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Mukundan LM, Das S, Rajasekaran R, Ganguly D, Seesala VS, Dhara S, Chattopadhyay S. Photo-annealable agarose microgels for jammed microgel printing: Transforming thermogelling hydrogel to a functional bioink. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 278:134550. [PMID: 39116964 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.134550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Revised: 06/07/2024] [Accepted: 08/05/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024]
Abstract
Three-dimensional (3D) printing of hydrogel structures using jammed microgel inks offer distinct advantages of improved printing functionalities, as these inks are strain-yielding and self-recovering types. However, interparticle binding in granular hydrogel inks is a challenge to overcome the limited integrity and reduced macroscale modulus prevalent in the 3D printed microgel scaffolds. In this study, we prepared chemically annealable agarose microgels through a process of xerogel rehydration, applying a low-cost and high throughput method of spray drying. The crosslinked jammed microgel matrix is found to have superior mechanical properties with a Young's modulus of 2.23 MPa and extensibility up to 7.2%, surpassing those of traditional biopolymer-based and microgel-based inks. Furthermore, this study addresses the complexities encountered in the existing system of printing thermoresponsive agarose bioink using this jammed microgel printing approach. The jammed agarose microgel ink exhibited to be self-recovering, yield stress fluid and validated the temperature-independent printing. Furthermore, the 3D printed jammed microgel scaffold demonstrated good cell responsiveness as evaluated through the viability and morphological study in-vitro with mesenchymal stem cells cultured in it. This unique fabrication approach offers exciting possibilities to expand on microgel printing for varied requirements in tissue engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lakshmi M Mukundan
- Rubber Technology Center, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur; School of Medical Science and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, West Bengal 721302, India
| | - Samir Das
- School of Medical Science and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, West Bengal 721302, India
| | - Ragavi Rajasekaran
- School of Medical Science and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, West Bengal 721302, India
| | | | - Venkata Sundeep Seesala
- School of Medical Science and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, West Bengal 721302, India
| | - Santanu Dhara
- School of Medical Science and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, West Bengal 721302, India
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2
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Li H, Iyer KS, Bao L, Zhai J, Li JJ. Advances in the Development of Granular Microporous Injectable Hydrogels with Non-spherical Microgels and Their Applications in Tissue Regeneration. Adv Healthc Mater 2024; 13:e2301597. [PMID: 37499268 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202301597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Granular microporous hydrogels are emerging as effective biomaterial scaffolds for tissue engineering due to their improved characteristics compared to traditional nanoporous hydrogels, which better promote cell viability, cell migration, cellular/tissue infiltration, and tissue regeneration. Recent advances have resulted in the development of granular hydrogels made of non-spherical microgels, which compared to those made of spherical microgels have higher macroporosity, more stable mechanical properties, and better ability to guide the alignment and differentiation of cells in anisotropic tissue. The development of these hydrogels as an emerging research area is attracting increasing interest in regenerative medicine. This review first summarizes the fabrication techniques available for non-spherical microgels with different aspect-ratios. Then, it introduces the development of granular microporous hydrogels made of non-spherical microgels, their physicochemical characteristics, and their applications in tissue regeneration. The limitations and future outlook of research on microporous granular hydrogels are also critically discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiyan Li
- Chemical and Environment Engineering Department, School of Engineering, STEM College, RMIT University, 124 La Trobe Street, Melbourne, VIC, 3001, Australia
| | - Keerthi Subramanian Iyer
- Chemical and Environment Engineering Department, School of Engineering, STEM College, RMIT University, 124 La Trobe Street, Melbourne, VIC, 3001, Australia
| | - Lei Bao
- Chemical and Environment Engineering Department, School of Engineering, STEM College, RMIT University, 124 La Trobe Street, Melbourne, VIC, 3001, Australia
| | - Jiali Zhai
- School of Science, STEM College, RMIT University, 124 La Trobe Street, Melbourne, VIC, 3001, Australia
| | - Jiao Jiao Li
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and IT, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2007, Australia
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3
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Thoma A, Amstad E. Localized Ionic Reinforcement of Double Network Granular Hydrogels. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024; 20:e2311092. [PMID: 38747011 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202311092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 10/01/2024]
Abstract
Nature produces soft materials with fascinating combinations of mechanical properties. For example, the mussel byssus embodies a combination of stiffness and toughness, a feature that is unmatched by synthetic hydrogels. Key to enabling these excellent mechanical properties are the well-defined structures of natural materials and their compositions controlled on lengths scales down to tens of nanometers. The composition of synthetic materials can be controlled on a micrometer length scale if processed into densely packed microgels. However, these microgels are typically soft. Microgels can be stiffened by enhancing interactions between particles, for example through the formation of covalent bonds between their surfaces or a second interpenetrating hydrogel network. Nonetheless, changes in the composition of these synthetic materials occur on a micrometer length scale. Here, 3D printable load-bearing granular hydrogels are introduced whose composition changes on the tens of nanometer length scale. The hydrogels are composed of jammed microgels encompassing tens of nm-sized ionically reinforced domains that increase the stiffness of double network granular hydrogels up to 18-fold. The printability of the ink and the local reinforcement of the resulting granular hydrogels are leveraged to 3D print a butterfly with composition and structural changes on a tens of nanometer length scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Thoma
- Soft Materials Laboratory, Institute of Materials, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, 1015, Switzerland
| | - Esther Amstad
- Soft Materials Laboratory, Institute of Materials, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, 1015, Switzerland
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Westensee IN, Paffen LJMM, Pendlmayr S, De Dios Andres P, Ramos Docampo MA, Städler B. Artificial Cells and HepG2 Cells in 3D-Bioprinted Arrangements. Adv Healthc Mater 2024; 13:e2303699. [PMID: 38277695 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202303699] [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: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
Artificial cells are engineered units with cell-like functions for different purposes including acting as supportive elements for mammalian cells. Artificial cells with minimal liver-like function are made of alginate and equipped with metalloporphyrins that mimic the enzyme activity of a member of the cytochrome P450 family namely CYP1A2. The artificial cells are employed to enhance the dealkylation activity within 3D bioprinted structures composed of HepG2 cells and these artificial cells. This enhancement is monitored through the conversion of resorufin ethyl ether to resorufin. HepG2 cell aggregates are 3D bioprinted using an alginate/gelatin methacryloyl ink, resulting in the successful proliferation of the HepG2 cells. The composite ink made of an alginate/gelatin liquid phase with an increasing amount of artificial cells is characterized. The CYP1A2-like activity of artificial cells is preserved over at least 35 days, where 6 nM resorufin is produced in 8 h. Composite inks made of artificial cells and HepG2 cell aggregates in a liquid phase are used for 3D bioprinting. The HepG2 cells proliferate over 35 days, and the structure has boosted CYP1A2 activity. The integration of artificial cells and their living counterparts into larger 3D semi-synthetic tissues is a step towards exploring bottom-up synthetic biology in tissue engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabella N Westensee
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Aarhus University, Gustav Wieds Vej 14, Aarhus, 8000, Denmark
| | - Lars J M M Paffen
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Aarhus University, Gustav Wieds Vej 14, Aarhus, 8000, Denmark
| | - Stefan Pendlmayr
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Aarhus University, Gustav Wieds Vej 14, Aarhus, 8000, Denmark
- Sino-Danish Center for Education and Research, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Paula De Dios Andres
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Aarhus University, Gustav Wieds Vej 14, Aarhus, 8000, Denmark
| | - Miguel A Ramos Docampo
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Aarhus University, Gustav Wieds Vej 14, Aarhus, 8000, Denmark
| | - Brigitte Städler
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Aarhus University, Gustav Wieds Vej 14, Aarhus, 8000, Denmark
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An C, Zhang S, Xu J, Zhang Y, Dou Z, Shao F, Long C, yang J, Wang H, Liu J. The microparticulate inks for bioprinting applications. Mater Today Bio 2024; 24:100930. [PMID: 38293631 PMCID: PMC10825055 DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2023.100930] [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: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting has emerged as a groundbreaking technology for fabricating intricate and functional tissue constructs. Central to this technology are the bioinks, which provide structural support and mimic the extracellular environment, which is crucial for cellular executive function. This review summarizes the latest developments in microparticulate inks for 3D bioprinting and presents their inherent challenges. We categorize micro-particulate materials, including polymeric microparticles, tissue-derived microparticles, and bioactive inorganic microparticles, and introduce the microparticle ink formulations, including granular microparticles inks consisting of densely packed microparticles and composite microparticle inks comprising microparticles and interstitial matrix. The formulations of these microparticle inks are also delved into highlighting their capabilities as modular entities in 3D bioprinting. Finally, existing challenges and prospective research trajectories for advancing the design of microparticle inks for bioprinting are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuanfeng An
- Central Laboratory, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen & Longgang District People's Hospital of Shenzhen, Shenzhen, 518172, China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Biomedical Measurements and Ultrasound Imaging, National-Regional Key Technology Engineering Laboratory for Medical Ultrasound, School of Biomedical Engineering, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen, 518060, China
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, Frontiers Science Center for Smart Materials Oriented Chemical Engineering, School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116023, China
| | - Shiying Zhang
- School of Dentistry, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, 518060, China
| | - Jiqing Xu
- Central Laboratory, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen & Longgang District People's Hospital of Shenzhen, Shenzhen, 518172, China
| | - Yujie Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, Frontiers Science Center for Smart Materials Oriented Chemical Engineering, School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116023, China
| | - Zhenzhen Dou
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, Frontiers Science Center for Smart Materials Oriented Chemical Engineering, School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116023, China
| | - Fei Shao
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, Frontiers Science Center for Smart Materials Oriented Chemical Engineering, School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116023, China
| | - Canling Long
- Central Laboratory, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen & Longgang District People's Hospital of Shenzhen, Shenzhen, 518172, China
| | - Jianhua yang
- Central Laboratory, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen & Longgang District People's Hospital of Shenzhen, Shenzhen, 518172, China
| | - Huanan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Fine Chemicals, Frontiers Science Center for Smart Materials Oriented Chemical Engineering, School of Bioengineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, 116023, China
| | - Jia Liu
- Central Laboratory, The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen & Longgang District People's Hospital of Shenzhen, Shenzhen, 518172, China
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Bektas C, Mao Y. Hydrogel Microparticles for Bone Regeneration. Gels 2023; 10:28. [PMID: 38247752 PMCID: PMC10815488 DOI: 10.3390/gels10010028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Hydrogel microparticles (HMPs) stand out as promising entities in the realm of bone tissue regeneration, primarily due to their versatile capabilities in delivering cells and bioactive molecules/drugs. Their significance is underscored by distinct attributes such as injectability, biodegradability, high porosity, and mechanical tunability. These characteristics play a pivotal role in fostering vasculature formation, facilitating mineral deposition, and contributing to the overall regeneration of bone tissue. Fabricated through diverse techniques (batch emulsion, microfluidics, lithography, and electrohydrodynamic spraying), HMPs exhibit multifunctionality, serving as vehicles for drug and cell delivery, providing structural scaffolding, and functioning as bioinks for advanced 3D-printing applications. Distinguishing themselves from other scaffolds like bulk hydrogels, cryogels, foams, meshes, and fibers, HMPs provide a higher surface-area-to-volume ratio, promoting improved interactions with the surrounding tissues and facilitating the efficient delivery of cells and bioactive molecules. Notably, their minimally invasive injectability and modular properties, offering various designs and configurations, contribute to their attractiveness for biomedical applications. This comprehensive review aims to delve into the progressive advancements in HMPs, specifically for bone regeneration. The exploration encompasses synthesis and functionalization techniques, providing an understanding of their diverse applications, as documented in the existing literature. The overarching goal is to shed light on the advantages and potential of HMPs within the field of engineering bone tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yong Mao
- Laboratory for Biomaterials Research, Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Rutgers University, 145 Bevier Rd., Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA;
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Kessler M, Yuan T, Kolinski JM, Amstad E. Influence of the Degree of Swelling on the Stiffness and Toughness of Microgel-Reinforced Hydrogels. Macromol Rapid Commun 2023; 44:e2200864. [PMID: 36809684 DOI: 10.1002/marc.202200864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023]
Abstract
The stiffness and toughness of conventional hydrogels decrease with increasing degree of swelling. This behavior makes the stiffness-toughness compromise inherent to hydrogels even more limiting for fully swollen ones, especially for load-bearing applications. The stiffness-toughness compromise of hydrogels can be addressed by reinforcing them with hydrogel microparticles, microgels, which introduce the double network (DN) toughening effect into hydrogels. However, to what extent this toughening effect is maintained in fully swollen microgel-reinforced hydrogels (MRHs) is unknown. Herein, it is demonstrated that the initial volume fraction of microgels contained in MRHs determines their connectivity, which is closely yet nonlinearly related to the stiffness of fully swollen MRHs. Remarkably, if MRHs are reinforced with a high volume fraction of microgels, they stiffen upon swelling. By contrast, the fracture toughness linearly increases with the effective volume fraction of microgels present in the MRHs regardless of their degree of swelling. These findings provide a universal design rule for the fabrication of tough granular hydrogels that stiffen upon swelling and hence, open up new fields of use of these hydrogels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Kessler
- Soft Materials Laboratory, Institute of Materials, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, 1015, Switzerland
| | - Tianyu Yuan
- Soft Materials Laboratory, Institute of Materials, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, 1015, Switzerland
| | - John M Kolinski
- Engineering Mechanics of Soft Interfaces Laboratory, Institute of Mechanical, Engineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, (EPFL), Lausanne, 1015, Switzerland
| | - Esther Amstad
- Soft Materials Laboratory, Institute of Materials, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, 1015, Switzerland
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8
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Muir VG, Weintraub S, Dhand AP, Fallahi H, Han L, Burdick JA. Influence of Microgel and Interstitial Matrix Compositions on Granular Hydrogel Composite Properties. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2206117. [PMID: 36717272 PMCID: PMC10074081 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202206117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Granular hydrogels are an emerging class of biomaterials formed by jamming hydrogel microparticles (i.e., microgels). These materials have many advantageous properties that can be tailored through microgel design and extent of packing. To enhance the range of properties, granular composites can be formed with a hydrogel interstitial matrix between the packed microgels, allowing for material flow and then stabilization after crosslinking. This approach allows for distinct compartments (i.e., microgels and interstitial space) with varied properties to engineer complex material behaviors. However, a thorough investigation of how the compositions and ratios of microgels and interstitial matrices influence material properties has not been performed. Herein, granular hydrogel composites are fabricated by combining fragmented hyaluronic acid (HA) microgels with interstitial matrices consisting of photocrosslinkable HA. Microgels of varying compressive moduli (10-70 kPa) are combined with interstitial matrices (0-30 vol.%) with compressive moduli varying from 2-120 kPa. Granular composite structure (confocal imaging), mechanics (local and bulk), flow behavior (rheology), and printability are thoroughly assessed. Lastly, variations in the interstitial matrix chemistry (covalent vs guest-host) and microgel degradability are investigated. Overall, this study describes the influence of granular composite composition on structure and mechanical properties of granular hydrogels towards informed designs for future applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria G. Muir
- Department of BioengineeringSchool of Engineering and Applied SciencesUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPA19104USA
| | - Shoshana Weintraub
- Department of BioengineeringSchool of Engineering and Applied SciencesUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPA19104USA
| | - Abhishek P. Dhand
- Department of BioengineeringSchool of Engineering and Applied SciencesUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPA19104USA
| | - Hooman Fallahi
- School of Biomedical EngineeringScience and Health SystemsDrexel UniversityPhiladelphiaPA19104USA
| | - Lin Han
- School of Biomedical EngineeringScience and Health SystemsDrexel UniversityPhiladelphiaPA19104USA
| | - Jason A. Burdick
- Department of BioengineeringSchool of Engineering and Applied SciencesUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPA19104USA
- BioFrontiers InstituteUniversity of Colorado BoulderBoulderCO80303USA
- Department of Chemical and Biological EngineeringCollege of Engineering and Applied ScienceUniversity of Colorado BoulderBoulderCO80303USA
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Xu B, Wang H, Luo Z, Yang J, Wang Z. Multi-material 3D Printing of Mechanochromic Double Network Hydrogels for On-Demand Patterning. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023; 15:11122-11130. [PMID: 36802464 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c22564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Cephalopods can change their color and patterns by activating the skin chromatophores for camouflage. However, in the man-made soft material systems, it is greatly challenging to fabricate the color-change structure in the desired patterns and shapes. Herein, we employ a multi-material microgel direct ink writing (DIW) printing method to make mechanochromic double network hydrogels in arbitrary shapes. We prepare the microparticles by grinding the freeze-dried polyelectrolyte hydrogel and immobilize the microparticles in the precursor solution to produce the printing ink. The polyelectrolyte microgels contain mechanophores as the cross-linkers. We adjust the rheological and printing properties of the microgel ink by tailoring the grinding time of freeze-dried hydrogels and microgel concentration. The multi-material DIW 3D printing technique is utilized to fabricate various 3D hydrogel structures which could change into a colorful pattern in response to applied force. The microgel printing strategy shows great potential in the fabrication of the mechanochromic device with arbitrary patterns and shapes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Xu
- Key Laboratory of Aerospace Advanced Materials and Performance, Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Hezhen Wang
- Key Laboratory of Aerospace Advanced Materials and Performance, Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Zixiong Luo
- Key Laboratory of Aerospace Advanced Materials and Performance, Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Jiping Yang
- Key Laboratory of Aerospace Advanced Materials and Performance, Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Zhijian Wang
- Key Laboratory of Aerospace Advanced Materials and Performance, Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing 100191, China
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