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Song T, Zhao F, Yan L, Liu P, Yang J, Ruan C, Li D, Xiao Y, Zhang X. Structure driven bio-responsive ability of injectable nanocomposite hydrogels for efficient bone regeneration. Biomaterials 2024; 309:122601. [PMID: 38713973 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2024.122601] [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: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/09/2024]
Abstract
Injectable hydrogels are promising for treatment of bone defects in clinic owing to their minimally invasive procedure. Currently, there is limited emphasis on how to utilize injectable hydrogels to mobilize body's regenerative potential for enhancing bone regeneration. Herein, an injectable bone-mimicking hydrogel (BMH) scaffold assembled from nanocomposite microgel building blocks was developed, in which a highly interconnected microporous structure and an inorganic/organic (methacrylated hydroxyapatite and methacrylated gelatin) interweaved nano structure were well-designed. Compared with hydrogels lacking micro-nano structures or only showing microporous structure, the BMH scaffold enhanced the ingrowth of vessels and promoted the formation of dense cellular networks (including stem cells and M2 macrophages), across the entire scaffold at early stage after subcutaneous implantation. Moreover, the BMH scaffold could not only directly trigger osteogenic differentiation of the infiltrated stem cells, but also provided an instructive osteo-immune microenvironment by inducing macrophages into M2 phenotype. Mechanistically, our results reveal that the nano-rough structure of the BMH plays an essential role in inducing macrophage M2 polarization through activating mechanotransduction related RhoA/ROCK2 pathway. Overall, this work offers an injectable hydrogel with micro-nano structure driven bio-responsive abilities, highlighting harnessing body's inherent regenerative potential to realize bone regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Song
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China; College of Biomedical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China
| | - Fengxin Zhao
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China; College of Biomedical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China
| | - Ling Yan
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China; College of Biomedical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China
| | - Puxin Liu
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China; College of Biomedical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China
| | - Jirong Yang
- Research Center for Human Tissue and Organs Degeneration, Institute of Biomedical and Biotechnology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
| | - Changshun Ruan
- Research Center for Human Tissue and Organs Degeneration, Institute of Biomedical and Biotechnology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Dongxiao Li
- Sichuan Academy of Chinese Medicine Science, Chengdu, 610042, China
| | - Yumei Xiao
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China; College of Biomedical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China.
| | - Xingdong Zhang
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China; College of Biomedical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China
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2
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da Costa Sousa MG, de Souza Balbinot G, Subbiah R, Visalakshan RM, Tahayeri A, Verde MEL, Athirasala A, Romanowicz G, Guldberg RE, Bertassoni LE. In vitro development and optimization of cell-laden injectable bioprinted gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) microgels mineralized on the nanoscale. BIOMATERIALS ADVANCES 2024; 159:213805. [PMID: 38457904 PMCID: PMC10997158 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioadv.2024.213805] [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: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Abstract
Bone defects may occur in different sizes and shapes due to trauma, infections, and cancer resection. Autografts are still considered the primary treatment choice for bone regeneration. However, they are hard to source and often create donor-site morbidity. Injectable microgels have attracted much attention in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine due to their ability to replace inert implants with a minimally invasive delivery. Here, we developed novel cell-laden bioprinted gelatin methacrylate (GelMA) injectable microgels, with controllable shapes and sizes that can be controllably mineralized on the nanoscale, while stimulating the response of cells embedded within the matrix. The injectable microgels were mineralized using a calcium and phosphate-rich medium that resulted in nanoscale crystalline hydroxyapatite deposition and increased stiffness within the crosslinked matrix of bioprinted GelMA microparticles. Next, we studied the effect of mineralization in osteocytes, a key bone homeostasis regulator. Viability stains showed that osteocytes were maintained at 98 % viability after mineralization with elevated expression of sclerostin in mineralized compared to non-mineralized microgels, showing that mineralization can effectively enhances osteocyte maturation. Based on our findings, bioprinted mineralized GelMA microgels appear to be an efficient material to approximate the bone microarchitecture and composition with desirable control of sample injectability and polymerization. These bone-like bioprinted mineralized biomaterials are exciting platforms for potential minimally invasive translational methods in bone regenerative therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mauricio Gonçalves da Costa Sousa
- Knight Cancer Precision Biofabrication Hub, Cancer Early Detection Advanced Research (CEDAR), Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, United States of America; Department of Oral Rehabilitation and Biosciences, School of Dentistry, Oregon Health & Science University, United States of America
| | - Gabriela de Souza Balbinot
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul - UFRGS, School of Dentistry, Dental Materials Department, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Ramesh Subbiah
- Knight Cancer Precision Biofabrication Hub, Cancer Early Detection Advanced Research (CEDAR), Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, United States of America; Department of Oral Rehabilitation and Biosciences, School of Dentistry, Oregon Health & Science University, United States of America
| | - Rahul Madathiparambil Visalakshan
- Knight Cancer Precision Biofabrication Hub, Cancer Early Detection Advanced Research (CEDAR), Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, United States of America; Department of Oral Rehabilitation and Biosciences, School of Dentistry, Oregon Health & Science University, United States of America
| | - Anthony Tahayeri
- Knight Cancer Precision Biofabrication Hub, Cancer Early Detection Advanced Research (CEDAR), Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, United States of America; Department of Oral Rehabilitation and Biosciences, School of Dentistry, Oregon Health & Science University, United States of America
| | - Maria Elisa Lima Verde
- Knight Cancer Precision Biofabrication Hub, Cancer Early Detection Advanced Research (CEDAR), Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, United States of America; Department of Oral Rehabilitation and Biosciences, School of Dentistry, Oregon Health & Science University, United States of America
| | - Avathamsa Athirasala
- Knight Cancer Precision Biofabrication Hub, Cancer Early Detection Advanced Research (CEDAR), Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, United States of America; Department of Oral Rehabilitation and Biosciences, School of Dentistry, Oregon Health & Science University, United States of America
| | - Genevieve Romanowicz
- Knight Campus for Accelerating Scientific Impact, University of Oregon, United States of America
| | - Robert E Guldberg
- Knight Campus for Accelerating Scientific Impact, University of Oregon, United States of America
| | - Luiz E Bertassoni
- Knight Cancer Precision Biofabrication Hub, Cancer Early Detection Advanced Research (CEDAR), Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, United States of America; Division of Oncological Sciences, Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, United States of America; Center for Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, United States of America; Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine Oregon Health & Science University, United States of America; Department of Oral Rehabilitation and Biosciences, School of Dentistry, Oregon Health & Science University, United States of America.
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3
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Trikalitis VD, Perea Paizal J, Rangel V, Stein F, Rouwkema J. Embedded Printing of Hydrogels and Watery Suspensions of Cells in Patterned Granular Baths. Tissue Eng Part C Methods 2024; 30:206-216. [PMID: 38568935 DOI: 10.1089/ten.tec.2024.0015] [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] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Bioprinting within support media has emerged as the superior alternative to conventional extrusion printing. Not only because it allows for more freedom over the shapes that can be printed but also because it allows for the printing of inks that would not retain shape fidelity in freeform deposition such as watery liquids. Apart from functioning as mechanical support during embedded printing, hydrogel microparticle support media can provide the unique advantage of offering distinct chemotactic cues to cells printed in the baths by varying the composition of the hydrogel microparticles. There is great potential in compartmentalized granular baths consisting of different hydrogel particle materials in the field of tissue engineering, as these allow for the local inclusion of properties or cues to guide tissue development. In this work, we present a method to create compartmentalized embedding baths by printing multiple granular hydrogel materials that are widely used in tissue engineering. After adapting the volume fraction (φp) of the particles in the bath, we print within them using both inks composed of hydrogel or of cells and other particles suspended in watery liquid. Our process consists of the following three steps: First, the hydrogel microparticles are packed at a φp that allows them to be extruded while being reversibly jammed, facilitating the localized deposition of the granular media to form a compartmentalized bath. Second, each granular media is deposited in succession to create a packed suspension compartment, and by adding liquid post deposition, φp is reduced to allow for embedded printing. Finally, we demonstrate the printing of multiple inks within the compartmentalized embedding bath and highlight the distinct differences between using inks composed of hydrogels or inks composed of particles suspended in watery liquid. This approach combines the advantages of embedded printing through the use of granular media with the added ability to pattern multiple bioactive granular materials to locally affect the behavior of cells printed within the bath. We expect that this workflow will allow researchers to create spatially compartmentalized, customized bioactive embedding baths that allow for the embedded printing of inks composed of hydrogels, cells, and other particles adapted to their need.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasileios D Trikalitis
- Department of Biomechanical Engineering, Vascularization Lab, Technical Medical Centre, University of Twente Faculty of Engineering Technology, Enschede, the Netherlands
| | - Julia Perea Paizal
- Department of Biomechanical Engineering, Vascularization Lab, Technical Medical Centre, University of Twente Faculty of Engineering Technology, Enschede, the Netherlands
| | - Vincent Rangel
- Department of Biomechanical Engineering, Vascularization Lab, Technical Medical Centre, University of Twente Faculty of Engineering Technology, Enschede, the Netherlands
| | - Fabian Stein
- Department of Biomechanical Engineering, Vascularization Lab, Technical Medical Centre, University of Twente Faculty of Engineering Technology, Enschede, the Netherlands
| | - Jeroen Rouwkema
- Department of Biomechanical Engineering, Vascularization Lab, Technical Medical Centre, University of Twente Faculty of Engineering Technology, Enschede, the Netherlands
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4
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Xu X, Li H, Chen J, Lv C, He W, Zhang X, Feng Q, Dong H. A Universal Strategy to Construct High-Performance Homo- and Heterogeneous Microgel Assembly Bioinks. SMALL METHODS 2024:e2400223. [PMID: 38602202 DOI: 10.1002/smtd.202400223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2024] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
Three dimensional (3D) extrusion bioprinting aims to replicate the complex architectures and functions of natural tissues and organs. However, the conventional hydrogel and new-emerging microgel bioinks are both difficult in achieving simultaneously high shape-fidelity and good maintenance of cell viability/function, leading to limited amount of qualified hydrogel/microgel bioinks. Herein, a universal strategy is reported to construct high-performance microgel assembly (MA) bioinks by using epigallocatechin gallate-modified hyaluronic acid (HA-EGCG) as coating agent and phenylboronic acid grafted hyaluronic acid (HA-PBA) as assembling agent. HA-EGCG can spontaneously form uniform coating on the microgel surface via mussel-inspired chemistry, while HA-PBA quickly forms dynamic phenylborate bonds with HA-EGCG, conferring the as-prepared MA bioinks with excellent rheological properties, self-healing, and tissue-adhesion. More importantly, this strategy is applicable to various microgel materials, enabling the preparation of homo- and heterogeneous MA (homo-MA and hetero-MA) bioinks and the hierarchical printing of complicated structures with high fidelity by integration of different microgels containing multiple materials/cells in spatial and compositional levels. It further demonstrates the printing of breast cancer organoid in vitro using homo-MA and hetero-MA bioinks and its preliminary application for drug testing. This universal strategy offers a new solution to construct high-performance bioinks for extrusion bioprinting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinbin Xu
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, P. R. China
- National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction (NERC-TRR), Guangzhou, 510006, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Materials and Engineering of the Ministry of Education, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, P. R. China
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510641, P. R. China
| | - Haofei Li
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, P. R. China
- National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction (NERC-TRR), Guangzhou, 510006, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Materials and Engineering of the Ministry of Education, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, P. R. China
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510641, P. R. China
| | - Junlin Chen
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, P. R. China
- National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction (NERC-TRR), Guangzhou, 510006, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Materials and Engineering of the Ministry of Education, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, P. R. China
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510641, P. R. China
| | - Chuhan Lv
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, P. R. China
- National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction (NERC-TRR), Guangzhou, 510006, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Materials and Engineering of the Ministry of Education, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, P. R. China
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510641, P. R. China
| | - Weijun He
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, P. R. China
- National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction (NERC-TRR), Guangzhou, 510006, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Materials and Engineering of the Ministry of Education, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, P. R. China
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510641, P. R. China
| | - Xing Zhang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, P. R. China
- National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction (NERC-TRR), Guangzhou, 510006, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Materials and Engineering of the Ministry of Education, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, P. R. China
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510641, P. R. China
| | - Qi Feng
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, P. R. China
- National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction (NERC-TRR), Guangzhou, 510006, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Materials and Engineering of the Ministry of Education, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, P. R. China
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510641, P. R. China
| | - Hua Dong
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, P. R. China
- National Engineering Research Center for Tissue Restoration and Reconstruction (NERC-TRR), Guangzhou, 510006, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Materials and Engineering of the Ministry of Education, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, P. R. China
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510641, P. R. China
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Di Caprio N, Davidson MD, Daly AC, Burdick JA. Injectable MSC Spheroid and Microgel Granular Composites for Engineering Tissue. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2312226. [PMID: 38178647 PMCID: PMC10994732 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202312226] [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: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
Many cell types require direct cell-cell interactions for differentiation and function; yet, this can be challenging to incorporate into 3-dimensional (3D) structures for the engineering of tissues. Here, a new approach is introduced that combines aggregates of cells (spheroids) with similarly-sized hydrogel particles (microgels) to form granular composites that are injectable, undergo interparticle crosslinking via light for initial stabilization, permit cell-cell contacts for cell signaling, and allow spheroid fusion and growth. One area where this is important is in cartilage tissue engineering, as cell-cell contacts are crucial to chondrogenesis and are missing in many tissue engineering approaches. To address this, granular composites are developed from adult porcine mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC) spheroids and hyaluronic acid microgels and simulations and experimental analyses are used to establish the importance of initial MSC spheroid to microgel volume ratios to balance mechanical support with tissue growth. Long-term chondrogenic cultures of granular composites produce engineered cartilage tissue with extensive matrix deposition and mechanical properties within the range of cartilage, as well as integration with native tissue. Altogether, a new strategy of injectable granular composites is developed that leverages the benefits of cell-cell interactions through spheroids with the mechanical stabilization afforded with engineered hydrogels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolas Di Caprio
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80303, USA
| | - Matthew D. Davidson
- BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80303, USA
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80303, USA
| | - Andrew C. Daly
- Biomedical Engineering, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
- CURAM, SFI Research Centre for Medical Devices, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Jason A. Burdick
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80303, USA
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80303, USA
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6
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D’Elia A, Jones OL, Canziani G, Sarkar B, Chaiken I, Rodell CB. Injectable Granular Hydrogels Enable Avidity-Controlled Biotherapeutic Delivery. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2024; 10:1577-1588. [PMID: 38357739 PMCID: PMC10934254 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.3c01906] [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: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
Protein therapeutics represent a rapidly growing class of pharmaceutical agents that hold great promise for the treatment of various diseases such as cancer and autoimmune dysfunction. Conventional systemic delivery approaches, however, result in off-target drug exposure and a short therapeutic half-life, highlighting the need for more localized and controlled delivery. We have developed an affinity-based protein delivery system that uses guest-host complexation between β-cyclodextrin (CD, host) and adamantane (Ad, guest) to enable sustained localized biomolecule presentation. Hydrogels were formed by the copolymerization of methacrylated CD and methacrylated dextran. Extrusion fragmentation of bulk hydrogels yielded shear-thinning and self-healing granular hydrogels (particle diameter = 32.4 ± 16.4 μm) suitable for minimally invasive delivery and with a high host capacity for the retention of guest-modified proteins. Bovine serum albumin (BSA) was controllably conjugated to Ad via EDC chemistry without affecting the affinity of the Ad moiety for CD (KD = 12.0 ± 1.81 μM; isothermal titration calorimetry). The avidity of Ad-BSA conjugates was directly tunable through the number of guest groups attached, resulting in a fourfold increase in the complex half-life (t1/2 = 5.07 ± 1.23 h, surface plasmon resonance) that enabled a fivefold reduction in protein release at 28 days. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the conjugation of Ad to immunomodulatory cytokines (IL-4, IL-10, and IFNγ) did not detrimentally affect cytokine bioactivity and enabled their sustained release. Our strategy of avidity-controlled delivery of protein-based therapeutics is a promising approach for the sustained local presentation of protein therapeutics and can be applied to numerous biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arielle
M. D’Elia
- School
of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Olivia L. Jones
- School
of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Gabriela Canziani
- Department
of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Drexel
University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19102, United States
| | - Biplab Sarkar
- School
of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Irwin Chaiken
- Department
of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Drexel
University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19102, United States
| | - Christopher B. Rodell
- School
of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
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7
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Tuftee C, Alsberg E, Ozbolat IT, Rizwan M. Emerging granular hydrogel bioinks to improve biological function in bioprinted constructs. Trends Biotechnol 2024; 42:339-352. [PMID: 37852853 PMCID: PMC10939978 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2023.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
Advancements in 3D bioprinting have been hindered by the trade-off between printability and biological functionality. Existing bioinks struggle to meet both requirements simultaneously. However, new types of bioinks composed of densely packed microgels promise to address this challenge. These bioinks possess intrinsic porosity, allowing for cell growth, oxygen and nutrient transport, and better immunomodulatory properties, leading to superior biological functions. In this review, we highlight key trends in the development of these granular bioinks. Using examples, we demonstrate how granular bioinks overcome the trade-off between printability and cell function. Granular bioinks show promise in 3D bioprinting, yet understanding their unique structure-property-function relationships is crucial to fully leverage the transformative capabilities of these new types of bioinks in bioprinting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cody Tuftee
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI, USA
| | - Eben Alsberg
- Jesse Brown Veterans Affairs Medical Center (JBVAMC), Chicago, IL 60612, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA; Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Regenerative Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA; Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA; Jesse Brown Veterans Affairs Medical Center (JBVAMC) at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Ibrahim Tarik Ozbolat
- Biomedical Engineering Department, Penn State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA; Engineering Science and Mechanics, Penn State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA; Neurosurgery Department, Penn State University; Hershey, PA 17033, USA; Medical Oncology Department, Cukurova University, Adana 01330, Turkey
| | - Muhammad Rizwan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI, USA.
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Tanner GI, Schiltz L, Narra N, Figueiredo ML, Qazi TH. Granular Hydrogels Improve Myogenic Invasion and Repair after Volumetric Muscle Loss. Adv Healthc Mater 2024:e2303576. [PMID: 38329892 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202303576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
Skeletal muscle injuries including volumetric muscle loss (VML) lead to excessive tissue scarring and permanent functional disability. Despite its high prevalence, there is currently no effective treatment for VML. Bioengineering interventions such as biomaterials that fill the VML defect to support cell and tissue growth are a promising therapeutic strategy. However, traditional biomaterials developed for this purpose lack the pore features needed to support cell infiltration. The present study investigates for the first time, the impact of granular hydrogels on muscle repair - hypothesizing that their flowability will permit conformable filling of the defect site and their inherent porosity will support the invasion of native myogenic cells, leading to effective muscle repair. Small and large microparticle fragments are prepared from photocurable hyaluronic acid polymer via extrusion fragmentation and facile size sorting. In assembled granular hydrogels, particle size and degree of packing significantly influence pore features, rheological behavior, and injectability. Using a mouse model of VML, it is demonstrated that, in contrast to bulk hydrogels, granular hydrogels support early-stage (satellite cell invasion) and late-stage (myofiber regeneration) muscle repair processes. Together, these results highlight the promising potential of injectable and porous granular hydrogels in supporting endogenous repair after severe muscle injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabrielle I Tanner
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
- Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Leia Schiltz
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Niharika Narra
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Marxa L Figueiredo
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Taimoor H Qazi
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
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Li S, Li X, Xu Y, Fan C, Li ZA, Zheng L, Luo B, Li ZP, Lin B, Zha ZG, Zhang HT, Wang X. Collagen fibril-like injectable hydrogels from self-assembled nanoparticles for promoting wound healing. Bioact Mater 2024; 32:149-163. [PMID: 37822915 PMCID: PMC10563012 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2023.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Soft hydrogels are excellent candidate materials for repairing various tissue defects, yet the mechanical strength, anti-swelling properties, and biocompatibility of many soft hydrogels need to be improved. Herein, inspired by the nanostructure of collagen fibrils, we developed a strategy toward achieving a soft but tough, anti-swelling nanofibrillar hydrogel by combining the self-assembly and chemical crosslinking of nanoparticles. Specifically, the collagen fibril-like injectable hydrogel was subtly designed and fabricated by self-assembling methylacrylyl hydroxypropyl chitosan (HM) with laponite (LAP) to form nanoparticles, followed by the inter-nanoparticle bonding through photo-crosslinking. The assembly mechanism of nanoparticles was elucidated by both experimental and simulation techniques. Due to the unique structure of the crosslinked nanoparticles, the nanocomposite hydrogels exhibited low stiffness (G'< 2 kPa), high compressive strength (709 kPa), and anti-swelling (swelling ratio of 1.07 in PBS) properties. Additionally, by harnessing the photo-crosslinking ability of the nanoparticles, the nanocomposite hydrogels were processed as microgels, which can be three-dimensionally (3D) printed into complex shapes. Furthermore, we demonstrated that these nanocomposite hydrogels are highly biocompatible, biodegradability, and can effectively promote fibroblast migration and accelerate blood vessel formation during wound healing. This work presents a promising approach to develop biomimetic, nanofibrillar soft hydrogels for regenerative medicine applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanshan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Pulp & Paper Engineering, South China University of Technology, 381 Wushan Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, 510640, China
| | - Xiaoyun Li
- State Key Laboratory of Pulp & Paper Engineering, South China University of Technology, 381 Wushan Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, 510640, China
| | - Yidi Xu
- Department of Bone and Joint Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Chaoran Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Pulp & Paper Engineering, South China University of Technology, 381 Wushan Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, 510640, China
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China
| | - Zhong Alan Li
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Lu Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Pulp & Paper Engineering, South China University of Technology, 381 Wushan Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, 510640, China
| | - Bichong Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Pulp & Paper Engineering, South China University of Technology, 381 Wushan Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, 510640, China
| | - Zhi-Peng Li
- Department of Bone and Joint Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Baofeng Lin
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China
| | - Zhen-Gang Zha
- Department of Bone and Joint Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Huan-Tian Zhang
- Department of Bone and Joint Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Xiaoying Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pulp & Paper Engineering, South China University of Technology, 381 Wushan Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, 510640, China
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10
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Abdelrahman MK, Wagner RJ, Kalairaj MS, Zadan M, Kim MH, Jang LK, Wang S, Javed M, Dana A, Singh KA, Hargett SE, Gaharwar AK, Majidi C, Vernerey FJ, Ware TH. Material assembly from collective action of shape-changing polymers. NATURE MATERIALS 2024; 23:281-289. [PMID: 38177377 DOI: 10.1038/s41563-023-01761-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
Some animals form transient, responsive and solid-like ensembles through dynamic structural interactions. These ensembles demonstrate emergent responses such as spontaneous self-assembly, which are difficult to achieve in synthetic soft matter. Here we use shape-morphing units comprising responsive polymers to create solids that self-assemble, modulate their volume and disassemble on demand. The ensemble is composed of a responsive hydrogel, liquid crystal elastomer or semicrystalline polymer ribbons that reversibly bend or twist. The dispersions of these ribbons mechanically interlock, inducing reversible aggregation. The aggregated liquid crystal elastomer ribbons have a 12-fold increase in the yield stress compared with cooled dispersion and contract by 34% on heating. Ribbon type, concentration and shape dictate the aggregation and govern the global mechanical properties of the solid that forms. Coating liquid crystal elastomer ribbons with a liquid metal begets photoresponsive and electrically conductive aggregates, whereas seeding cells on hydrogel ribbons enables self-assembling three-dimensional scaffolds, providing a versatile platform for the design of dynamic materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mustafa K Abdelrahman
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Robert J Wagner
- Mechanical Engineering Department, Materials Science and Engineering Program, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, USA
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | | | - Mason Zadan
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Min Hee Kim
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Lindy K Jang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
- Materials Engineering Division, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA, USA
| | - Suitu Wang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Mahjabeen Javed
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Asaf Dana
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Kanwar Abhay Singh
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Sarah E Hargett
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Akhilesh K Gaharwar
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Carmel Majidi
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Franck J Vernerey
- Mechanical Engineering Department, Materials Science and Engineering Program, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - Taylor H Ware
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA.
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11
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Widener AE, Roberts A, Phelps EA. Granular Hydrogels for Harnessing the Immune Response. Adv Healthc Mater 2023:e2303005. [PMID: 38145369 PMCID: PMC11196388 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202303005] [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: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023]
Abstract
This review aims to understand the current progress in immune-instructive granular hydrogels and identify the key features used as immunomodulatory strategies. Published work is systematically reviewed and relevant information about granular hydrogels used throughout these studies is collected. The base polymer, microgel generation technique, polymer crosslinking chemistry, particle size and shape, annealing strategy, granular hydrogel stiffness, pore size and void space, degradability, biomolecule presentation, and drug release are cataloged for each work. Several granular hydrogel parameters used for immune modulation: porosity, architecture, bioactivity, drug release, cell delivery, and modularity, are identified. The authors found in this review that porosity is the most significant factor influencing the innate immune response to granular hydrogels, while incorporated bioactivity is more significant in influencing adaptive immune responses. Here, the authors' findings and summarized results from each section are presented and suggestions are made for future studies to better understand the benefits of using immune-instructive granular hydrogels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrienne E Widener
- J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, 1275 Center Dr., Gainesville, 32611, USA
| | - Abilene Roberts
- J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, 1275 Center Dr., Gainesville, 32611, USA
| | - Edward A Phelps
- J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, 1275 Center Dr., Gainesville, 32611, USA
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12
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Muir VG, Fainor M, Orozco BS, Hilliard RL, Boyes M, Smith HE, Mauck RL, Schaer TP, Burdick JA, Gullbrand SE. Injectable Radiopaque Hyaluronic Acid Granular Hydrogels for Intervertebral Disc Repair. Adv Healthc Mater 2023:e2303326. [PMID: 38142300 PMCID: PMC11193841 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202303326] [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: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 12/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/25/2023]
Abstract
Injectable hydrogels offer minimally-invasive treatment options for degenerative disc disease, a prevalent condition affecting millions annually. Many hydrogels explored for intervertebral disc (IVD) repair suffer from weak mechanical integrity, migration issues, and expulsion. To overcome these limitations, an injectable and radiopaque hyaluronic acid granular hydrogel is developed. The granular structure provides easy injectability and low extrusion forces, while the radiopacity enables direct visualization during injection into the disc and non-invasive monitoring after injection. The radiopaque granular hydrogel is injected into rabbit disc explants to investigate restoration of healthy disc mechanics following needle puncture injury ex vivo and then delivered in a minimally-invasive manner into the intradiscal space in a clinically-relevant in vivo large animal goat model of IVD degeneration initiated through degradation by chondroitinase. The radiopaque granular hydrogel successfully halted loss of disc height due to degeneration. Further, the hydrogel not only enhanced proteoglycan content and reduced collagen content in the nucleus pulposus (NP) region compared to degenerative discs, but also helped to maintain the structural integrity of the disc and promote healthy segregation of the NP and annulus fibrosus regions. Overall, this study demonstrates the great potential of an injectable radiopaque granular hydrogel for treatment of degenerative disc disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria G Muir
- Department of Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Matthew Fainor
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, McKay Orthopaedic Research Laboratory, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Translational Musculoskeletal Research Center, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Brianna S Orozco
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, McKay Orthopaedic Research Laboratory, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Translational Musculoskeletal Research Center, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Rachel L Hilliard
- Department of Clinical Studies, New Bolton Center, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Madeline Boyes
- Department of Clinical Studies, New Bolton Center, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Harvey E Smith
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, McKay Orthopaedic Research Laboratory, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Translational Musculoskeletal Research Center, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Robert L Mauck
- Department of Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, McKay Orthopaedic Research Laboratory, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Translational Musculoskeletal Research Center, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Thomas P Schaer
- Department of Clinical Studies, New Bolton Center, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Jason A Burdick
- Department of Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, College of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
| | - Sarah E Gullbrand
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, McKay Orthopaedic Research Laboratory, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Translational Musculoskeletal Research Center, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
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13
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Alioglu MA, Yilmaz YO, Singh YP, Nagamine M, Celik N, Kim MH, Pal V, Gupta D, Ozbolat IT. Nested Biofabrication: Matryoshka-Inspired Intra-Embedded Bioprinting. SMALL METHODS 2023:e2301325. [PMID: 38111377 PMCID: PMC11187694 DOI: 10.1002/smtd.202301325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023]
Abstract
Engineering functional tissues and organs remains a fundamental pursuit in bio-fabrication. However, the accurate constitution of complex shapes and internal anatomical features of specific organs, including their intricate blood vessels and nerves, remains a significant challenge. Inspired by the Matryoshka doll, here a new method called "Intra-Embedded Bioprinting (IEB)" is introduced building upon existing embedded bioprinting methods. a xanthan gum-based material is used which served a dual role as both a bioprintable ink and a support bath, due to its unique shear-thinning and self-healing properties. IEB's capabilities in organ modeling, creating a miniaturized replica of a pancreas using a photocrosslinkable silicone composite is demonstrated. Further, a head phantom and a Matryoshka doll are 3D printed, exemplifying IEB's capability to manufacture intricate, nested structures. Toward the use case of IEB and employing an innovative coupling strategy between extrusion-based and aspiration-assisted bioprinting, a breast tumor model that included a central channel mimicking a blood vessel, with tumor spheroids bioprinted in proximity is developed. Validation using a clinically-available chemotherapeutic drug illustrated its efficacy in reducing the tumor volume via perfusion over time. This method opens a new way of bioprinting enabling the creation of complex-shaped organs with internal anatomical features.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mecit Altan Alioglu
- The Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, Penn State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
- Engineering Science and Mechanics Department, Penn State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
| | - Yasar Ozer Yilmaz
- The Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, Penn State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
- Engineering Science and Mechanics Department, Penn State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
- Department of Nanoscience and Nanoengineering, Istanbul Technical University, Istanbul, 34469, Turkey
| | - Yogendra Pratap Singh
- The Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, Penn State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
- Engineering Science and Mechanics Department, Penn State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
| | - Momoka Nagamine
- The Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, Penn State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
- Department of Chemistry, Penn State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
| | - Nazmiye Celik
- The Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, Penn State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
- Engineering Science and Mechanics Department, Penn State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
| | - Myoung Hwan Kim
- The Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, Penn State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Penn State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
| | - Vaibhav Pal
- The Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, Penn State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
- Department of Chemistry, Penn State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
| | - Deepak Gupta
- The Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, Penn State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
- Engineering Science and Mechanics Department, Penn State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
| | - Ibrahim T Ozbolat
- The Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, Penn State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
- Engineering Science and Mechanics Department, Penn State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
- Materials Research Institute, Penn State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, 17033, USA
- Penn State Cancer Institute, Penn State University, Hershey, PA, 17033, USA
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cukurova University, Adana, 01130, Turkey
- Biotechnology Research and Application Center, Cukurova University, Adana, 01130, Turkey
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14
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Seymour AJ, Kilian D, Navarro RS, Hull SM, Heilshorn SC. 3D printing microporous scaffolds from modular bioinks containing sacrificial, cell-encapsulating microgels. Biomater Sci 2023; 11:7598-7615. [PMID: 37824082 PMCID: PMC10842430 DOI: 10.1039/d3bm00721a] [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] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
Microgel-based biomaterials have inherent porosity and are often extrudable, making them well-suited for 3D bioprinting applications. Cells are commonly introduced into these granular inks post-printing using cell infiltration. However, due to slow cell migration speeds, this strategy struggles to achieve depth-independent cell distributions within thick 3D printed geometries. To address this, we leverage granular ink modularity by combining two microgels with distinct functions: (1) structural, UV-crosslinkable microgels made from gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) and (2) sacrificial, cell-laden microgels made from oxidized alginate (AlgOx). We hypothesize that encapsulating cells within sacrificial AlgOx microgels would enable the simultaneous introduction of void space and release of cells at depths unachievable through cell infiltration alone. Blending the microgels in different ratios produces a family of highly printable GelMA : AlgOx microgel inks with void fractions ranging from 0.03 to 0.35. As expected, void fraction influences the morphology of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) within GelMA : AlgOx inks. Crucially, void fraction does not alter the ideal HUVEC distribution seen throughout the depth of 3D printed samples. This work presents a strategy for fabricating constructs with tunable porosity and depth-independent cell distribution, highlighting the promise of microgel-based inks for 3D bioprinting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexis J Seymour
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - David Kilian
- Department of Materials Science & Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
| | - Renato S Navarro
- Department of Materials Science & Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
| | - Sarah M Hull
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Sarah C Heilshorn
- Department of Materials Science & Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
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15
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Morley CD, Ding EA, Carvalho EM, Kumar S. A Balance between Inter- and Intra-Microgel Mechanics Governs Stem Cell Viability in Injectable Dynamic Granular Hydrogels. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2023; 35:e2304212. [PMID: 37653580 PMCID: PMC10841739 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202304212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
Injectable hydrogels are increasingly explored for the delivery of cells to tissue. These materials exhibit both liquid-like properties, protecting cells from mechanical stress during injection, and solid-like properties, providing a stable 3D engraftment niche. Many strategies for modulating injectable hydrogels tune liquid- and solid-like material properties simultaneously, such that formulation changes designed to improve injectability can reduce stability at the delivery site. The ability to independently tune liquid- and solid-like properties would greatly facilitate formulation development. Here, such a strategy is presented in which cells are ensconced in the pores between microscopic granular hyaluronic acid (HA) hydrogels (microgels), where elasticity is tuned with static covalent intra-microgel crosslinks and flowability with mechanosensitive adamantane-cyclodextrin (AC) inter-microgel crosslinks. Using the same AC-free microgels as a 3D printing support bath, the location of each cell is preserved as it exits the needle, allowing identification of the mechanism driving mechanical trauma-induced cell death. The microgel AC concentration is varied to find the threshold from microgel yielding- to AC interaction-dominated injectability, and this threshold is exploited to fabricate a microgel with better injection-protecting performance. This delivery strategy, and the balance between intra- and inter-microgel properties it reveals, may facilitate the development of new cell injection formulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cameron D Morley
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
| | - Erika A Ding
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
| | - Emily M Carvalho
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
| | - Sanjay Kumar
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA
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16
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Sousa MGDC, Balbinot GDS, Subbiah R, Visalakshan RM, Tahayeri A, Lima Verde ME, Athirasala A, Romanowicz G, Guldberg RE, Bertassoni LE. In vitro development and optimization of cell-laden injectable bioprinted gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) microgels mineralized on the nanoscale. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.10.10.560919. [PMID: 37873385 PMCID: PMC10592738 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.10.560919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
Bone defects may occur in different sizes and shapes due to trauma, infections, and cancer resection. Autografts are still considered the primary treatment choice for bone regeneration. However, they are hard to source and often create donor-site morbidity. Injectable microgels have attracted much attention in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine due to their ability to replace inert implants with a minimally invasive delivery. Here, we developed novel cell-laden bioprinted gelatin methacrylate (GelMA) injectable microgels, with controllable shapes and sizes that can be controllably mineralized on the nanoscale, while stimulating the response of cells embedded within the matrix. The injectable microgels were mineralized using a calcium and phosphate-rich medium that resulted in nanoscale crystalline hydroxyapatite deposition and increased stiffness within the crosslinked matrix of bioprinted GelMA microparticles. Next, we studied the effect of mineralization in osteocytes, a key bone homeostasis regulator. Viability stains showed that osteocytes were maintained at 98% viability after mineralization with elevated expression of sclerostin in mineralized compared to non-mineralized microgels, indicating that mineralization effectively enhances osteocyte maturation. Based on our findings, bioprinted mineralized GelMA microgels appear to be an efficient material to approximate the bone microarchitecture and composition with desirable control of sample injectability and polymerization. These bone-like bioprinted mineralized biomaterials are exciting platforms for potential minimally invasive translational methods in bone regenerative therapies.
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17
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de Paiva Narciso N, Navarro RS, Gilchrist A, Trigo MLM, Rodriguez GA, Heilshorn SC. Design Parameters for Injectable Biopolymeric Hydrogels with Dynamic Covalent Chemistry Crosslinks. Adv Healthc Mater 2023; 12:e2301265. [PMID: 37389811 PMCID: PMC10638947 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202301265] [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: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
Dynamic covalent chemistry (DCC) crosslinks can form hydrogels with tunable mechanical properties permissive to injectability and self-healing. However, not all hydrogels with transient crosslinks are easily extrudable. For this reason, two additional design parameters must be considered when formulating DCC-crosslinked hydrogels: 1) degree of functionalization (DoF) and 2) polymer molecular weight (MW). To investigate these parameters, hydrogels comprised of two recombinant biopolymers: 1) a hyaluronic acid (HA) modified with benzaldehyde and 2) an elastin-like protein (ELP) modified with hydrazine (ELP-HYD), are formulated. Several hydrogel families are synthesized with distinct HA MW and DoF while keeping the ELP-HYD component constant. The resulting hydrogels have a range of stiffnesses, G' ≈ 10-1000 Pa, and extrudability, which is attributed to the combined effects of DCC crosslinks and polymer entanglements. In general, lower MW formulations require lower forces for injectability, regardless of stiffness. Higher DoF formulations exhibit more rapid self-healing. Gel extrusion through a cannula (2 m length, 0.25 mm diameter) demonstrates the potential for minimally invasive delivery for future biomedical applications. In summary, this work highlights additional parameters that influence the injectability and network formation of DCC-crosslinked hydrogels and aims to guide future design of injectable hydrogels.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Renato S. Navarro
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Aidan Gilchrist
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Miriam L. M. Trigo
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | | | - Sarah C. Heilshorn
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
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18
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Lee HP, Davis R, Wang TC, Deo KA, Cai KX, Alge DL, Lele TP, Gaharwar AK. Dynamically Cross-Linked Granular Hydrogels for 3D Printing and Therapeutic Delivery. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2023; 6:3683-3695. [PMID: 37584641 PMCID: PMC10863386 DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.3c00337] [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: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023]
Abstract
Granular hydrogels have recently emerged as promising biomaterials for tissue engineering and 3D-printing applications, addressing the limitations of bulk hydrogels while exhibiting desirable properties such as injectability and high porosity. However, their structural stability can be improved with post-injection interparticle cross-linking. In this study, we developed granular hydrogels with interparticle cross-linking through reversible and dynamic covalent bonds. We fragmented photo-cross-linked bulk hydrogels to produce aldehyde or hydrazide-functionalized microgels using chondroitin sulfate. Mixing these microgels facilitated interparticle cross-linking through reversible hydrazone bonds, providing shear-thinning and self-healing properties for injectability and 3D printing. The resulting granular hydrogels displayed high mechanical stability without the need for secondary cross-linking. Furthermore, the porosity and sustained release of growth factors from these hydrogels synergistically enhanced cell recruitment. Our study highlights the potential of reversible interparticle cross-linking for designing injectable and 3D printable therapeutic delivery scaffolds using granular hydrogels. Overall, our study highlights the potential of reversible interparticle cross-linking to improve the structural stability of granular hydrogels, making them an effective biomaterial for use in tissue engineering and 3D-printing applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hung-Pang Lee
- Biomedical
Engineering, College of Engineering, Texas
A&M University, College
Station, Texas 77843, United States
| | - Ryan Davis
- Biomedical
Engineering, College of Engineering, Texas
A&M University, College
Station, Texas 77843, United States
| | - Ting-Ching Wang
- Chemical
Engineering, College of Engineering, Texas
A&M University, College
Station, Texas 77843, United States
| | - Kaivalya A. Deo
- Biomedical
Engineering, College of Engineering, Texas
A&M University, College
Station, Texas 77843, United States
| | - Kathy Xiao Cai
- Biomedical
Engineering, College of Engineering, Texas
A&M University, College
Station, Texas 77843, United States
| | - Daniel L. Alge
- Biomedical
Engineering, College of Engineering, Texas
A&M University, College
Station, Texas 77843, United States
- Material
Science and Engineering, College of Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
| | - Tanmay P. Lele
- Biomedical
Engineering, College of Engineering, Texas
A&M University, College
Station, Texas 77843, United States
- Chemical
Engineering, College of Engineering, Texas
A&M University, College
Station, Texas 77843, United States
| | - Akhilesh K. Gaharwar
- Biomedical
Engineering, College of Engineering, Texas
A&M University, College
Station, Texas 77843, United States
- Material
Science and Engineering, College of Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
- Interdisciplinary
Graduate Program in Genetics & Genomics, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
- Center
for Remote Health Technologies and Systems, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
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19
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Widener AE, Roberts A, Phelps EA. Single versus dual microgel species for forming guest-host microporous annealed particle PEG-MAL hydrogel. J Biomed Mater Res A 2023; 111:1379-1389. [PMID: 37010360 PMCID: PMC10909382 DOI: 10.1002/jbm.a.37540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2022] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2023]
Abstract
Inter-particle secondary crosslinks allow microporous annealed particle (MAP) hydrogels to be formed. Methods to introduce secondary crosslinking networks in MAP hydrogels include particle jamming, annealing with covalent bonds, and reversible noncovalent interactions. Here, we investigate the effect of two different approaches to secondary crosslinking of polyethylene glycol (PEG) microgels via reversible guest-host interactions. We generated a dual-particle MAP-PEG hydrogel using two species of PEG microgels, one functionalized with the guest molecule, adamantane, and the other with the host molecule, β-cyclodextrin (Inter-MAP-PEG). In a different approach, a mono-particle MAP-PEG hydrogel was generated using one species of microgel functionalized with both guest and host molecules (Intra-MAP-PEG). The Intra-MAP-PEG formed a homogenous distribution due to the single type of microgels used. We then compared the mechanical properties of these two types of MAP-PEG hydrogels and found that Intra-MAP-PEG resulted in significantly softer gels with lower yield stress. We investigated the effect of intra-particle guest-host interactions through titrated weight percentage and the concentration of functional groups added to the hydrogel. We found that there was an ideal concentration of guest-host molecules that enables intra- and inter-particle guest-host interactions with sufficient covalent crosslinking. Based on these studies, Intra-MAP-PEG provides a homogeneous guest-host hydrogel that is shear-thinning with reversible secondary crosslinking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrienne E. Widener
- J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Abilene Roberts
- J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Edward A. Phelps
- J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
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20
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Ge X, Wen H, Fei Y, Xue R, Cheng Z, Li Y, Cai K, Li L, Li M, Luo Z. Structurally dynamic self-healable hydrogel cooperatively inhibits intestinal inflammation and promotes mucosal repair for enhanced ulcerative colitis treatment. Biomaterials 2023; 299:122184. [PMID: 37276796 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2023.122184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Hydrogels are a class of biocompatible materials with versatile functions that have been increasing explored for the localized treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC), but various mechanical stimuli may cause premature hydrogel breakage and detachment, impeding their further clinical translation. Here we report a multifunctional mechanically-resilient self-healing hydrogel for effective UC treatment, which is synthesized through the host-guest interaction between dopamine/β-cyclodextrin-modified hyaluronic acid (HA-CD-DA) and amantadine-modified carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS-AD). The excessive β-CD cavities allow the incorporation of dexamethasone (DEX), while the porous hydrogel network potentiates the encapsulation of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and L-alanyl-l-glutamine (ALG). DA moieties in HA components allow firm adhesion of the hydrogel to the ulcerative lesions after in-situ implantation, while the reversible host-guest interaction between CD and AD could enhance the persistence of hydrogel. The hydrogel demonstrated favorable biocompatibility and could continuously release DEX to induce M1-to-M2 repolarization of mucosal macrophages through inhibiting the toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)-nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) axis. Furthermore, the co-delivered bFGF and ALG facilitates the regeneration of ulcerative mucosa and restore its barrier functions to ameliorate UC symptoms. The mechanically resilient hydrogel offers an integrative approach for UC therapy in the clinics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyue Ge
- School of Life Science, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, China
| | - Hong Wen
- School of Life Science, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, China
| | - Yang Fei
- School of Life Science, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, China
| | - Rui Xue
- School of Life Science, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, China
| | - Zhuo Cheng
- School of Life Science, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, China
| | - Yanan Li
- School of Life Science, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, China
| | - Kaiyong Cai
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, China
| | - Liqi Li
- Department of General Surgery, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400037, China.
| | - Menghuan Li
- School of Life Science, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, China.
| | - Zhong Luo
- School of Life Science, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, China.
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21
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Liu Q, Yang J, Wang Y, Wu T, Liang Y, Deng K, Luan G, Chen Y, Huang Z, Yue K. Direct 3D Bioprinting of Tough and Antifatigue Cell-Laden Constructs Enabled by a Self-Healing Hydrogel Bioink. Biomacromolecules 2023. [PMID: 37115848 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.3c00057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
Three-dimensional (3D) extrusion bioprinting has emerged as one of the most promising biofabrication technologies for preparing biomimetic tissue-like constructs. The successful construction of cell-laden constructs majorly relies on the development of proper bioinks with excellent printability and cytocompatibility. Bioinks based on gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) have been widely explored due to the excellent biocompatibility and biodegradability and the presence of the arginine-glycine-aspartic acid (RGD) sequences for cell adhesion. However, such bioinks usually require low-temperature or ionic cross-linking systems to solidify the extruded hydrogel structures, which results in complex processes and limitations to certain applications. Moreover, many current hydrogel-based bioinks, even after chemical cross-linking, hardly possess the required strength to resist the mechanical loads during the implantation procedure. Herein, we report a self-healing hydrogel bioink based on GelMA and oxidized dextran (OD) for the direct printing of tough and fatigue-resistant cell-laden constructs at room temperature without any template or cross-linking agents. Enabled by dynamic Schiff base chemistry, the mixed GelMA/OD solution showed the characteristics of a dynamic hydrogel with shear-thinning and self-supporting behavior, which allows bridging the 5 mm gap and efficient direct bioprinting of complex constructs with high shape fidelity. After photo-cross-linking, the resulting tissue constructs exhibited excellent low cell damage, high cell viability, and enhanced mechanical strength. Moreover, the GelMA/OD construct could resist up to 95% compressive deformation without any breakage and was able to maintain 80% of the original Young's modulus during long-term loading (50 cycles). It is believed that our GelMA/OD bioink would expand the potential of GelMA-based bioinks in applications such as tissue engineering and pharmaceutical screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Liu
- South China Advanced Institute for Soft Matter Science and Technology, School of Emergent Soft Matter, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Jingzhou Yang
- Shenzhen Dazhou Medical Technology Co., Ltd., Shenzhen, Guangdong 518000, China
| | - Yingjie Wang
- South China Advanced Institute for Soft Matter Science and Technology, School of Emergent Soft Matter, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China
- School of Food Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Tianhao Wu
- South China Advanced Institute for Soft Matter Science and Technology, School of Emergent Soft Matter, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Yuting Liang
- South China Advanced Institute for Soft Matter Science and Technology, School of Emergent Soft Matter, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Keqi Deng
- South China Advanced Institute for Soft Matter Science and Technology, School of Emergent Soft Matter, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Guifang Luan
- South China Advanced Institute for Soft Matter Science and Technology, School of Emergent Soft Matter, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Yutong Chen
- South China Advanced Institute for Soft Matter Science and Technology, School of Emergent Soft Matter, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Zhenkai Huang
- South China Advanced Institute for Soft Matter Science and Technology, School of Emergent Soft Matter, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China
- School of Materials Science and Hydrogen Energy, Foshan University, Foshan 528000, China
| | - Kan Yue
- South China Advanced Institute for Soft Matter Science and Technology, School of Emergent Soft Matter, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China
- Shenzhen Dazhou Medical Technology Co., Ltd., Shenzhen, Guangdong 518000, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Functional and Intelligent Hybrid Materials and Devices, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China
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22
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Controlling extrudate volume fraction through poroelastic extrusion of entangled looped fibers. Nat Commun 2023; 14:1242. [PMID: 36870987 PMCID: PMC9985605 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-36860-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
When a suspension of spherical or near-spherical particles passes through a constriction the particle volume fraction either remains the same or decreases. In contrast to these particulate suspensions, here we observe that an entangled fiber suspension increases its volume fraction up to 14-fold after passing through a constriction. We attribute this response to the entanglements among the fibers that allows the network to move faster than the liquid. By changing the fiber geometry, we find that the entanglements originate from interlocking shapes or high fiber flexibility. A quantitative poroelastic model is used to explain the increase in velocity and extrudate volume fraction. These results provide a new strategy to use fiber volume fraction, flexibility, and shape to tune soft material properties, e.g., suspension concentration and porosity, during delivery, as occurs in healthcare, three-dimensional printing, and material repair.
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23
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Pérez LA, Hernández R, Alonso JM, Pérez-González R, Sáez-Martínez V. Granular Disulfide-Crosslinked Hyaluronic Hydrogels: A Systematic Study of Reaction Conditions on Thiol Substitution and Injectability Parameters. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:polym15040966. [PMID: 36850248 PMCID: PMC9967816 DOI: 10.3390/polym15040966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Granular polymer hydrogels based on dynamic covalent bonds are attracting a great deal of interest for the design of injectable biomaterials. Such materials generally exhibit shear-thinning behavior and properties of self-healing/recovery after the extrusion that can be modulated through the interactions between gel microparticles. Herein, bulk macro-hydrogels based on thiolated-hyaluronic acid were produced by disulphide bond formation using oxygen as oxidant at physiological conditions and gelation kinetics were monitored. Three different thiol substitution degrees (SD%: 65%, 30% and 10%) were selected for hydrogel formation and fully characterized as to their stability in physiological medium and morphology. Then, extrusion fragmentation technique was applied to obtain hyaluronic acid microgels with dynamic disulphide bonds that were subsequently sterilized by autoclaving. The resulting granular hyaluronic hydrogels were able to form stable filaments when extruded through a syringe. Rheological characterization and cytotoxicity tests allowed to assess the potential of these materials as injectable biomaterials. The application of extrusion fragmentation for the formation of granular hyaluronic hydrogels and the understanding of the relation between the autoclaving processes and the resulting particle size and rheological properties should expand the development of injectable materials for biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Andrés Pérez
- Instituto de Ciencia y Tecnología de Polímeros (ICTP-CSIC), c/Juan de la Cierva, 3, 28006 Madrid, Spain
- i+Med S. Coop. Parque Tecnológico de Álava, Albert Einstein 15, Nave 15, 01510 Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - Rebeca Hernández
- Instituto de Ciencia y Tecnología de Polímeros (ICTP-CSIC), c/Juan de la Cierva, 3, 28006 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence: (R.H.); (V.S.-M.); Tel.: +34-915-622900 (R.H.); +34-945-561134 (V.S.-M.)
| | - José María Alonso
- i+Med S. Coop. Parque Tecnológico de Álava, Albert Einstein 15, Nave 15, 01510 Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - Raúl Pérez-González
- i+Med S. Coop. Parque Tecnológico de Álava, Albert Einstein 15, Nave 15, 01510 Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - Virginia Sáez-Martínez
- i+Med S. Coop. Parque Tecnológico de Álava, Albert Einstein 15, Nave 15, 01510 Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
- Correspondence: (R.H.); (V.S.-M.); Tel.: +34-915-622900 (R.H.); +34-945-561134 (V.S.-M.)
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24
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Wang B, Liu J, Zhang P, Wei H, Yu Y. Trifunctional Microgel-Mediated Preparation and Toughening of Printable High-Performance Chitosan Hydrogels for Underwater Communications. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023; 15:10075-10083. [PMID: 36753682 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c00195] [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
Natural and biocompatible chitosan has demonstrated wide applications. However, rapidly fabricating high-performance chitosan hydrogels in one-step controllable processes is still a challenge for some advanced applications. Here, we report a trifunctional microgel-mediated photochemical (TMMP) strategy to achieve the fabrication of printable tough chitosan-based hydrogels (PTCHs) in seconds. Such microgels help the slow release of persulfate anions and their uniform dispersion in an aqueous solution of cationic chitosan. The released persulfates are available for preparing multiple networks of phenolic coupling of modified chitosan and radical polymerization of Pluronic F127 via orthogonal tris(bipyridine)ruthenium(II)-based photochemistry, respectively. Trifunctional microgels have reversible Ca2+-crosslinked networks that further improve the hydrogels' mechanical properties and toughness. The maximum stress and toughness increase by >20 folds compared to the chitosan and F127 hydrogels with single network structures. Moreover, these microgels enable the precursor to have a good shearing-thinning property and benefit the controllable preparation of PTCHs in a short time, as low as ∼4 s under visible light irradiation. It, therefore, is compatible with standard printing techniques to make complex structures. Strain sensors based on structured PTCHs have stable mechanical and responsive properties in the water, which are applied for real-time underwater communications (<0.4 s). It is anticipated that this one-step TMMP strategy opens new horizons for designing advanced chitosan hydrogels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baokang Wang
- Key Laboratory of Synthetic and Natural Functional Molecule Chemistry of the Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Northwest University, Xi'an 710069, China
| | - Jupen Liu
- Key Laboratory of Synthetic and Natural Functional Molecule Chemistry of the Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Northwest University, Xi'an 710069, China
| | - Ping Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Synthetic and Natural Functional Molecule Chemistry of the Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Northwest University, Xi'an 710069, China
| | - Hongqiu Wei
- Key Laboratory of Synthetic and Natural Functional Molecule Chemistry of the Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Northwest University, Xi'an 710069, China
| | - You Yu
- Key Laboratory of Synthetic and Natural Functional Molecule Chemistry of the Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Northwest University, Xi'an 710069, China
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25
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Wang Z, Gu J, Zhang D, Zhang Y, Chen J. Structurally Dynamic Gelatin-Based Hydrogels with Self-Healing, Shape Memory, and Cytocompatible Properties for 4D Printing. Biomacromolecules 2023; 24:109-117. [PMID: 36461924 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.2c00924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Three-dimensional (3D) printable hydrogels with a shape memory effect have emerged as a new class of 4D printing materials recently and found wide applications in various fields. However, synergistically endowing such materials with good mechanical strength and biocompatibility for biomedical uses remains challenging. In this study, a series of multiresponsive hydrogels have been prepared through a dynamic covalent imine/Diels-Alder network from biocompatible starting materials of modified gelatin and poly(ethylene glycol)-based polymers. By further secondary crosslinking with a hyperbranched triethoxysilane reagent (HPASi) that contains multiple supramolecular hydrogen bonding, the hydrogels presented a strengthened self-healing and temperature-responsive shape memory effect. With the additional features of superior stretchability (elongation at break up to 523%), good cytocompatibility, and 3D printable properties, these multifunctional hydrogels showed great potential for broad biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences and Health Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi214122, P. R. China
| | - Jieyu Gu
- Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences and Health Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi214122, P. R. China
| | - Difei Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences and Health Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi214122, P. R. China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences and Health Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi214122, P. R. China
| | - Jinghua Chen
- Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences and Health Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi214122, P. R. China
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26
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Widener AE, Duraivel S, Angelini TE, Phelps EA. Injectable Microporous Annealed Particle Hydrogel Based on Guest-Host-Interlinked Polyethylene Glycol Maleimide Microgels. ADVANCED NANOBIOMED RESEARCH 2022; 2:2200030. [PMID: 36419640 PMCID: PMC9678130 DOI: 10.1002/anbr.202200030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Microporous annealed particle (MAP) hydrogels have emerged as a versatile biomaterial platform for regenerative medicine. MAP hydrogels have been used for the delivery of cells and organoids but often require annealing post injection by an external source. We engineered an injectable, self-annealing MAP hydrogel with reversible interparticle linkages based on guest-host functionalized polyethylene glycol maleimide (PEG-MAL) microgels. We evaluated the effect of guest-host linkages on different types of microgels fabricated by either batch emulsion or mechanical fragmentation methods. Batch emulsion generated small spherical microgels with controllable 10-100 μm diameters and mechanical fragmentation generated irregular microgels with larger diameters (100-200 μm). Spherical microgels (15 μm) showed self-healing behavior and completely recovered from high strain while fragmented microgels (133 μm) did not recover. Guest-host interactions significantly contributed to the mechanical properties of spherical microgels but had no effect on fragmented microgels. Spherical microgels were superior to the fragmented microgels for co-injection of immune cells and pancreatic islets due to their lower force of injection, demonstrating more homogeneously distributed cells and greater cell viability after injection. Based on these studies, the spherical guest-host MAP hydrogels provide a controllable, injectable scaffold for engineered microenvironments and cell delivery applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrienne E Widener
- J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Senthilkumar Duraivel
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Thomas E Angelini
- J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Edward A Phelps
- J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
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27
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Recent Advances in Macroporous Hydrogels for Cell Behavior and Tissue Engineering. Gels 2022; 8:gels8100606. [PMID: 36286107 PMCID: PMC9601978 DOI: 10.3390/gels8100606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Hydrogels have been extensively used as scaffolds in tissue engineering for cell adhesion, proliferation, migration, and differentiation because of their high-water content and biocompatibility similarity to the extracellular matrix. However, submicron or nanosized pore networks within hydrogels severely limit cell survival and tissue regeneration. In recent years, the application of macroporous hydrogels in tissue engineering has received considerable attention. The macroporous structure not only facilitates nutrient transportation and metabolite discharge but also provides more space for cell behavior and tissue formation. Several strategies for creating and functionalizing macroporous hydrogels have been reported. This review began with an overview of the advantages and challenges of macroporous hydrogels in the regulation of cellular behavior. In addition, advanced methods for the preparation of macroporous hydrogels to modulate cellular behavior were discussed. Finally, future research in related fields was discussed.
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28
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Bertsch P, Diba M, Mooney DJ, Leeuwenburgh SCG. Self-Healing Injectable Hydrogels for Tissue Regeneration. Chem Rev 2022; 123:834-873. [PMID: 35930422 PMCID: PMC9881015 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.2c00179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 167] [Impact Index Per Article: 83.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Biomaterials with the ability to self-heal and recover their structural integrity offer many advantages for applications in biomedicine. The past decade has witnessed the rapid emergence of a new class of self-healing biomaterials commonly termed injectable, or printable in the context of 3D printing. These self-healing injectable biomaterials, mostly hydrogels and other soft condensed matter based on reversible chemistry, are able to temporarily fluidize under shear stress and subsequently recover their original mechanical properties. Self-healing injectable hydrogels offer distinct advantages compared to traditional biomaterials. Most notably, they can be administered in a locally targeted and minimally invasive manner through a narrow syringe without the need for invasive surgery. Their moldability allows for a patient-specific intervention and shows great prospects for personalized medicine. Injected hydrogels can facilitate tissue regeneration in multiple ways owing to their viscoelastic and diffusive nature, ranging from simple mechanical support, spatiotemporally controlled delivery of cells or therapeutics, to local recruitment and modulation of host cells to promote tissue regeneration. Consequently, self-healing injectable hydrogels have been at the forefront of many cutting-edge tissue regeneration strategies. This study provides a critical review of the current state of self-healing injectable hydrogels for tissue regeneration. As key challenges toward further maturation of this exciting research field, we identify (i) the trade-off between the self-healing and injectability of hydrogels vs their physical stability, (ii) the lack of consensus on rheological characterization and quantitative benchmarks for self-healing injectable hydrogels, particularly regarding the capillary flow in syringes, and (iii) practical limitations regarding translation toward therapeutically effective formulations for regeneration of specific tissues. Hence, here we (i) review chemical and physical design strategies for self-healing injectable hydrogels, (ii) provide a practical guide for their rheological analysis, and (iii) showcase their applicability for regeneration of various tissues and 3D printing of complex tissues and organoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pascal Bertsch
- Department
of Dentistry-Regenerative Biomaterials, Radboud Institute for Molecular
Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical
Center, 6525 EX Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Mani Diba
- Department
of Dentistry-Regenerative Biomaterials, Radboud Institute for Molecular
Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical
Center, 6525 EX Nijmegen, The Netherlands,John
A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, United States,Wyss
Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - David J. Mooney
- John
A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, United States,Wyss
Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Sander C. G. Leeuwenburgh
- Department
of Dentistry-Regenerative Biomaterials, Radboud Institute for Molecular
Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical
Center, 6525 EX Nijmegen, The Netherlands,
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29
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