1
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Ueki T, Osaka Y, Homma K, Yamamoto S, Saruwatari A, Wang H, Kamimura M, Nakanishi J. Reversible Solubility Switching of a Polymer Triggered by Visible-Light Responsive Azobenzene Photochromism with Negligible Thermal Relaxation. Macromol Rapid Commun 2024:e2400419. [PMID: 39116444 DOI: 10.1002/marc.202400419] [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: 06/04/2024] [Revised: 07/26/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024]
Abstract
This study reports the reversible solubility switching of a polymer triggered by non-phototoxic visible light. A photochromic polymerizable azobenzene monomer with four methoxy groups at the ortho-position (mAzoA) was synthesized, exhibiting reversible photoisomerization between trans- and cis-states using green (546 nm) and blue light (436 nm). Free radical copolymerization of hydrophilic dimethylacrylamide (DMAAm) with mAzoA produced a light-responsive random copolymer (P(mAzoA-r-DMAAm)) that shows a reversible photochromic reaction to visible light. Optimizing mAzoA content resulted in P(mAzoA10.7-r-DMAAm)3.0 kDa exhibiting LCST-type phase separation in PBS (pH 7.4) with trans- and cis-states at 39.2 °C and 32.9 °C, respectively. The bistable temperature range of 6.3 °C covers 37 °C, suitable for mammalian cell culture. Reversible solubility changes were demonstrated under alternating green and blue light at 37 °C. 1H NMR indicated significant retardation of thermal relaxation from cis- to trans-states, preventing undesired thermal mechanical degradation. Madin Darby Canine Kidney (MDCK) cells adhered to the P(mAzoA-r-DMAAm) hydrogel, confirming its non-cytotoxicity and potential for biocompatible interfaces. This principle is useful for developing hydrogels that can reversibly stimulate cells mechanically or chemically in response to visible light.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takeshi Ueki
- Research Center for Macromolecules and Biomaterials, National Institute of Materials and Science, 1-1 Namiki, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-0044, Japan
- Graduate School of Life Science, Hokkaido University, Kita 10, Nishi 8, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido, 060-0810, Japan
| | - Yuna Osaka
- Graduate School of Advanced Engineering, Tokyo University of Science, 6-3-1 Niijuku, Katsushika-ku, Tokyo, 125-8585, Japan
| | - Kenta Homma
- Research Center for Macromolecules and Biomaterials, National Institute of Materials and Science, 1-1 Namiki, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-0044, Japan
| | - Shota Yamamoto
- Research Center for Macromolecules and Biomaterials, National Institute of Materials and Science, 1-1 Namiki, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-0044, Japan
| | - Aya Saruwatari
- Research Center for Macromolecules and Biomaterials, National Institute of Materials and Science, 1-1 Namiki, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-0044, Japan
- Graduate School of Life Science, Hokkaido University, Kita 10, Nishi 8, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido, 060-0810, Japan
| | - Hongxin Wang
- Research Center for Macromolecules and Biomaterials, National Institute of Materials and Science, 1-1 Namiki, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-0044, Japan
| | - Masao Kamimura
- Graduate School of Advanced Engineering, Tokyo University of Science, 6-3-1 Niijuku, Katsushika-ku, Tokyo, 125-8585, Japan
| | - Jun Nakanishi
- Research Center for Macromolecules and Biomaterials, National Institute of Materials and Science, 1-1 Namiki, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-0044, Japan
- Graduate School of Advanced Engineering, Tokyo University of Science, 6-3-1 Niijuku, Katsushika-ku, Tokyo, 125-8585, Japan
- Graduate School of Advanced Science and Engineering, Waseda University, 3-4-1 Okubo, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 169-8555, Japan
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2
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Sankhe CS, Sacco JL, Lawton J, Fair RA, Soares DVR, Aldahdooh MKR, Gomez ED, Gomez EW. Breast Cancer Cells Exhibit Mesenchymal-Epithelial Plasticity Following Dynamic Modulation of Matrix Stiffness. Adv Biol (Weinh) 2024:e2400087. [PMID: 38977422 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.202400087] [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: 02/17/2024] [Revised: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
Mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET) is essential for tissue and organ development and is thought to contribute to cancer by enabling the establishment of metastatic lesions. Despite its importance in both health and disease, there is a lack of in vitro platforms to study MET and little is known about the regulation of MET by mechanical cues. Here, hyaluronic acid-based hydrogels with dynamic and tunable stiffnesses mimicking that of normal and tumorigenic mammary tissue are synthesized. The platform is then utilized to examine the response of mammary epithelial cells and breast cancer cells to dynamic modulation of matrix stiffness. Gradual softening of the hydrogels reduces proliferation and increases apoptosis of breast cancer cells. Moreover, breast cancer cells exhibit temporal changes in cell morphology, cytoskeletal organization, and gene expression that are consistent with mesenchymal-epithelial plasticity as the stiffness of the matrix is reduced. A reduction in matrix stiffness attenuates the expression of integrin-linked kinase, and inhibition of integrin-linked kinase impacts proliferation, apoptosis, and gene expression in cells cultured on stiff and dynamic hydrogels. Overall, these findings reveal intermediate epithelial/mesenchymal states as cells move along a matrix stiffness-mediated MET trajectory and suggest an important role for matrix mechanics in regulating mesenchymal-epithelial plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chinmay S Sankhe
- Department of Chemical Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
| | - Jessica L Sacco
- Department of Chemical Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
| | - Jacob Lawton
- Department of Chemical Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
| | - Ryan A Fair
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
| | | | - Mohammed K R Aldahdooh
- Department of Chemistry, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
| | - Enrique D Gomez
- Department of Chemical Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
| | - Esther W Gomez
- Department of Chemical Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
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3
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Luo R, Xiang X, Jiao Q, Hua H, Chen Y. Photoresponsive Hydrogels for Tissue Engineering. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2024; 10:3612-3630. [PMID: 38816677 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.4c00314] [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: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
Hydrophilic and biocompatible hydrogels are widely applied as ideal scaffolds in tissue engineering. The "smart" gelation material can alter its structural, physiochemical, and functional features in answer to various endo/exogenous stimuli to better biomimic the endogenous extracellular matrix for the engineering of cells and tissues. Light irradiation owns a high spatial-temporal resolution, complete biorthogonal reactivity, and fine-tunability and can thus induce physiochemical reactions within the matrix of photoresponsive hydrogels with good precision, efficiency, and safety. Both gel structure (e.g., geometry, porosity, and dimension) and performance (like conductivity and thermogenic or mechanical properties) can hence be programmed on-demand to yield the biochemical and biophysical signals regulating the morphology, growth, motility, and phenotype of engineered cells and tissues. Here we summarize the strategies and mechanisms for encoding light-reactivity into a hydrogel and demonstrate how fantastically such responsive gels change their structure and properties with light irradiation as desired and thus improve their applications in tissue engineering including cargo delivery, dynamic three-dimensional cell culture, and tissue repair and regeneration, aiming to provide a basis for more and better translation of photoresponsive hydrogels in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Luo
- Institute of Pharmacy & Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Science, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
| | - Xianjing Xiang
- Institute of Pharmacy & Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Science, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
| | - Qiangqiang Jiao
- Institute of Pharmacy & Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Science, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
| | - Hui Hua
- Institute of Pharmacy & Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Science, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
| | - Yuping Chen
- Institute of Pharmacy & Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Science, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
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4
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Zhao Y, Ran B, Lee D, Liao J. Photo-Controllable Smart Hydrogels for Biomedical Application: A Review. SMALL METHODS 2024; 8:e2301095. [PMID: 37884456 DOI: 10.1002/smtd.202301095] [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: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
Nowadays, smart hydrogels are being widely studied by researchers because of their advantages such as simple preparation, stable performance, response to external stimuli, and easy control of response behavior. Photo-controllable smart hydrogels (PCHs) are a class of responsive hydrogels whose physical and chemical properties can be changed when stimulated by light at specific wavelengths. Since the light source is safe, clean, simple to operate, and easy to control, PCHs have broad application prospects in the biomedical field. Therefore, this review timely summarizes the latest progress in the PCHs field, with an emphasis on the design principles of typical PCHs and their multiple biomedical applications in tissue regeneration, tumor therapy, antibacterial therapy, diseases diagnosis and monitoring, etc. Meanwhile, the challenges and perspectives of widespread practical implementation of PCHs are presented in biomedical applications. This study hopes that PCHs will flourish in the biomedical field and this review will provide useful information for interested researchers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiwen Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and National Center for Stomatology and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, P. R. China
| | - Bei Ran
- Institute of Regulatory Science for Medical Devices, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, P. R. China
| | - Dashiell Lee
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and National Center for Stomatology and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, P. R. China
| | - Jinfeng Liao
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases and National Center for Stomatology and National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, P. R. China
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5
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Walden SL, Nguyen PHD, Li HK, Liu X, Le MTN, Xian Jun L, Barner-Kowollik C, Truong VX. Visible light-induced switching of soft matter materials properties based on thioindigo photoswitches. Nat Commun 2023; 14:8298. [PMID: 38097621 PMCID: PMC10721821 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-44128-8] [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: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Thioindigos are visible light responsive photoswitches with excellent spatial control over the conformational change between their trans- and cis- isomers. However, they possess limited solubility in all conventional organic solvents and polymers, hindering their application in soft matter materials. Herein, we introduce a strategy for the covalent insertion of thioindigo units into polymer main chains, enabling thioindigos to function within crosslinked polymeric hydrogels. We overcome their solubility issue by developing a thioindigo bismethacrylate linker able to undergo radical initiated thiol-ene reaction for step-growth polymerization, generating indigo-containing polymers. The optimal wavelength for the reversible trans-/cis- isomerisation of thioindigo was elucidated by constructing a detailed photochemical action plot of their switching efficiencies at a wide range of monochromatic wavelengths. Critically, indigo-containing polymers display significant photoswitching of the materials' optical and physical properties in organic solvents and water. Furthermore, the photoswitching of thioindigo within crosslinked structures enables visible light induced modulation of the hydrogel stiffness. Both the thioindigo-containing hydrogels and photoswitching processes are non-toxic to cells, thus offering opportunities for advanced applications in soft matter materials and biology-related research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah L Walden
- Centre for Materials Science, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), 2 George Street, Brisbane, QLD 4000, Australia
- School of Chemistry and Physics, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), 2 George Street, Brisbane, QLD 4000, Australia
| | - Phuong H D Nguyen
- Department of Pharmacology and Institute for Digital Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117600, Republic of Singapore
| | - Hao-Kai Li
- Fluorescence Research Group, Singapore University of Technology and Design, 8 Somapah Road, 487372, Singapore, Republic of Singapore
| | - Xiaogang Liu
- Fluorescence Research Group, Singapore University of Technology and Design, 8 Somapah Road, 487372, Singapore, Republic of Singapore
| | - Minh T N Le
- Department of Pharmacology and Institute for Digital Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117600, Republic of Singapore
| | - Loh Xian Jun
- Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 2 Fusionopolis Way, Singapore, 138634, Republic of Singapore.
- Institute of Sustainability for Chemicals, Energy and Environment (ISCE2), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 1 Pesek Road, Jurong Island, Singapore, 627833, Republic of Singapore.
| | - Christopher Barner-Kowollik
- Centre for Materials Science, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), 2 George Street, Brisbane, QLD 4000, Australia.
- School of Chemistry and Physics, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), 2 George Street, Brisbane, QLD 4000, Australia.
- Institute of Nanotechnology (INT), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 1, 76344, Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany.
| | - Vinh X Truong
- School of Chemistry and Physics, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), 2 George Street, Brisbane, QLD 4000, Australia.
- Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 2 Fusionopolis Way, Singapore, 138634, Republic of Singapore.
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6
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Gan Z, Qin X, Liu H, Liu J, Qin J. Recent advances in defined hydrogels in organoid research. Bioact Mater 2023; 28:386-401. [PMID: 37334069 PMCID: PMC10273284 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2023.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Organoids are in vitro model systems that mimic the complexity of organs with multicellular structures and functions, which provide great potential for biomedical and tissue engineering. However, their current formation heavily relies on using complex animal-derived extracellular matrices (ECM), such as Matrigel. These matrices are often poorly defined in chemical components and exhibit limited tunability and reproducibility. Recently, the biochemical and biophysical properties of defined hydrogels can be precisely tuned, offering broader opportunities to support the development and maturation of organoids. In this review, the fundamental properties of ECM in vivo and critical strategies to design matrices for organoid culture are summarized. Two typically defined hydrogels derived from natural and synthetic polymers for their applicability to improve organoids formation are presented. The representative applications of incorporating organoids into defined hydrogels are highlighted. Finally, some challenges and future perspectives are also discussed in developing defined hydrogels and advanced technologies toward supporting organoid research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongqiao Gan
- Division of Biotechnology, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, 116023, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Xinyuan Qin
- Division of Biotechnology, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, 116023, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Haitao Liu
- Division of Biotechnology, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, 116023, China
| | - Jiayue Liu
- University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
- Suzhou Institute for Advanced Research, University of Science and Technology of China, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Jianhua Qin
- Division of Biotechnology, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, 116023, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing, 100049, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regeneration, CAS, Beijing, 100101, China
- University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
- Suzhou Institute for Advanced Research, University of Science and Technology of China, Suzhou, 215123, China
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7
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Park J, Shimizu Y, Zhou X, Ikura R, Matsuba G, Takashima Y. Water-Content-Dependent Switching of the Bending Behavior of Photoresponsive Hydrogels Composed of Hydrophilic Acrylamide-Based Main Chains and Hydrophobic Azobenzene. Gels 2023; 9:658. [PMID: 37623113 PMCID: PMC10453818 DOI: 10.3390/gels9080658] [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: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Photoresponsiveness is a promising characteristic of stimulus-responsive materials. Photoresponsiveness can be achieved by incorporating photoresponsive molecules into polymeric materials. In addition, multiple-stimuli-responsive materials have attracted scientists' interest. Among the numerous multiple-stimuli-responsive materials, moisture- and photoresponsive materials are the focus of this report. These stimuli-responsive materials responded to the stimuli synergistically or orthogonally. Unlike most stimulus-responsive materials utilizing moisture and light as stimuli, the materials studied herein switch their photoresponsiveness in the presence of moisture. Appropriate copolymers consisting of hydrophilic acrylamide-based monomers for the main chain and hydrophobic azobenzene moieties switched their bending behaviors at 6-9 wt% water contents. At water contents lower than 6 wt%, the polymeric materials bent away from the light source, while they bent toward the light source at water contents higher than 10 wt%. At a low water content, the bending behaviors can be described on the molecular scale. At a high water content, the bending behavior requires consideration of the phase scale, not only the molecular scale. By controlling the balance between hydrophilicity and hydrophobicity, the switching behavior was achieved. This switching behavior may inspire additional strategies for the application of polymeric material as actuators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junsu Park
- Department of Macromolecular Science, Graduate School of Science, Osaka University, 1-1 Machikaneyama, Toyonaka 560-0043, Osaka, Japan (R.I.)
- Forefront Research Center, Graduate School of Science, Osaka University, 1-1 Machikaneyama, Toyonaka 560-0043, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yuki Shimizu
- Department of Macromolecular Science, Graduate School of Science, Osaka University, 1-1 Machikaneyama, Toyonaka 560-0043, Osaka, Japan (R.I.)
| | - Xin Zhou
- Department of Macromolecular Science, Graduate School of Science, Osaka University, 1-1 Machikaneyama, Toyonaka 560-0043, Osaka, Japan (R.I.)
| | - Ryohei Ikura
- Department of Macromolecular Science, Graduate School of Science, Osaka University, 1-1 Machikaneyama, Toyonaka 560-0043, Osaka, Japan (R.I.)
- Forefront Research Center, Graduate School of Science, Osaka University, 1-1 Machikaneyama, Toyonaka 560-0043, Osaka, Japan
| | - Go Matsuba
- Graduate School of Organic Materials Engineering, Yamagata University, 4-3-16 Jonan, Yonezawa 992-8510, Yamagata, Japan;
| | - Yoshinori Takashima
- Department of Macromolecular Science, Graduate School of Science, Osaka University, 1-1 Machikaneyama, Toyonaka 560-0043, Osaka, Japan (R.I.)
- Forefront Research Center, Graduate School of Science, Osaka University, 1-1 Machikaneyama, Toyonaka 560-0043, Osaka, Japan
- Innovative Catalysis Science Division, Institute for Open and Transdisciplinary Research Initiatives (OTRI), Osaka University, 1-1 Yamadaoka, Suita 565-0871, Osaka, Japan
- Institute for Advanced Co-Creation Studies, Osaka University, 1-1 Yamadaoka, Suita 565-0871, Osaka, Japan
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8
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Hasturk O, Sahoo JK, Kaplan DL. Synthesis and characterization of silk-poly(guluronate) hybrid polymers for the fabrication of dual crosslinked, mechanically dynamic hydrogels. POLYMER 2023; 281:126129. [PMID: 37483847 PMCID: PMC10357961 DOI: 10.1016/j.polymer.2023.126129] [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] [Indexed: 07/25/2023]
Abstract
The rapid ionic crosslinking of alginate has been actively studied for biomedical applications including hydrogel scaffolds for tissue engineering, injectable gels, and 3D bioprinting. However, the poor structural stability of ionic crosslinks under physiological conditions limits the widespread applications of these hydrogels. Moreover, the lack of cell adhesion to the material combined with the inability of proteases to degrade alginate further restrict utility as hydrogel scaffolds. Blends of alginate with silk fibroin have been proposed for improved structural and mechanical properties, but potential phase separation between the hydrophobic protein and the hydrophilic polysaccharide remains an issue. In this study, we demonstrated the synthesis of a hybrid biopolymer composed of a silk backbone with side chains of poly(guluronate) isolated from alginate to introduce rapid ionic crosslinking on enzymatically crosslinked silk-based hydrogels for on-demand and reversible stiffening and softening properties. Dual crosslinked macro- and microgels of silk fibroin-poly(guluronate) (SF-PG) hybrid polymers displayed dynamic morphology with reversible shrinking and swelling behavior. SF-PG hydrogel discs demonstrated dynamic mechanics with compressive moduli ranging from less than 5 kPa to over 80 kPa and underwent proteolytic degradation unlike covalently crosslinked alginate controls. SF-PG gels supplemented with gelatin substituted with tyramine or both tyramine and PG also supported the attachment and survival of murine fibroblasts, suggesting potential uses of these new hydrogels in mammalian cell culture to investigate cellular responses to dynamic mechanics or modeling of diseases defined by matrix mechanics, such as fibrosis and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Onur Hasturk
- Tufts University, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Medford MA, USA
| | | | - David L Kaplan
- Tufts University, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Medford MA, USA
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9
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Controlling the LCST-Phase Transition in Azobenzene-Functionalized Poly ( N-Isopropylacrlyamide) Hydrogels by Light. Gels 2023; 9:gels9020075. [PMID: 36826244 PMCID: PMC9956105 DOI: 10.3390/gels9020075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) PNIPAAm hydrogels were modified with a new azobenzene-containing co-monomer. In this work, light responsiveness as an additional functionality, is conceptualized to induce two phase transitions in the same material, which can be controlled by light. For a hydrogel with merely 2.5 mol% of this co-monomer, the lower critical solution transition temperature (LCST) was lowered by 12 °C (to 20 °C) compared to PNIPAAm (LCST at 32 °C), as analyzed by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The untreated unimodal endotherm split into a bimodal peak upon irradiation with UV-light, giving a second onset due to the switched (Z) isomer-rich regions, LCST*H2.5%-(Z) = 26 °C. On irradiation with 450 nm, leading to the reverse (Z) to (E) isomerization, the endotherm was also reversible. Thus, a photo-switchable hydrogel whose LCST and structure are tunable with the hydrophobicity-hydrophilicity of the (E) and (Z) isomeric state of azobenzene was obtained. The influence of the increase in the mol% of azoacrylate on the LCST was evaluated via DSC, in combination with NMR studies, UV-vis spectroscopy and control experiments with linear polymers. The large light-driven modulation of the LCST adds bistability in thermoresponsive hydrogels, which may open diverse applications in the field of soft robotics actuators.
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10
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Muzzio N, Eduardo Martinez-Cartagena M, Romero G. Soft nano and microstructures for the photomodulation of cellular signaling and behavior. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2022; 190:114554. [PMID: 36181993 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2022.114554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Photoresponsive soft materials are everywhere in the nature, from human's retina tissues to plants, and have been the inspiration for engineers in the development of modern biomedical materials. Light as an external stimulus is particularly attractive because it is relatively cheap, noninvasive to superficial biological tissues, can be delivered contactless and offers high spatiotemporal control. In the biomedical field, soft materials that respond to long wavelength or that incorporate a photon upconversion mechanism are desired to overcome the limited UV-visible light penetration into biological tissues. Upon light exposure, photosensitive soft materials respond through mechanisms of isomerization, crosslinking or cleavage, hyperthermia, photoreactions, electrical current generation, among others. In this review, we discuss the most recent applications of photosensitive soft materials in the modulation of cellular behavior, for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, in drug delivery and for phototherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Muzzio
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Chemical Engineering, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA.
| | | | - Gabriela Romero
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Chemical Engineering, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA.
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11
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Nakanishi J, Yamamoto S. Static and photoresponsive dynamic materials to dissect physical regulation of cellular functions. Biomater Sci 2022; 10:6116-6134. [PMID: 36111810 DOI: 10.1039/d2bm00789d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Recent progress in mechanobiology has highlighted the importance of physical cues, such as mechanics, geometry (size), topography, and porosity, in the determination of cellular activities and fates, in addition to biochemical factors derived from their surroundings. In this review, we will first provide an overview of how such fundamental insights are identified by synchronizing the hierarchical nature of biological systems and static materials with tunable physical cues. Thereafter, we will explain the photoresponsive dynamic biomaterials to dissect the spatiotemporal aspects of the dependence of biological functions on physical cues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Nakanishi
- Research Center for Functional Materials, National Institute for Materials Science, Japan. .,Graduate School of Advanced Science and Engineering, Waseda University, Japan.,Graduate School of Advanced Engineering, Tokyo University of Science, Japan
| | - Shota Yamamoto
- Research Center for Functional Materials, National Institute for Materials Science, Japan. .,Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Japan
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12
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Photomotion of Hydrogels with Covalently Attached Azo Dye Moieties—Thermoresponsive and Non-Thermoresponsive Gels. Gels 2022; 8:gels8090541. [PMID: 36135253 PMCID: PMC9498539 DOI: 10.3390/gels8090541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The unique photomotion of azo materials under irradiation has been in the focus of research for decades and has been expanded to different classes of solids such as polymeric glasses, liquid crystalline materials, and elastomers. In this communication, azo dye-containing gels are obtained by photocrosslinking of non-thermoresponsive and lower critical solution temperature type thermoresponsive copolymers. These are analysed with light microscopy regarding their actuation behaviour under laser irradiation. The influences of the cloud-point temperature and of the laser power are investigated in a series of comparative experiments. The thermoresponsive hydrogels show more intense photoactuation when the cloud-point temperature of the non-crosslinked polymer is above, but closer to, room temperature, while higher laser powers lead to stronger motion, indicating a photothermal mechanism. In non-thermoresponsive gels, considerably weaker photoactuation occurs, signifying a secondary mechanism that is a direct consequence of the optical field-azo dye interaction.
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Santamaria-Garcia VJ, Flores-Hernandez DR, Contreras-Torres FF, Cué-Sampedro R, Sánchez-Fernández JA. Advances in the Structural Strategies of the Self-Assembly of Photoresponsive Supramolecular Systems. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:7998. [PMID: 35887350 PMCID: PMC9317886 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23147998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Photosensitive supramolecular systems have garnered attention due to their potential to catalyze highly specific tasks through structural changes triggered by a light stimulus. The tunability of their chemical structure and charge transfer properties provides opportunities for designing and developing smart materials for multidisciplinary applications. This review focuses on the approaches reported in the literature for tailoring properties of the photosensitive supramolecular systems, including MOFs, MOPs, and HOFs. We discuss relevant aspects regarding their chemical structure, action mechanisms, design principles, applications, and future perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivian J. Santamaria-Garcia
- Escuela de Ingeniería y Ciencias, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Campus Monterrey, Avenida Eugenio Garza Sada 2501, Monterrey 64849, Mexico; (V.J.S.-G.); (D.R.F.-H.); (F.F.C.-T.); (R.C.-S.)
| | - Domingo R. Flores-Hernandez
- Escuela de Ingeniería y Ciencias, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Campus Monterrey, Avenida Eugenio Garza Sada 2501, Monterrey 64849, Mexico; (V.J.S.-G.); (D.R.F.-H.); (F.F.C.-T.); (R.C.-S.)
| | - Flavio F. Contreras-Torres
- Escuela de Ingeniería y Ciencias, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Campus Monterrey, Avenida Eugenio Garza Sada 2501, Monterrey 64849, Mexico; (V.J.S.-G.); (D.R.F.-H.); (F.F.C.-T.); (R.C.-S.)
| | - Rodrigo Cué-Sampedro
- Escuela de Ingeniería y Ciencias, Tecnologico de Monterrey, Campus Monterrey, Avenida Eugenio Garza Sada 2501, Monterrey 64849, Mexico; (V.J.S.-G.); (D.R.F.-H.); (F.F.C.-T.); (R.C.-S.)
| | - José Antonio Sánchez-Fernández
- Procesos de Polimerización, Centro de Investigación en Química Aplicada, Blvd. Enrique Reyna No. 140, Saltillo 25294, Mexico
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Narkar AR, Tong Z, Soman P, Henderson JH. Smart biomaterial platforms: Controlling and being controlled by cells. Biomaterials 2022; 283:121450. [PMID: 35247636 PMCID: PMC8977253 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2022.121450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 02/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Across diverse research and application areas, dynamic functionality-such as programmable changes in biochemical property, in mechanical property, or in microscopic or macroscopic architecture-is an increasingly common biomaterials design criterion, joining long-studied criteria such as cytocompatibility and biocompatibility, drug release kinetics, and controlled degradability or long-term stability in vivo. Despite tremendous effort, achieving dynamic functionality while simultaneously maintaining other desired design criteria remains a significant challenge. Reversible dynamic functionality, rather than one-time or one-way dynamic functionality, is of particular interest but has proven especially challenging. Such reversible functionality could enable studies that address the current gap between the dynamic nature of in vivo biological and biomechanical processes, such as cell traction, cell-extracellular matrix (ECM) interactions, and cell-mediated ECM remodeling, and the static nature of the substrates and ECM constructs used to study the processes. This review assesses dynamic materials that have traditionally been used to control cell activity and static biomaterial constructs, experimental and computational techniques, with features that may inform continued advances in reversible dynamic materials. Taken together, this review presents a perspective on combining the reversibility of smart materials and the in-depth dynamic cell behavior probed by static polymers to design smart bi-directional ECM platforms that can reversibly and repeatedly communicate with cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ameya R Narkar
- BioInspired Syracuse: Institute for Material and Living Systems, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, 13244, United States; Department of Biomedical and Chemical Engineering, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, 13244, United States.
| | - Zhuoqi Tong
- BioInspired Syracuse: Institute for Material and Living Systems, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, 13244, United States; Department of Biomedical and Chemical Engineering, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, 13244, United States.
| | - Pranav Soman
- BioInspired Syracuse: Institute for Material and Living Systems, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, 13244, United States; Department of Biomedical and Chemical Engineering, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, 13244, United States.
| | - James H Henderson
- BioInspired Syracuse: Institute for Material and Living Systems, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, 13244, United States; Department of Biomedical and Chemical Engineering, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, 13244, United States.
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15
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Kavand H, Nasiri R, Herland A. Advanced Materials and Sensors for Microphysiological Systems: Focus on Electronic and Electrooptical Interfaces. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2022; 34:e2107876. [PMID: 34913206 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202107876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Revised: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Advanced in vitro cell culture systems or microphysiological systems (MPSs), including microfluidic organ-on-a-chip (OoC), are breakthrough technologies in biomedicine. These systems recapitulate features of human tissues outside of the body. They are increasingly being used to study the functionality of different organs for applications such as drug evolutions, disease modeling, and precision medicine. Currently, developers and endpoint users of these in vitro models promote how they can replace animal models or even be a better ethically neutral and humanized alternative to study pathology, physiology, and pharmacology. Although reported models show a remarkable physiological structure and function compared to the conventional 2D cell culture, they are almost exclusively based on standard passive polymers or glass with none or minimal real-time stimuli and readout capacity. The next technology leap in reproducing in vivo-like functionality and real-time monitoring of tissue function could be realized with advanced functional materials and devices. This review describes the currently reported electronic and optical advanced materials for sensing and stimulation of MPS models. In addition, an overview of multi-sensing for Body-on-Chip platforms is given. Finally, one gives the perspective on how advanced functional materials could be integrated into in vitro systems to precisely mimic human physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanie Kavand
- Division of Micro- and Nanosystems, Department of Intelligent Systems, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Malvinas Väg 10 pl 5, Stockholm, 100 44, Sweden
| | - Rohollah Nasiri
- AIMES, Center for the Advancement of Integrated Medical and Engineering Sciences, Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute, Solnavägen 9/B8, Solna, 171 65, Sweden
- Division of Nanobiotechnology, Department of Protein Science, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Tomtebodavägen 23a, Solna, 171 65, Sweden
| | - Anna Herland
- Division of Micro- and Nanosystems, Department of Intelligent Systems, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Malvinas Väg 10 pl 5, Stockholm, 100 44, Sweden
- AIMES, Center for the Advancement of Integrated Medical and Engineering Sciences, Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute, Solnavägen 9/B8, Solna, 171 65, Sweden
- Division of Nanobiotechnology, Department of Protein Science, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Tomtebodavägen 23a, Solna, 171 65, Sweden
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Ting MS, Travas-Sejdic J, Malmström J. Modulation of hydrogel stiffness by external stimuli: soft materials for mechanotransduction studies. J Mater Chem B 2021; 9:7578-7596. [PMID: 34596202 DOI: 10.1039/d1tb01415c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Mechanotransduction is an important process in determining cell survival, proliferation, migration and differentiation. The extracellular matrix (ECM) is the component of natural tissue that provides structural support and biochemical signals to adhering cells. The ECM is dynamic and undergoes physical and biochemical changes in response to various stimuli and there is an interest in understanding the effect of dynamic changes in stiffness on cell behaviour and fate. Therefore, stimuli-responsive hydrogels have been developed to mimic the cells' microenvironment in a controlled fashion. Herein, we review strategies for dynamic modulation of stiffness using various stimuli, such as light, temperature and pH. Special emphasis is placed on conducting polymer (CP) hydrogels and their fabrication procedures. We believe that the redox properties of CPs and hydrogels' biological properties make CPs hydrogels a promising substrate to investigate the effect of dynamic stiffness changes and mechanical actuation on cell fate in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew S Ting
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand. .,MacDiarmid Institute for Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology, Wellington, New Zealand.,Polymer Biointerface Centre, School of Chemical Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Jadranka Travas-Sejdic
- MacDiarmid Institute for Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology, Wellington, New Zealand.,Polymer Biointerface Centre, School of Chemical Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Jenny Malmström
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand. .,MacDiarmid Institute for Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology, Wellington, New Zealand.,Polymer Biointerface Centre, School of Chemical Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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Seidlits SK, Kilian KA. Biomaterials for Personalized Disease Models. Acta Biomater 2021; 132:1-3. [PMID: 34503734 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2021.08.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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