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Van Tran V, Wi E, Shin SY, Lee D, Kim YA, Ma BC, Chang M. Microgels based on 0D-3D carbon materials: Synthetic techniques, properties, applications, and challenges. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 307:135981. [PMID: 35964721 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.135981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2022] [Revised: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Microgels are three-dimensional (3D) colloidal hydrogel particles with outstanding features such as biocompatibility, good mechanical properties, tunable sizes from submicrometer to tens of nanometers, and large surface areas. Because of these unique qualities, microgels have been widely used in various applications. Carbon-based materials (CMs) with various dimensions (0-3D) have recently been investigated as promising candidates for the design and fabrication of microgels because of their large surface area, excellent conductivity, unique chemical stability, and low cost. Here, we provide a critical review of the specific characteristics of CMs that are being incorporated into microgels, as well as the state-of-the art applications of CM-microgels in pollutant adsorption and photodegradation, H2 evoluation, CO2 capture, soil conditioners, water retention, drug delivery, cell encapsulation, and tissue engineering. Advanced preparation techniques for CM-microgel systems are also summarized and discussed. Finally, challenges related to the low colloidal stability of CM-microgels and development strategies are examined. This review shows that CM-microgels have the potential to be widely used in various practical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinh Van Tran
- Laser and Thermal Engineering Laboratory, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Gachon University, Seongnam, 13120, South Korea
| | - Eunsol Wi
- Department of Polymer Engineering, Graduate School, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 61186, South Korea
| | - Seo Young Shin
- Department of Polymer Engineering, Graduate School, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 61186, South Korea
| | - Daeho Lee
- Laser and Thermal Engineering Laboratory, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Gachon University, Seongnam, 13120, South Korea
| | - Yoong Ahm Kim
- Department of Polymer Engineering, Graduate School, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 61186, South Korea; School of Polymer Science and Engineering, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 61186, South Korea; Alan G. MacDiarmid Energy Research Institute, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 61186, South Korea
| | - Byung Chol Ma
- School of Chemical Engineering, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 61186, South Korea.
| | - Mincheol Chang
- Department of Polymer Engineering, Graduate School, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 61186, South Korea; School of Polymer Science and Engineering, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 61186, South Korea; Alan G. MacDiarmid Energy Research Institute, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 61186, South Korea.
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Xu Y, Zhu H, Denduluri A, Ou Y, Erkamp NA, Qi R, Shen Y, Knowles TPJ. Recent Advances in Microgels: From Biomolecules to Functionality. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2022; 18:e2200180. [PMID: 35790106 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202200180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Revised: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The emerging applications of hydrogel materials at different length scales, in areas ranging from sustainability to health, have driven the progress in the design and manufacturing of microgels. Microgels can provide miniaturized, monodisperse, and regulatable compartments, which can be spatially separated or interconnected. These microscopic materials provide novel opportunities for generating biomimetic cell culture environments and are thus key to the advances of modern biomedical research. The evolution of the physical and chemical properties has, furthermore, highlighted the potentials of microgels in the context of materials science and bioengineering. This review describes the recent research progress in the fabrication, characterization, and applications of microgels generated from biomolecular building blocks. A key enabling technology allowing the tailoring of the properties of microgels is their synthesis through microfluidic technologies, and this paper highlights recent advances in these areas and their impact on expanding the physicochemical parameter space accessible using microgels. This review finally discusses the emerging roles that microgels play in liquid-liquid phase separation, micromechanics, biosensors, and regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yufan Xu
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK
| | - Hongjia Zhu
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK
| | - Akhila Denduluri
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK
| | - Yangteng Ou
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK
| | - Nadia A Erkamp
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK
| | - Runzhang Qi
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK
| | - Yi Shen
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK
- School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
- The University of Sydney Nano Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Tuomas P J Knowles
- Centre for Misfolding Diseases, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, UK
- Cavendish Laboratory, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB3 0HE, UK
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Tiemeijer BM, Tel J. Hydrogels for Single-Cell Microgel Production: Recent Advances and Applications. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:891461. [PMID: 35782502 PMCID: PMC9247248 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.891461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Single-cell techniques have become more and more incorporated in cell biological research over the past decades. Various approaches have been proposed to isolate, culture, sort, and analyze individual cells to understand cellular heterogeneity, which is at the foundation of every systematic cellular response in the human body. Microfluidics is undoubtedly the most suitable method of manipulating cells, due to its small scale, high degree of control, and gentle nature toward vulnerable cells. More specifically, the technique of microfluidic droplet production has proven to provide reproducible single-cell encapsulation with high throughput. Various in-droplet applications have been explored, ranging from immunoassays, cytotoxicity assays, and single-cell sequencing. All rely on the theoretically unlimited throughput that can be achieved and the monodispersity of each individual droplet. To make these platforms more suitable for adherent cells or to maintain spatial control after de-emulsification, hydrogels can be included during droplet production to obtain “microgels.” Over the past years, a multitude of research has focused on the possibilities these can provide. Also, as the technique matures, it is becoming clear that it will result in advantages over conventional droplet approaches. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview on how various types of hydrogels can be incorporated into different droplet-based approaches and provide novel and more robust analytic and screening applications. We will further focus on a wide range of recently published applications for microgels and how these can be applied in cell biological research at the single- to multicell scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- B. M. Tiemeijer
- Laboratory of Immunoengineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering, TU Eindhoven, Eindhoven, Netherlands
- Institute of Complex Molecular Systems, TU Eindhoven, Eindhoven, Netherlands
| | - J. Tel
- Laboratory of Immunoengineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering, TU Eindhoven, Eindhoven, Netherlands
- Institute of Complex Molecular Systems, TU Eindhoven, Eindhoven, Netherlands
- *Correspondence: J. Tel,
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Yoon J, Park W. Omni- and unidirectional data unit photolithography for high similarity and multiple angular segment display-based encoded microparticle fabrication. OPTICS LETTERS 2022; 47:2682-2685. [PMID: 35648904 DOI: 10.1364/ol.456581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
In this study, we propose high similarity and multiple angular segment display-based encoded microparticle fabrication using omni- and unidirectional data unit photolithography systems. Uniform high-correlation values are obtained regardless of the decoding direction when an omnidirectional data unit is used. In addition, multiple display angles are analyzed based on unidirectional data units with varying slit widths. Finally, encoded microparticles for multiple angular segment displays are fabricated and selective information recognition is demonstrated.
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Shao L, Pan B, Hou R, Jin Y, Yao Y. User-friendly microfluidic manufacturing of hydrogel microspheres with sharp needle. Biofabrication 2022; 14. [PMID: 35193129 DOI: 10.1088/1758-5090/ac57a5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Hydrogel microspheres are flexible microstructures with many fascinating functions, such as 3D cell culture, injection therapy, drug delivery, organoids and microtissues construction. The traditional methods of manufacturing hydrogel microspheres more or less have some shortcomings, such as atomization/emulsion method with uneven sizes; piezoelectric-/thermal-/electric-assisted inkjet with high cell damage and unknown cell growth effects; microfluidic manufacturing with sophisticated microdevices etc., which lead to poor user experiences. Here, we designed a user-friendly microfluidic device to generate hydrogel microspheres with sharp needles that can be replaced at will. Specifically, a commercial tapered opening sharp needle was inserted into a transparent silicone tube with the tapered opening facing the upper wall of the silicone tube. Then, GelMA solution and paraffin oil were pumped into the sharp needle and the silicone tube respectively. GelMA microdroplets were formed under the shear stress of the silicone tube and the oil phase, and after being photo-crosslinked in situ, GelMA microspheres with uniform and adjustable sizes can be generated. Due to the simplicity of our original device, heterogeneous microspheres such as Janus, core-shell and hollow microspheres can be easily manufactured by simple modification of the device. In addition, we demonstrated the strong flexibility and maneuverability of the microspheres through macroscopic free assembly. Finally, we prepared different cell-laden GelMA microspheres, and the cells showed stretching behavior similar to that in vivo after a short period culture, which indicated the high bioactivity of GelMA microspheres. Meanwhile, we cultured the Janus cell-laden GelMA microspheres and the assembly of cell-laden GelMA microspheres, where the cells stretched and interacted, demonstrating the potential of GelMA microspheres for co-culture and fabrication of large-scale tissue constructs. In view of the above results, our user-friendly microfluidic manufacturing method of hydrogel microspheres with sharp needles will provide great convenience to relevant researchers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Shao
- Ningbo University, Ningbo University, 818 Fenghua Road, Jiangbei District, Ningbo, Zhejiang Province, China, Ningbo City, Zhejiang Province, 315211, CHINA
| | - Bingchu Pan
- Ningbo University, Ningbo University, 818 Fenghua Road, Jiangbei District, Ningbo, Zhejiang Province, China, Ningbo City, Zhejiang Province, 315211, CHINA
| | - Ruixia Hou
- Ningbo University, Ningbo University, 818 Fenghua Road, Jiangbei District, Ningbo, Zhejiang Province, China, Ningbo City, Zhejiang Province, 315211, CHINA
| | - Yuan Jin
- School of mechnical engineering and mechanics, Ningbo University, Ningbo University, 818 Fenghua Road, Jiangbei District, Ningbo, Zhejiang Province, China, Ningbo City, Zhejiang Province, 315211, CHINA
| | - Yudong Yao
- Ningbo University, Ningbo University, 818 Fenghua Road, Jiangbei District, Ningbo, Zhejiang Province, China, Ningbo City, Zhejiang Province, 315211, CHINA
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Gonzales DT, Zechner C, Tang TYD. Building synthetic multicellular systems using bottom–up approaches. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.coisb.2020.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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Rosenfeld A, Oelschlaeger C, Thelen R, Heissler S, Levkin PA. Miniaturized high-throughput synthesis and screening of responsive hydrogels using nanoliter compartments. Mater Today Bio 2020; 6:100053. [PMID: 32462138 PMCID: PMC7240218 DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2020.100053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2020] [Revised: 04/06/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The traditional pipeline of hydrogel development includes individual one-by-one synthesis and characterization of hydrogels. This approach is associated with the disadvantages of low-throughput and high cost. As an alternative approach to classical one-by-one synthesis, high-throughput development of hydrogels is still tremendously under-represented in the field of responsive material development, despite the urgent requirement for such techniques. Here, we report a platform that combines highly miniaturized hydrogel synthesis with screening for responsive properties in a high-throughput manner. The platform comprises a standard glass slide patterned with 1 × 1 mm hydrophilic regions separated by superhydrophobic liquid-impermeable barriers, thus allowing deposition of various precursor solutions onto the hydrophilic spots without cross-contamination. The confinement of these solutions provided by the hydrophilic/superhydrophobic pattern allows encapsulation of cells within the hydrogel, and enables variation in hydrogel height and width. We have also proved the proper mixing of chemicals within the nanoliter-sized droplets. We have successfully implemented this platform for the synthesis of hydrogels, constructing 53 unique hydrogels, to demonstrate the versatility and utility of the platform. Photodegradation studies were performed on 20 hydrogels, revealing structure/function relationships between the hydrogel composition and photodegradability, and covering the range of degradability from non-degradable to rapidly degradable materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alisa Rosenfeld
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Institute of Biological and Chemical Systems – Functional Molecular Systems (IBCS-FMS), Hermann-von Helmholtz-Platz 1, 76344, Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
| | - Claude Oelschlaeger
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Institute of Mechanical Process Engineering and Mechanics (MVM), Gotthard-Franz-Straße 3, 76131, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Richard Thelen
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Institute of Microstructure Technology (IMT), Hermann-von Helmholtz-Platz 1, 76344, Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
| | - Stefan Heissler
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Institute of Functional Interfaces (IFG), Hermann-von Helmholtz-Platz 1, 76344, Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
| | - Pavel A. Levkin
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Institute of Biological and Chemical Systems – Functional Molecular Systems (IBCS-FMS), Hermann-von Helmholtz-Platz 1, 76344, Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
- Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Institute of Organic Chemistry, 76131, Karlsruhe, Germany
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8
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Ding
- Institute for Chemical and Bioengineering, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Philip D. Howes
- Institute for Chemical and Bioengineering, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Andrew J. deMello
- Institute for Chemical and Bioengineering, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences, ETH Zurich, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland
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Garcia Garcia C, Kiick KL. Methods for producing microstructured hydrogels for targeted applications in biology. Acta Biomater 2019; 84:34-48. [PMID: 30465923 PMCID: PMC6326863 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2018.11.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2018] [Revised: 11/12/2018] [Accepted: 11/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Hydrogels have been broadly studied for applications in clinically motivated fields such as tissue regeneration, drug delivery, and wound healing, as well as in a wide variety of consumer and industry uses. While the control of mechanical properties and network structures are important in all of these applications, for regenerative medicine applications in particular, matching the chemical, topographical and mechanical properties for the target use/tissue is critical. There have been multiple alternatives developed for fabricating materials with microstructures with goals of controlling the spatial location, phenotypic evolution, and signaling of cells. The commonly employed polymers such as poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), polypeptides, and polysaccharides (as well as others) can be processed by various methods in order to control material heterogeneity and microscale structures. We review here the more commonly used polymers, chemistries, and methods for generating microstructures in biomaterials, highlighting the range of possible morphologies that can be produced, and the limitations of each method. With a focus in liquid-liquid phase separation, methods and chemistries well suited for stabilizing the interface and arresting the phase separation are covered. As the microstructures can affect cell behavior, examples of such effects are reviewed as well. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Heterogeneous hydrogels with enhanced matrix complexity have been studied for a variety of biomimetic materials. A range of materials based on poly(ethylene glycol), polypeptides, proteins, and/or polysaccharides, have been employed in the studies of materials that by virtue of their microstructure, can control the behaviors of cells. Methods including microfluidics, photolithography, gelation in the presence of porogens, and liquid-liquid phase separation, are presented as possible strategies for producing materials, and their relative advantages and disadvantages are discussed. We also describe in more detail the various processes involved in LLPS, and how they can be manipulated to alter the kinetics of phase separation and to yield different microstructured materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristobal Garcia Garcia
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA
| | - Kristi L Kiick
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA; Biomedical Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19176, USA; Delaware Biotechnology Institute, Newark, DE 19716, USA
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Kamperman T, Karperien M, Le Gac S, Leijten J. Single-Cell Microgels: Technology, Challenges, and Applications. Trends Biotechnol 2018; 36:850-865. [PMID: 29656795 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2018.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2018] [Revised: 03/14/2018] [Accepted: 03/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Single-cell-laden microgels effectively act as the engineered counterpart of the smallest living building block of life: a cell within its pericellular matrix. Recent breakthroughs have enabled the encapsulation of single cells in sub-100-μm microgels to provide physiologically relevant microniches with minimal mass transport limitations and favorable pharmacokinetic properties. Single-cell-laden microgels offer additional unprecedented advantages, including facile manipulation, culture, and analysis of individual cell within 3D microenvironments. Therefore, single-cell microgel technology is expected to be instrumental in many life science applications, including pharmacological screenings, regenerative medicine, and fundamental biological research. In this review, we discuss the latest trends, technical challenges, and breakthroughs, and present our vision of the future of single-cell microgel technology and its applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tom Kamperman
- Department of Developmental BioEngineering, MIRA Institute for Biomedical Technology and Technical Medicine, University of Twente, Drienerlolaan 5, 7522NB Enschede, The Netherlands. https://twitter.com/DBE_MIRA
| | - Marcel Karperien
- Department of Developmental BioEngineering, MIRA Institute for Biomedical Technology and Technical Medicine, University of Twente, Drienerlolaan 5, 7522NB Enschede, The Netherlands. https://twitter.com/UTwente
| | - Séverine Le Gac
- Applied Microfluidics for BioEngineering Research, MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology, MIRA Institute for Biomedical Engineering and Technical Medicine, University of Twente, Drienerlolaan 5, 7522NB Enschede, The Netherlands. https://twitter.com/utwenteEN
| | - Jeroen Leijten
- Department of Developmental BioEngineering, MIRA Institute for Biomedical Technology and Technical Medicine, University of Twente, Drienerlolaan 5, 7522NB Enschede, The Netherlands.
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