is activated by heat or light, these patterns produce a deterministic surface topography. The director gradients define an activation force that shapes the elastomer in a manner similar to the active stresses triggering flows in active nematics. The patterned elastomer substrates could be used to define the orientation of cells in living tissues. The liquid-crystal guidance holds a major promise in achieving the goal of commanding microscale active flows.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oleg D Lavrentovich
- Advanced Materials and Liquid Crystal Institute, Department of Physics, Materials Science Graduate Program, Kent State University, Kent, OH 44242, USA
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18
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Synchrotron Microbeam Diffraction Studies on the Alignment within 3D-Printed Smectic-A Liquid Crystal Elastomer Filaments during Extrusion. CRYSTALS 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/cryst11050523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
3D printing of novel and smart materials has received considerable attention due to its applications within biological and medical fields, mostly as they can be used to print complex architectures and particular designs. However, the internal structure during 3D printing can be problematic to resolve. We present here how time-resolved synchrotron microbeam Small-Angle X-ray Diffraction (μ-SAXD) allows us to elucidate the local orientational structure of a liquid crystal elastomer-based printed scaffold. Most reported 3D-printed liquid crystal elastomers are mainly nematic; here, we present a Smectic-A 3D-printed liquid crystal elastomer that has previously been reported to promote cell proliferation and alignment. The data obtained on the 3D-printed filaments will provide insights into the internal structure of the liquid crystal elastomer for the future fabrication of liquid crystal elastomers as responsive and anisotropic 3D cell scaffolds.
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Lv P, You Y, Li J, Zhang Y, Broer DJ, Chen J, Zhou G, Zhao W, Liu D. Translating 2D Director Profile to 3D Topography in a Liquid Crystal Polymer. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2021; 8:2004749. [PMID: 33898203 PMCID: PMC8061370 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202004749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Morphological properties of surfaces play a key role in natural and man-made objects. The development of robust methods to fabricate micro/nano surface structures has been a long pursuit. Herein, an approach based on molecular self-assembling of liquid crystal polymers (LCPs) is presented to directly translate 2D molecular director profiles obtained by a photoalignment procedure into 3D topographies, without involving further multi-step lithographic processes. The principle of surface deformation from a flat morphology into complex topographies is based on the coupling between electrostatic interactions and the anisotropic flow in LCPs. When activated by an electric field, the LCP melts and is driven by electrohydrodynamic instabilities to connect the electrode plates of a capacitor, inducing topographies governed by the director profile of the LCP. Upon switching off the electric field, the formed structures vitrify as the temperature decreases below the glass transition. When heated, the process is reversible as the formed topographies disappear. By pre-programming the molecular director a variety of structures could be made with increasing complexity. The height, pitch, and the aspect ratio of the textures are further regulated by the conditions of the applied electric field. The proposed approach will open new opportunities for optical and electrical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengrong Lv
- SCNU‐TUE Joint Lab of Device Integrated Responsive Materials (DIRM)National Center for International Research on Green OptoelectronicsSouth China Normal UniversityNo 378, West Waihuan Road, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega CenterGuangzhou510006China
| | - Yuxin You
- SCNU‐TUE Joint Lab of Device Integrated Responsive Materials (DIRM)National Center for International Research on Green OptoelectronicsSouth China Normal UniversityNo 378, West Waihuan Road, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega CenterGuangzhou510006China
| | - Junyu Li
- Molecular Materials and Nanosystems and Institute of Complex Molecular SystemsEindhoven University of TechnologyP.O. Box 513Eindhoven5600 MBThe Netherlands
| | - Yang Zhang
- Solar Energy Research InstituteYunnan Normal UniversityKunming650500China
| | - Dirk J. Broer
- SCNU‐TUE Joint Lab of Device Integrated Responsive Materials (DIRM)National Center for International Research on Green OptoelectronicsSouth China Normal UniversityNo 378, West Waihuan Road, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega CenterGuangzhou510006China
- Institute for Complex Molecular SystemsEindhoven University of TechnologyDen Dolech 2Eindhoven5612 AZThe Netherlands
- Department of Chemical Engineering and ChemistryEindhoven University of TechnologyDen Dolech 2Eindhoven5612 AZThe Netherlands
| | - Jiawen Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Optical Information Materials and Technology & Institute of Electronic Paper DisplaysSouth China Academy of Advanced OptoelectronicsSouth China Normal UniversityGuangzhou510006P. R. China
| | - Guofu Zhou
- SCNU‐TUE Joint Lab of Device Integrated Responsive Materials (DIRM)National Center for International Research on Green OptoelectronicsSouth China Normal UniversityNo 378, West Waihuan Road, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega CenterGuangzhou510006China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Optical Information Materials and Technology & Institute of Electronic Paper DisplaysSouth China Academy of Advanced OptoelectronicsSouth China Normal UniversityGuangzhou510006P. R. China
- Shenzhen Guohua Optoelectronics Tech. Co. Ltd.Shenzhen518110China
| | - Wei Zhao
- SCNU‐TUE Joint Lab of Device Integrated Responsive Materials (DIRM)National Center for International Research on Green OptoelectronicsSouth China Normal UniversityNo 378, West Waihuan Road, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega CenterGuangzhou510006China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Optical Information Materials and Technology & Institute of Electronic Paper DisplaysSouth China Academy of Advanced OptoelectronicsSouth China Normal UniversityGuangzhou510006P. R. China
| | - Danqing Liu
- SCNU‐TUE Joint Lab of Device Integrated Responsive Materials (DIRM)National Center for International Research on Green OptoelectronicsSouth China Normal UniversityNo 378, West Waihuan Road, Guangzhou Higher Education Mega CenterGuangzhou510006China
- Institute for Complex Molecular SystemsEindhoven University of TechnologyDen Dolech 2Eindhoven5612 AZThe Netherlands
- Department of Chemical Engineering and ChemistryEindhoven University of TechnologyDen Dolech 2Eindhoven5612 AZThe Netherlands
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20
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Ustunel S, Prévôt ME, Clements RJ, Hegmann E. Cradle-to-cradle: designing biomaterials to fit as truly biomimetic cell scaffolds– a review. LIQUID CRYSTALS TODAY 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/1358314x.2020.1855919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Senay Ustunel
- Materials Science Graduate Program, Kent State University, Kent, OH, USA
- Advanced Materials and Liquid Crystal Institute, Kent State University, Kent, OH, USA
| | - Marianne E. Prévôt
- Advanced Materials and Liquid Crystal Institute, Kent State University, Kent, OH, USA
| | - Robert J. Clements
- Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH, USA
- Biomedical Sciences Program, Kent State University, Kent, OH, USA
- Brain Health Research Institute, Kent State University, Kent, OH, USA
| | - Elda Hegmann
- Materials Science Graduate Program, Kent State University, Kent, OH, USA
- Advanced Materials and Liquid Crystal Institute, Kent State University, Kent, OH, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH, USA
- Biomedical Sciences Program, Kent State University, Kent, OH, USA
- Brain Health Research Institute, Kent State University, Kent, OH, USA
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21
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Ambulo CP, Tasmim S, Wang S, Abdelrahman MK, Zimmern PE, Ware TH. Processing advances in liquid crystal elastomers provide a path to biomedical applications. JOURNAL OF APPLIED PHYSICS 2020; 128:140901. [PMID: 33060862 PMCID: PMC7546753 DOI: 10.1063/5.0021143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) are a class of stimuli-responsive polymers that undergo reversible shape-change in response to environmental changes. The shape change of LCEs can be programmed during processing by orienting the liquid crystal phase prior to crosslinking. The suite of processing techniques that has been developed has resulted in a myriad of LCEs with different shape-changing behavior and mechanical properties. Aligning LCEs via mechanical straining yields large uniaxial actuators capable of a moderate force output. Magnetic fields are utilized to control the alignment within LCE microstructures. The generation of out-of-plane deformations such as bending, twisting, and coning is enabled by surface alignment techniques within thin films. 4D printing processes have emerged that enable the fabrication of centimeter-scale, 3D LCE structures with a complex alignment. The processing technique also determines, to a large extent, the potential applications of the LCE. For example, 4D printing enables the fabrication of LCE actuators capable of replicating the forces generated by human muscles. Employing surface alignment techniques, LCE films can be designed for use as coatings or as substrates for stretchable electronics. The growth of new processes and strategies opens and strengthens the path for LCEs to be applicable within biomedical device designs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cedric P Ambulo
- Department of Bioengineering, The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, Texas 75080, USA
| | | | | | | | - Philippe E Zimmern
- Department of Urology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA
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Lee Y, Choi S, Kang BG, Ahn SK. Effect of Isomeric Amine Chain Extenders and Crosslink Density on the Properties of Liquid Crystal Elastomers. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2020; 13:E3094. [PMID: 32664370 PMCID: PMC7412247 DOI: 10.3390/ma13143094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Revised: 07/02/2020] [Accepted: 07/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Among the various types of shape changing materials, liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) have received significant attention as they can undergo programmed and reversible shape transformations. The molecular engineering of LCEs is the key to manipulating their phase transition, mechanical properties, and actuation performance. In this work, LCEs containing three different types of butyl groups (n-, iso-, and sec-butyl) in the side chain were synthesized, and the effect of isomeric amine chain extenders on the thermal, mechanical, and actuation properties of the resulting LCEs was investigated. Because of the considerably low reactivity of the sec-butyl group toward the diacrylate in the LC monomer, only a densely crosslinked LCE was synthesized. Most interestingly, the mechanical properties, actuation temperature, and blocking stress of the LCEs comprising isobutyl groups were higher than those of the LCEs comprising n-butyl groups. This difference was attributed to the presence of branches in the LCEs with isobutyl groups, which resulted in a tighter molecular packing and reduced the free volume. Our results suggest a facile and effective method for synthesizing LCEs with tailored mechanical and actuation properties by the choice of chain extenders, which may advance the development of soft actuators for a variety of applications in aerospace, medicine, and optics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoojin Lee
- Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Korea; (Y.L.); (S.C.)
| | - Subi Choi
- Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Korea; (Y.L.); (S.C.)
| | - Beom-Goo Kang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Soongsil University, Seoul 06978, Korea
| | - Suk-kyun Ahn
- Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Korea; (Y.L.); (S.C.)
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