Injectable remote magnetic nanofiber/hydrogel multiscale scaffold for functional anisotropic skeletal muscle regeneration

A Micromanipulation-Actuated Large-Scale Screening to Identify Optimized Microphysiological Model Parameters in Skeletal Muscle Regeneration

Hydrogel-based 3D cell cultures are extensively utilized to create biomimetic cellular microstructures. However, there is still lack of effective method for both evaluation of the complex interaction of cells with hydrogel and the functionality of the resulting micro-structures. This limitation impedes the further application of these microstructures as microphysiological models (microPMs) for the screening of potential culture condition combinations to enhance the skeletal muscle regeneration. This paper introduces a two-probe micromanipulation method for the large-scale assessment of viscoelasticity and contractile force (CF) of skeletal muscle microPMs, which are produced in high-throughput via microfluidic spinning and 96-well culture. The collected data demonstrate that viscoelasticity parameters (E* and tanδ) and CF both measured in a solution environment are indicative of the formation of cellular structures without hydrogel residue and the subsequent generation of myotubes, respectively. This study have developed screening criterias that integrate E*, tanδ, and CF to examine the effects of multifactorial interactions on muscle fiber repair under hypoxic conditions and within bioprinted bipennate muscle structures. This approach has improved the quality of hypoxic threshold evaluation and aligned cell growth in 3D. The proposed method is useful in exploring the role of different factors in muscle tissue regeneration with limited resources.

Tissue Engineered 3D Constructs for Volumetric Muscle Loss

Severe injuries to skeletal muscles, including cases of volumetric muscle loss (VML), are linked to substantial tissue damage, resulting in functional impairment and lasting disability. While skeletal muscle can regenerate following minor damage, extensive tissue loss in VML disrupts the natural regenerative capacity of the affected muscle tissue. Existing clinical approaches for VML, such as soft-tissue reconstruction and advanced bracing methods, need to be revised to restore tissue function and are associated with limitations in tissue availability and donor-site complications. Advancements in tissue engineering (TE), particularly in scaffold design and the delivery of cells and growth factors, show promising potential for regenerating damaged skeletal muscle tissue and restoring function. This article provides a brief overview of the pathophysiology of VML and critiques the shortcomings of current treatments. The subsequent section focuses on the criteria for designing TE scaffolds, offering insights into various natural and synthetic biomaterials and cell types for effectively regenerating skeletal muscle. We also review multiple TE strategies involving both acellular and cellular scaffolds to encourage the development and maturation of muscle tissue and facilitate integration, vascularization, and innervation. Finally, the article explores technical challenges hindering successful translation into clinical applications.

Contactless magnetically responsive injectable hydrogel for aligned tissue regeneration

Cellular alignment plays a pivotal role in several human tissues, including skeletal muscle, spinal cord and tendon. Various techniques have been developed to control cellular alignment using 3D biomaterials. However, the majority of 3D-aligned scaffolds require invasive surgery for implantation. In contrast, injectable hydrogels provide a non-invasive delivery method, gaining considerable attention for the treatment of diverse conditions, including osteochondral lesions, volumetric muscle loss, and traumatic brain injury. We engineered a biomimetic hydrogel with magnetic responsiveness by combining gellan gum, hyaluronic acid, collagen, and magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs). Collagen type I was paired with MNPs to form magnetic collagen bundles (MCollB), allowing the orientation control of these bundles within the hydrogel matrix through the application of a remote low-intensity magnetic field. This resulted in the creation of an anisotropic architecture. The hydrogel mechanical properties were comparable to those of human soft tissues, such as skeletal muscle, and proof of the aligned hydrogel concept was demonstrated. In vitro findings confirmed the absence of toxicity and pro-inflammatory effects. Notably, an increased fibroblast cell proliferation and pro-regenerative activation of macrophages were observed. The in-vivo study further validated the hydrogel biocompatibility and demonstrated the feasibility of injection with rapid in situ gelation. Consequently, this magnetically controlled injectable hydrogel exhibits significant promise as a minimally invasive, rapid gelling and effective treatment for regenerating various aligned human tissues.

Direct 3D printing of freeform anisotropic bioactive structure based on shear-oriented ink system

Various anisotropic tissue structures exist in organisms, including muscle tissue, skin tissue, and nerve tissue. Replicating anisotropic tissue structuresin vitrohas posed a significant challenge. Three-dimensional (3D) printing technology is often used to fabricate biomimetic structures due to its advantages in manufacturing principle. However, direct 3D printing of freeform anisotropic bioactive structures has not been reported. To tackle this challenge, we developed a ternary F/G/P ink system that integrates the printability of Pluronic F127 (F), the robust bioactivity and photocrosslinking properties of gelatin methacryloyl (G), and the shear-induced alignment functionality of high-molecular-weight polyethylene glycol (P). And through this strategic ternary system combination, freeform anisotropic tissue structures can be 3D printed directly. Moreover, these anisotropic structures exhibit excellent bioactivity, and promote orientational growth of different cells. This advancement holds promise for the repair and replacement of anisotropic tissues within the human body.

Biomaterials-Based Technologies in Skeletal Muscle Tissue Engineering

For many clinically prevalent severe injuries, the inherent regenerative capacity of skeletal muscle remains inadequate. Skeletal muscle tissue engineering (SMTE) seeks to meet this clinical demand. With continuous progress in biomedicine and related technologies including micro/nanotechnology and 3D printing, numerous studies have uncovered various intrinsic mechanisms regulating skeletal muscle regeneration and developed tailored biomaterial systems based on these understandings. Here, the skeletal muscle structure and regeneration process are discussed and the diverse biomaterial systems derived from various technologies are explored in detail. Biomaterials serve not merely as local niches for cell growth, but also as scaffolds endowed with structural or physicochemical properties that provide tissue regenerative cues such as topographical, electrical, and mechanical signals. They can also act as delivery systems for stem cells and bioactive molecules that have been shown as key participants in endogenous repair cascades. To achieve bench-to-bedside translation, the typical effect enabled by biomaterial systems and the potential underlying molecular mechanisms are also summarized. Insights into the roles of biomaterials in SMTE from cellular and molecular perspectives are provided. Finally, perspectives on the advancement of SMTE are provided, for which gene therapy, exosomes, and hybrid biomaterials may hold promise to make important contributions.

Injectable and Dynamically Crosslinked Zwitterionic Hydrogels for Anti-Fouling and Tissue Regeneration Applications

A zwitterionic injectable and degradable hydrogel based on hydrazide and aldehyde-functionalized [2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl] dimethyl-(3-sulfopropyl)ammonium hydroxide (DMAPS) precursor polymers that can address practical in vivo needs is reported. Zwitterion fusion interactions between the zwitterionic precursor polymers create a secondary physically crosslinked network to enable much more rapid gelation than previously reported with other synthetic polymers, facilitating rapid gelation at much lower polymer concentrations or degrees of functionalization than previously accessible in addition to promoting zero swelling and long-term degradation responses and significantly stiffer mechanics than are typically accessed with previously reported low-viscosity precursor gelation systems. The hydrogels maintain the highly anti-fouling properties of conventional zwitterionic hydrogels against proteins, mammalian cells, and bacteria while also promoting anti-fibrotic tissue responses in vivo. Furthermore, the use of the hydrogels for effective delivery and subsequent controlled release of viable cells with tunable profiles both in vitro and in vivo is demonstrated, including the delivery of myoblasts in a mouse skeletal muscle defect model for reducing the time between injury and functional mobility recovery. The combination of the injectability, degradability, and tissue compatibility achieved offers the potential to expand the utility of zwitterionic hydrogels in minimally invasive therapeutic applications.

Microgels for Cell Delivery in Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine

Microgels prepared from natural or synthetic hydrogel materials have aroused extensive attention as multifunctional cells or drug carriers, that are promising for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Microgels can also be aggregated into microporous scaffolds, promoting cell infiltration and proliferation for tissue repair. This review gives an overview of recent developments in the fabrication techniques and applications of microgels. A series of conventional and novel strategies including emulsification, microfluidic, lithography, electrospray, centrifugation, gas-shearing, three-dimensional bioprinting, etc. are discussed in depth. The characteristics and applications of microgels and microgel-based scaffolds for cell culture and delivery are elaborated with an emphasis on the advantages of these carriers in cell therapy. Additionally, we expound on the ongoing and foreseeable applications and current limitations of microgels and their aggregate in the field of biomedical engineering. Through stimulating innovative ideas, the present review paves new avenues for expanding the application of microgels in cell delivery techniques.

Recent trends in 3D bioprinting technology for skeletal muscle regeneration

Skeletal muscle is a pro-regenerative tissue, that utilizes a tissue-resident stem cell system to effect repair upon injury. Despite the demonstrated efficiency of this system in restoring muscle mass after many acute injuries, in conditions of severe trauma such as those evident in volumetric muscle loss (VML) (>20 % by mass), this self-repair capability is unable to restore tissue architecture, requiring interventions which currently are largely surgical. As a possible alternative, the generation of artificial muscle using tissue engineering approaches may also be of importance in the treatment of VML and muscle diseases such as dystrophies. Three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting has been identified as a promising technique for regeneration of the complex architecture of skeletal muscle. This review discusses existing treatment strategies following muscle damage, recent progress in bioprinting techniques, the bioinks used for muscle regeneration, the immunogenicity of scaffold materials, and in vitro and in vivo maturation techniques for 3D bio-printed muscle constructs. The pros and cons of these bioink formulations are also highlighted. Finally, we present the current limitations and challenges in the field and critical factors to consider for bioprinting approaches to become more translationa and to produce clinically relevant engineered muscle. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: This review discusses the physiopathology of muscle injuries and existing clinical treatment strategies for muscle damage, the types of bioprinting techniques that have been applied to bioprinting of muscle, and the bioinks commonly used for muscle regeneration. The pros and cons of these bioinks are highlighted. We present a discussion of existing gaps in the literature and critical factors to consider for the translation of bioprinting approaches and to produce clinically relevant engineered muscle. Finally, we provide insights into what we believe will be the next steps required before the realization of the application of tissue-engineered muscle in humans. We believe this manuscript is an insightful, timely, and instructive review that will guide future muscle bioprinting research from a fundamental construct creation approach, down a translational pathway to achieve the desired impact in the clinic.

Application of magnetism in tissue regeneration: recent progress and future prospects

Tissue regeneration is a hot topic in the field of biomedical research in this century. Material composition, surface topology, light, ultrasonic, electric field and magnetic fields (MFs) all have important effects on the regeneration process. Among them, MFs can provide nearly non-invasive signal transmission within biological tissues, and magnetic materials can convert MFs into a series of signals related to biological processes, such as mechanical force, magnetic heat, drug release, etc. By adjusting the MFs and magnetic materials, desired cellular or molecular-level responses can be achieved to promote better tissue regeneration. This review summarizes the definition, classification and latest progress of MFs and magnetic materials in tissue engineering. It also explores the differences and potential applications of MFs in different tissue cells, aiming to connect the applications of magnetism in various subfields of tissue engineering and provide new insights for the use of magnetism in tissue regeneration.

Development of a tannic acid- and silicate ion-functionalized PVA-starch composite hydrogel for in situ skeletal muscle repairing

The repair capacity of skeletal muscle is severely diminished in massive skeletal muscle injuries accompanied by inflammation, resulting in muscle function loss and scar tissue formation. In the current work, we developed a tannic acid (TA)- and silicate ion-functionalized tissue adhesive poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)-starch composite hydrogel, referred to as PSTS (PVA-starch-TA-SiO32-). It was formed based on the hydrogen bonding of TA to organic polymers, as well as silicate-TA ligand interaction. PSTS could be gelatinized in minutes at room temperature with crosslinked network formation, making it applicable for injection. Further investigations revealed that PSTS had skeletal muscle-comparable conductivity and modulus to act as a temporary platform for muscle repairing. Moreover, PSTS could release TA and silicate ions in situ to inhibit bacterial growth, induce vascularization, and reduce oxidation, paving the way to the possibility of creating a favorable microenvironment for skeletal muscle regeneration and tissue fibrosis control. The in vivo model confirmed that PSTS could enhance muscle fiber regeneration and myotube formation, as well as reduce infection and inflammation risk. These findings thereby implied the great potential of PSTS in the treatment of formidable skeletal muscle injuries.

Skeletal muscle regeneration with 3D bioprinted hyaluronate/gelatin hydrogels incorporating MXene nanoparticles

There has been significant progress in the field of three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting technology, leading to active research on creating bioinks capable of producing structurally and functionally tissue-mimetic constructs. Ti3C2Tx MXene nanoparticles (NPs), promising two-dimensional nanomaterials, are being investigated for their potential in muscle regeneration due to their unique physicochemical properties. In this study, we integrated MXene NPs into composite hydrogels made of gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) and hyaluronic acid methacryloyl (HAMA) to develop bioinks (namely, GHM bioink) that promote myogenesis. The prepared GHM bioinks were found to offer excellent printability with structural integrity, cytocompatibility, and microporosity. Additionally, MXene NPs within the 3D bioprinted constructs encouraged the differentiation of C2C12 cells into skeletal muscle cells without additional support of myogenic agents. Genetic analysis indicated that representative myogenic markers both for early and late myogenesis were significantly up-regulated. Moreover, animal studies demonstrated that GHM bioinks contributed to enhanced regeneration of skeletal muscle while reducing immune responses in mice models with volumetric muscle loss (VML). Our results suggest that the GHM hydrogel can be exploited to craft a range of strategies for the development of a novel bioink to facilitate skeletal muscle regeneration because these MXene-incorporated composite materials have the potential to promote myogenesis.

Near-infrared light-activatable, analgesic nanocomposite delivery system for comprehensive therapy of diabetic wounds in rats

Impaired angiogenesis, bacterial infection, persistent severe pain, exacerbated inflammation, and oxidative stress injury are intractable problems in the treatment of chronic diabetic ulcer wounds. A strategy that effectively targets all these issues has proven challenging. Herein, an in-situ sprayable nanoparticle-gel composite comprising platinum clusters (Pt) loaded-mesoporous polydopamine (MPDA) nanoparticle and QX-314-loaded fibrin gel (Pt@MPDA/QX314@Fibrin) was developed for diabetic wound analgesia and therapy. The composite shows good local analgesic effect of QX-314 mediated by near-infrared light (NIR) activation of transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) channel, as well as multifunctional therapeutic effects of rapid hemostasis, anti-inflammation, antioxidation, and antibacterial properties that benefit the fast-healing of diabetic wounds. Furthermore, it demonstrates that the composite, with good biodegradability and biosafety, significantly relieved wound pain by inhibiting the expression of c-Fos in the dorsal root ganglion and the activation of glial cells in the spinal cord dorsal horn. Consequently, our designed sprayable Pt@MPDA/QX314@Fibrin composite with good biocompatibility, NIR activation of TRPV1 channel-mediated QX-314 local wound analgesia and comprehensive treatments, is promising for chronic diabetic wound therapy.

Supramolecular hydrogels for wound repair and hemostasis

The unique network characteristics and stimuli responsiveness of supramolecular hydrogels have rendered them highly advantageous in the field of wound dressings, showcasing unprecedented potential. However, there are few reports on a comprehensive review of supramolecular hydrogel dressings for wound repair and hemostasis. This review first introduces the major cross-linking methods for supramolecular hydrogels, which includes hydrogen bonding, electrostatic interactions, hydrophobic interactions, host-guest interactions, metal ligand coordination and some other interactions. Then, we review the advanced materials reported in recent years and then summarize the basic principles of each cross-linking method. Next, we classify the network structures of supramolecular hydrogels before outlining their forming process and propose their potential future directions. Furthermore, we also discuss the raw materials, structural design principles, and material characteristics used to achieve the advanced functions of supramolecular hydrogels, such as antibacterial function, tissue adhesion, substance delivery, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant functions, cell behavior regulation, angiogenesis promotion, hemostasis and other innovative functions in recent years. Finally, the existing problems as well as future development directions of the cross-linking strategy, network design, and functions in wound repair and hemostasis of supramolecular hydrogels are discussed. This review is proposed to stimulate further exploration of supramolecular hydrogels on wound repair and hemostasis by researchers in the future.

Emerging Technology of Nanofiber-Composite Hydrogels for Biomedical Applications

Hydrogels and nanofibers have been firmly established as go-to materials for various biomedical applications. They have been mostly utilized separately, rarely together, because of their distinctive attributes and shortcomings. However, the potential benefits of integrating nanofibers with hydrogels to synergistically combine their functionalities while attenuating their drawbacks are increasingly recognized. Compared to other nanocomposite materials, incorporating nanofibers into hydrogel has the distinct advantage of emulating the hierarchical structure of natural extracellular environment needed for cell and tissue culture. The most important technological aspect of developing "nanofiber-composite hydrogel" is generating nanofibers made of various polymers that are cross-linked and short enough to maintain stable dispersion in hydrated environment. In this review, recent research efforts to develop nanofiber-composite hydrogels are presented, with added emphasis on nanofiber processing techniques. Several notable examples of implementing nanofiber-composite hydrogels for biomedical applications are also introduced.

Aligned Collagen Sponges with Tunable Pore Size for Skeletal Muscle Tissue Regeneration

Volumetric muscle loss (VML) is a traumatic injury where at least 20% of the mass of a skeletal muscle has been destroyed and functionality is lost. The standard treatment for VML, autologous tissue transfer, is limited as approximately 1 in 10 grafts fail because of necrosis or infection. Tissue engineering strategies seek to develop scaffolds that can regenerate injured muscles and restore functionality. Many of these scaffolds, however, are limited in their ability to restore muscle functionality because of an inability to promote the alignment of regenerating myofibers. For aligned myofibers to form on a scaffold, myoblasts infiltrate the scaffold and receive topographical cues to direct targeted myofiber growth. We seek to determine the optimal pore size for myoblast infiltration and differentiation. We developed a method of tuning the pore size within collagen scaffolds while inducing longitudinal alignment of these pores. Significantly different pore sizes were generated by adjusting the freezing rate of the scaffolds. Scaffolds frozen at -20 °C contained the largest pores. These scaffolds promoted the greatest level of cell infiltration and orientation in the direction of pore alignment. Further research will be conducted to induce higher levels of myofiber formation, to ultimately create an off-the-shelf treatment for VML injuries.

Magnetically anisotropic hydrogels for tissue engineering

Many soft tissues of the human body possess hierarchically anisotropic structures, exhibiting orientation-specific mechanical properties and biological functionality. Hydrogels have been proposed as promising scaffold materials for tissue engineering applications due to their water-rich composition, excellent biocompatibility, and tunable physico-chemical properties. However, conventional hydrogels with homogeneous structures often exhibit isotropic properties that differ from those of biological tissues, limiting their further application. Recently, magnetically anisotropic hydrogels containing long-range ordered magneto-structures have attracted widespread interest owing to their highly controllable assembly strategy, rapid magnetic responsiveness and remote spatiotemporal regulation. In this review, we summarize the latest progress of magnetically anisotropic hydrogels for tissue engineering. The fabrication strategy of magnetically anisotropic hydrogels from magnetic nanofillers with different dimensions is systemically introduced. Then, the effects of magnetically anisotropic cues on the physicochemical properties of hydrogels and the cellular biological behavior are discussed. And the applications of magnetically anisotropic hydrogels in the engineering of different tissues are emphasized. Finally, the current challenges and the future perspectives for magnetically anisotropic hydrogels are presented.

Magnetic manipulation of Fe3O4@BaTiO3 nanochains to regulate extracellular topographical and electrical cues

Magnetic fields play an essential role in material science and biomedical engineering. Magnetic-responsive materials can be arranged orderly in matrix to realize the construction of an aligned scaffold under magnetic induction. However, a single topological cue is insufficient to activate neural tissue regeneration, demanding more cues to promote regeneration synergistically, such as electrical stimulation and a biomimetic matrix. Herein, we propose one-dimensional (1D) magnetoelectric Fe3O4@BaTiO3 nanochains with controllable lengths under the regulation of a magnetic field. These nanochains can be oriented in the biomimetic hydrogel under magnetic guidance and induce the hydrogel microfiber to align along the direction of the nanochains, which is beneficial for cell-oriented outgrowth. This aligned hydrogel enabled wireless electrical stimulation mediated by magnetoelectric nanochains under magnetic stimulation, thereby activating the voltage-gated ion channel. Consequently, topological and electrical cues in this multifunctional biomimetic hydrogel synergistically enhanced the expression of neural functional proteins, facilitating synapse remodeling and neural regeneration. Predictably, the construction of multifunctional hydrogels based on low-cost and facile synthesis of magnetoelectric nanochains is an emerging patient-friendly and effective therapeutic strategy for neural or other tissue regeneration. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: A facile and controllable magnetic strategy is established to manipulate 1D nanomaterial growth, matrix topography, and wireless electrical stimulation of cells. First, the magnetic-assisted interface co-assembly was used to control the length of Fe3O4@BaTiO3 nanochains with enhanced magnetoelectric effect. Then, the motion of the magnetic-induced nanochains guided the orientation of nanofibers in a 3D biomimetic hydrogel matrix. Finally, wireless electrical signals and topological cues in the biomimetic matrix synergistically promoted orderly aligned cell outgrowth and membrane depolarization by Ca2+ influx, thus enhancing nerve cell synaptic plasticity and functional expression. Consequently, this work provides a conceptual strategy from material design to extracellular matrix signal manipulation and synergistic induction of tissue regeneration.

Defect-Rich SnO2 Nanofiber as an Oxygen-Defect-Driven Photoenergy Shield against UV Light Cell Damage

Usually, most studies focus on toxic gas and photosensors by using electrospinning and metal oxide polycrystalline SnO2 nanofibers (PNFs), while fewer studies discuss cell-material interactions and photoelectric effect. In this work, the controllable surface morphology and oxygen defect (VO) structure properties were provided to show the opportunity of metal oxide PNFs to convert photoenergy into bio-energy for bio-material applications. Using the photobiomodulation effect of defect-rich polycrystalline SnO2 nanofibers (PNFs) is the main idea to modulate the cell-material interactions, such as adhesion, growth direction, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) density. The VO structures, including out-of-plane oxygen defects (op-VO), bridge oxygen defects (b-VO), and in-plane oxygen defects (ip-VO), were studied using synchrotron analysis to investigate the electron transfer between the VO structures and conduction bands. These intragrain VO structures can be treated as generation-recombination centers, which can convert various photoenergies (365-520 nm) into different current levels that form distinct surface potential levels; this is referred to as the photoelectric effect. PNF conductivity was enhanced 53.6-fold by enlarging the grain size (410 nm2) by increasing the annealing temperature, which can improve the photoelectric effect. In vitro removal of reactive oxygen species (ROS) can be achieved by using the photoelectric effect of PNFs. Also, the viability and shape of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs-BM) were also influenced significantly by the photobiomodulation effect. The cell damage and survival rate can be prevented and enhanced by using PNFs; metal oxide nanofibers are no longer only environmental sensors but can also be a bio-material to convert the photoenergy into bio-energy for biomedical science applications.

Magnetic Nanofibrous Hydrogels for Dynamic Control of Stem Cell Differentiation

The extracellular matrix in tissue consists of complex heterogeneous soft materials with hierarchical structure and dynamic mechanical properties dictating cell and tissue level function. In many natural matrices, there are nanofibrous structures that serve to guide cell activity and dictate the form and function of tissue. Synthetic hydrogels with integrated nanofibers can mimic the structural properties of native tissue; however, model systems with dynamic mechanical properties remain elusive. Here we demonstrate modular nanofibrous hydrogels that can be reversibly stiffened in response to applied magnetic fields. Iron oxide nanoparticles were incorporated into gelatin nanofibers through electrospinning, followed by chemical stabilization and fragmentation. These magnetoactive nanofibers can be mixed with virtually any hydrogel material and reversibly stiffen the matrix at a low fiber content (≤3%). In contrast to previous work, where a large quantity of magnetic material disallowed cell encapsulation, the low nanofiber content allows matrix stiffening with cells in 3D. Using adipose derived stem cells, we show how nanofibrous matrices are beneficial for both osteogenesis and adipogenesis, where stiffening the hydrogel with applied magnetic fields enhances osteogenesis while discouraging adipogenesis. Skeletal myoblast progenitors were used as a model of tissue morphogenesis with matrix stiffening augmenting myogenesis and multinucleated myotube formation. The ability to reversibly stiffen fibrous hydrogels through magnetic stimulation provides a useful tool for studying nanotopography and dynamic mechanics in cell culture, with a scope for stimuli responsive materials for tissue engineering.

A modular hydrogel bioink containing microsphere-embedded chondrocytes for 3D-printed multiscale composite scaffolds for cartilage repair

Articular cartilage tissue engineering is being considered an alternative treatment strategy for promoting cartilage damage repair. Herein, we proposed a modular hydrogel-based bioink containing microsphere-embedded chondrocytes for 3D printing multiscale scaffolds integrating the micro and macro environment of the native articular cartilage. Gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA)/alginate microsphere was prepared by a microfluidic approach, and the chondrocytes embedded in the microspheres remained viable after being frozen and resuscitated. The modular hydrogel bioink could be printed via the gel-in-gel 3D bioprinting strategy for fabricating the multiscale hydrogel-based scaffolds. Meanwhile, the cells cultured in the scaffolds showed good proliferation and differentiation. Furthermore, we also found that the composite hydrogel was biocompatible in vivo. These results indicated that the modular hydrogel-based bioinks containing microsphere-embedded chondrocytes for 3D printing multiscale scaffolds could provide a 3D multiscale environment for enhancing cartilage repairing, which would be encouraging considering the numerous alternative applications in articular cartilage tissue engineering.

Functional hydrogels for the repair and regeneration of tissue defects

Tissue defects can be accompanied by functional impairments that affect the health and quality of life of patients. Hydrogels are three-dimensional (3D) hydrophilic polymer networks that can be used as bionic functional tissues to fill or repair damaged tissue as a promising therapeutic strategy in the field of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. This paper summarises and discusses four outstanding advantages of hydrogels and their applications and advances in the repair and regeneration of tissue defects. First, hydrogels have physicochemical properties similar to the extracellular matrix of natural tissues, providing a good microenvironment for cell proliferation, migration and differentiation. Second, hydrogels have excellent shape adaptation and tissue adhesion properties, allowing them to be applied to a wide range of irregularly shaped tissue defects and to adhere well to the defect for sustained and efficient repair function. Third, the hydrogel is an intelligent delivery system capable of releasing therapeutic agents on demand. Hydrogels are capable of delivering therapeutic reagents and releasing therapeutic substances with temporal and spatial precision depending on the site and state of the defect. Fourth, hydrogels are self-healing and can maintain their integrity when damaged. We then describe the application and research progress of functional hydrogels in the repair and regeneration of defects in bone, cartilage, skin, muscle and nerve tissues. Finally, we discuss the challenges faced by hydrogels in the field of tissue regeneration and provide an outlook on their future trends.

Chitosan Hydrogel as Tissue Engineering Scaffolds for Vascular Regeneration Applications

Chitosan hydrogels have a wide range of applications in tissue engineering scaffolds, mainly due to the advantages of their chemical and physical properties. This review focuses on the application of chitosan hydrogels in tissue engineering scaffolds for vascular regeneration. We have mainly introduced these following aspects: advantages and progress of chitosan hydrogels in vascular regeneration hydrogels and the modification of chitosan hydrogels to improve the application in vascular regeneration. Finally, this paper discusses the prospects of chitosan hydrogels for vascular regeneration.

Tissue engineering modalities in skeletal muscles: focus on angiogenesis and immunomodulation properties

Muscular diseases and injuries are challenging issues in human medicine, resulting in physical disability. The advent of tissue engineering approaches has paved the way for the restoration and regeneration of injured muscle tissues along with available conventional therapies. Despite recent advances in the fabrication, synthesis, and application of hydrogels in terms of muscle tissue, there is a long way to find appropriate hydrogel types in patients with congenital and/or acquired musculoskeletal injuries. Regarding specific muscular tissue microenvironments, the applied hydrogels should provide a suitable platform for the activation of endogenous reparative mechanisms and concurrently deliver transplanting cells and therapeutics into the injured sites. Here, we aimed to highlight recent advances in muscle tissue engineering with a focus on recent strategies related to the regulation of vascularization and immune system response at the site of injury.

Chitosan-polyethylene oxide/clay-alginate nanofiber hydrogel scaffold for bone tissue engineering: Preparation, physical characterization, and biomimetic mineralization

This study aimed to prepare a novel organic-mineral nanofiber/hydrogel of chitosan-polyethylene oxide (CS-PEO)/nanoclay-alginate (NC-ALG). The effects of NC particles on the mineralization and biocompatibility of the scaffold were investigated. A layer-by-layer scaffold composed of CS-PEO and NC-ALG was prepared. The morphological properties, swelling, biodegradation, and mechanical behaviors of the scaffolds were evaluated. Furthermore, scaffolds were characterized by the Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), the Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FE-SEM), and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) techniques. Bone-like apatite formation ability of the scaffolds was determined by the mineralization test in a simulated body fluid (M-SBF). In addition, the crystalline phase of bone-like apatite precipitates was investigated by XRD analysis. The cell compatibility of the scaffolds was also studied with osteoblastic cell line MC3T3-E1 by MTT assay. Notably, the incorporation of NC particles in CS-PEO/ALG scaffolds is suitable for bone tissue regeneration which enhances bone-like apatite formation. Further, the hemolysis and MTT assays demonstrated that CS-PEO/NC-ALG scaffold was compatible and safe for MC3T3 cells.

Injectable adhesive self-healing biocompatible hydrogel for haemostasis, wound healing, and postoperative tissue adhesion prevention in nephron-sparing surgery

Nephron-sparing surgery is a well-established treatment in patients with T1a renal cell carcinoma; however, the complex suturing process prolongs warm ischaemia time, affects the preservation of normal renal parenchymal function, and causes avoidable postoperative tissue adhesion complications, including chronic abdominal pain, intestinal obstruction, and female infertility. Hence, the design of multifunctional biomaterials with haemostasis, postoperative wound management, and postoperative tissue adhesion prevention properties for nephron-sparing surgeries is urgently needed. In this study, a series of injectable adhesive multifunctional biocompatible hydrogels were designed based on the free-radical polymerisation of monomers acryloyl-6-aminocaproic acid (AA) and N-acryloyl 2-glycine (NAG), and the ionic coordination between Ca²⁺ and the abundant carboxyl groups in AA and NAG. AA/NAG/Ca (AA, NAG, and Ca refer to acryloyl-6-aminocaproic acid, N-acryloyl 2-glycine and calcium chloride, respectively) hydrogel exhibited good mechanical properties, swelling and adhesion properties, flexibility, in vitro blood-clotting ability, and cytocompatibility. In vivo experiments on liver injury models and rat/rabbit nephron-sparing surgery models elucidated that the AA/NAG/Ca hydrogel had haemostasis performance and wound healing properties that led to short bleeding time, reduced bleeding volume, and well-organised nephron structures. An abdomen-caecum adhesion model indicated that the AA/NAG/Ca hydrogel showed excellent anti-adhesion properties. In summary, this multifunctional hydrogel exhibited potential for improving haemostasis and wound management in nephron-sparing surgeries, showing potential for clinical application. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Extended warm ischemia time during nephron sparing surgery negatively affected postoperative renal function due to the need for hemostasis at the wound with abundant blood supply, and postoperative wound healing and additional adhesions caused by the surgical procedure deserve attention. Based on the efficient and stable adhesion properties of hydrogels and the ability to promote wound healing. Herein, a series of adhesive self-healing biocompatible hydrogels were prepared based on free-radical polymerization of acryloyl-6-aminocaproic acid (AA) and N-acryloyl 2-glycine (NAG) and the ionic coordination between Ca²⁺ with the abundant carboxyl groups in AA and NAG. AA/NAG/Ca hydrogel showed hemostasis property in nephron sparing surgery model, promote kidney wound healing, and could perform anti-postoperative adhesion efficacy in an abdomen-caecum adhesion model.