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Enayati M, Liu W, Madry H, Neisiany RE, Cucchiarini M. Functionalized hydrogels as smart gene delivery systems to treat musculoskeletal disorders. Adv Colloid Interface Sci 2024; 331:103232. [PMID: 38889626 DOI: 10.1016/j.cis.2024.103232] [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: 01/15/2024] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
Despite critical advances in regenerative medicine, the generation of definitive, reliable treatments for musculoskeletal diseases remains challenging. Gene therapy based on the delivery of therapeutic genetic sequences has strong value to offer effective, durable options to decisively manage such disorders. Furthermore, scaffold-mediated gene therapy provides powerful alternatives to overcome hurdles associated with classical gene therapy, allowing for the spatiotemporal delivery of candidate genes to sites of injury. Among the many scaffolds for musculoskeletal research, hydrogels raised increasing attention in addition to other potent systems (solid, hybrid scaffolds) due to their versatility and competence as drug and cell carriers in tissue engineering and wound dressing. Attractive functionalities of hydrogels for musculoskeletal therapy include their injectability, stimuli-responsiveness, self-healing, and nanocomposition that may further allow to upgrade of them as "intelligently" efficient and mechanically strong platforms, rather than as just inert vehicles. Such functionalized hydrogels may also be tuned to successfully transfer therapeutic genes in a minimally invasive manner in order to protect their cargos and allow for their long-term effects. In light of such features, this review focuses on functionalized hydrogels and demonstrates their competence for the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders using gene therapy procedures, from gene therapy principles to hydrogel functionalization methods and applications of hydrogel-mediated gene therapy for musculoskeletal disorders, while remaining challenges are being discussed in the perspective of translation in patients. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Despite advances in regenerative medicine, the generation of definitive, reliable treatments for musculoskeletal diseases remains challenging. Gene therapy has strong value in offering effective, durable options to decisively manage such disorders. Scaffold-mediated gene therapy provides powerful alternatives to overcome hurdles associated with classical gene therapy. Among many scaffolds for musculoskeletal research, hydrogels raised increasing attention. Functionalities including injectability, stimuli-responsiveness, and self-healing, tune them as "intelligently" efficient and mechanically strong platforms, rather than as just inert vehicles. This review introduces functionalized hydrogels for musculoskeletal disorder treatment using gene therapy procedures, from gene therapy principles to functionalized hydrogels and applications of hydrogel-mediated gene therapy for musculoskeletal disorders, while remaining challenges are discussed from the perspective of translation in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammadsaeid Enayati
- Center of Experimental Orthopaedics, Saarland University Medical Center, Kirrbergerstr. Bldg 37, 66421 Homburg, Saar, Germany
| | - Wei Liu
- Center of Experimental Orthopaedics, Saarland University Medical Center, Kirrbergerstr. Bldg 37, 66421 Homburg, Saar, Germany
| | - Henning Madry
- Center of Experimental Orthopaedics, Saarland University Medical Center, Kirrbergerstr. Bldg 37, 66421 Homburg, Saar, Germany
| | - Rasoul Esmaeely Neisiany
- Biotechnology Centre, Silesian University of Technology, Krzywoustego 8, 44-100 Gliwice, Poland; Department of Polymer Engineering, Hakim Sabzevari University, Sabzevar 9617976487, Iran
| | - Magali Cucchiarini
- Center of Experimental Orthopaedics, Saarland University Medical Center, Kirrbergerstr. Bldg 37, 66421 Homburg, Saar, Germany.
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2
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Wang W, Yuan Z, Li T, Wang Y, Zhang K, Wu J, Zhang S, Yuan F, Dong W. Rapid Preparation of Highly Stretchable and Fast Self-Repairing Antibacterial Hydrogels for Promoting Hemostasis and Wound Healing. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2024; 7:394-405. [PMID: 38150008 DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.3c00969] [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: 12/28/2023]
Abstract
Hydrogel dressings have emerged as a vital resource in wound management, offering several advantages over conventional wound dressing materials. Their inherent biocompatibility, ability to replicate the native extracellular matrix, and capacity to provide an ideal environment for cell survival make them particularly valuable. Nevertheless, the mechanical properties of many hydrogel dressings are an area that warrants improvement, as it currently constrains their application range. This limitation is especially evident when skin wounds are addressed in highly active or easily scratched areas. In this study, we present the development of a highly stretchable self-repairing hydrogel by cross-linking poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) through dynamic boron ester bonds, coupled with the hydrogen bonding of carboxymethyl cellulose sodium (CMC) via an efficient one-pot method without adding any catalyst. This innovative PVA/CMC hydrogel exhibited remarkable antibacterial properties achieved through the incorporation of bergamot oil, which was dispersed in a β-cyclodextrin solution. The hydrogel's elongation at the point of rupture reached an impressive 1910%, and it was capable of rapid self-healing in just 3 min upon bonding. Additionally, the hydrogel demonstrated excellent hemostatic properties, effectively mitigating blood loss and exudation. In vivo wound models have shown that PVA/CMC significantly expedites wound healing by reducing bacterial infections, inflammatory responses, and blood loss and by promoting collagen deposition. In summary, this research provides crucial insights into its potential as an advanced wound dressing material, particularly well-suited for addressing wounds in places with frequent activities or easy scratches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Wang
- The Key Laboratory of Synthetic and Biological Colloids, Ministry of Education, School of Chemical and Material Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
| | - Zhengdong Yuan
- Institute of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214000, China
| | - Ting Li
- The Key Laboratory of Synthetic and Biological Colloids, Ministry of Education, School of Chemical and Material Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
| | - Yang Wang
- The Key Laboratory of Synthetic and Biological Colloids, Ministry of Education, School of Chemical and Material Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
| | - Kaiwen Zhang
- Institute of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214000, China
| | - Junjie Wu
- Institute of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214000, China
| | - Shiru Zhang
- The Key Laboratory of Synthetic and Biological Colloids, Ministry of Education, School of Chemical and Material Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
| | - Fenglai Yuan
- Institute of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214000, China
| | - Weifu Dong
- The Key Laboratory of Synthetic and Biological Colloids, Ministry of Education, School of Chemical and Material Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214122, China
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Karppanen H, Halahlah A, Kilpeläinen PO, Mikkonen KS, Ho TM. Gel characteristics of low-acetyl spruce galactoglucomannans. Carbohydr Polym 2023; 321:121316. [PMID: 37739540 DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2023.121316] [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: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 08/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023]
Abstract
Galactoglucomannans (GGM) recovered from abundant forest industry side-streams has been widely recognized as a renewable hydrocolloid. The low molar mass and presence of O-acetyl side-groups results in low viscous dispersions and weak intermolecular interactions that make GGM unsuitable for hydrogel formation, unless forcefully chemically derivatized and/or crosslinked with other polymers. Here we present the characterization of hydrogels prepared from GGM after tailoring the degree of acetylation by alkaline treatment during its recovery. Specifically, we investigated gel characteristics of low-acetyl GGM dispersions prepared at varied solid concentrations (5, 10 and 15 %) and pH (4, 7 and 10), and then subjected to ultrasonication. The results indicated that low-acetyl GGM dispersions formed gels (G' > G″) at all other studied solid concentration and pH level combinations except 5 % and pH 4. High pH levels, leading to further removal of acetyl groups, and high solid concentration facilitated the gel formation. GGM hydrogels were weak gels with strong shear-thinning behavior and thixotropic properties, and high hardness and water holding capacity; which were enhanced with increased pH and solid concentration, and prolonged storage time. Our study showed the possibility to utilize low-acetyl GGM as mildly processed gelling or thickening agents, and renewable materials for bio-based hydrogels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henrik Karppanen
- Department of Food and Nutrition, P.O. Box 66, FIN-00014 University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Abedalghani Halahlah
- Department of Food and Nutrition, P.O. Box 66, FIN-00014 University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Petri O Kilpeläinen
- Biorefinery and Bioproducts, Production Systems Unit - Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke), Viikinkaari 9, FI-00790 HU, Finland
| | - Kirsi S Mikkonen
- Department of Food and Nutrition, P.O. Box 66, FIN-00014 University of Helsinki, Finland; Helsinki Institute of Sustainability Science (HELSUS), P.O. Box 65, FIN-00014 University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Thao M Ho
- Department of Food and Nutrition, P.O. Box 66, FIN-00014 University of Helsinki, Finland; Helsinki Institute of Sustainability Science (HELSUS), P.O. Box 65, FIN-00014 University of Helsinki, Finland.
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Torlopov MA, Martakov IS, Mikhaylov VI, Cherednichenko KA, Sitnikov PА. Synthesis and properties of thiol-modified CNC via surface tosylation. Carbohydr Polym 2023; 319:121169. [PMID: 37567709 DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2023.121169] [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: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023]
Abstract
SH-containing polymers and nanoparticles are a significant direction in the creation of novel materials. The aim of this work is the synthesis of cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) with a surface modified by tosyl functions (CNC-Ts) and their further modification into SH-containing nanocrystals (CNC-SH). CNC-Ts were synthesized in an aqueous-organic emulsion from never-dried particles, while maintaining the size and supramolecular structure of CNC; the content of Ts-functions is up to 2.5 mmol·g-1. Structure of the derivatives was analyzed by TEM, XRD, CP/MAS 13C NMR and FTIR spectroscopies. Nucleophilic substitution and hydrolysis of the obtained thioisouronium salts leads to the production of CNC-SH. To quantify SH-groups we used elemental analysis, potentiometric titration and Folin-Ciocalteu and Ellman's reagents. It is shown that SH-groups on the surface are partially oxidized and are involved in a dense network of hydrogen bonds. Rheological properties of CNC-SH hydrosols are close to those of CNC, addition of H2O2 at acidic pH leads to an increase in viscosity of the system; H2O2 added at neutral pH causes opposite effect - viscosity decreases. CNC-SH have a high capacity for sorption of Cr(VI) in acidic environments and exhibit photoreductive properties under UV irradiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikhail A Torlopov
- Institute of Chemistry of Federal Research Centre "Komi Science Centre, the Ural Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences", 167982, 48 Pervomayskaya st., Syktyvkar, Russian Federation
| | - Ilia S Martakov
- Institute of Chemistry of Federal Research Centre "Komi Science Centre, the Ural Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences", 167982, 48 Pervomayskaya st., Syktyvkar, Russian Federation.
| | - Vasily I Mikhaylov
- Institute of Chemistry of Federal Research Centre "Komi Science Centre, the Ural Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences", 167982, 48 Pervomayskaya st., Syktyvkar, Russian Federation
| | | | - Petr А Sitnikov
- Institute of Chemistry of Federal Research Centre "Komi Science Centre, the Ural Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences", 167982, 48 Pervomayskaya st., Syktyvkar, Russian Federation
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Min K, Tae G. Cellular infiltration in an injectable sulfated cellulose nanocrystal hydrogel and efficient angiogenesis by VEGF loading. Biomater Res 2023; 27:28. [PMID: 37038209 PMCID: PMC10084697 DOI: 10.1186/s40824-023-00373-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cellular infiltration and angiogenesis into implanted biomaterial scaffolds are crucial for successful host tissue integration and tissue regeneration. Cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) is a nano-sized cellulose derivative, which can form an injectable physical gel with salts. Sulfate groups of sulfated CNC (CNC-S) can act as a binding domain to various growth factors and cytokines with a heparin-binding domain for sustained release of them. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) can promote the proliferation of endothelial cells and angiogenesis. In this study, VEGF-loaded CNC-S hydrogel was evaluated as an injectable scaffold that can induce cellular infiltration and angiogenesis. METHODS CNC-S was hydrolyzed to get desulfated CNC (CNC-DS), which was used as a negative control group against CNC-S. Both CNC-S and CNC-DS hydrogels were prepared and compared in terms of biocompatibility and VEGF release. The hydrogels with or without VEGF loading were subcutaneously injected into mice to evaluate the biocompatibility, cellular infiltration, and angiogenesis induction of the hydrogels. RESULTS Both hydrogels possessed similar stability and shear-thinning behavior to be applicable as injectable hydrogels. However, CNC-S hydrogel showed sustained release (until 8 weeks) of VEGF whereas CNC-DS showed a very fast release of VEGF with a large burst. Subcutaneously injected CNC-S hydrogel showed much enhanced cellular infiltration as well as better biocompatibility with milder foreign body response than CNC-DS hydrogel. Furthermore, VEGF-loaded CNC-S hydrogel induced significant angiogenesis inside the hydrogel whereas VEGF-loaded CNC-DS did not. CONCLUSION CNC-S possesses good properties as a biomaterial including injectability, biocompatibility, and allowing cellular infiltration and sustained release of growth factors. VEGF-loaded CNC-S hydrogel exhibited efficient angiogenesis inside the hydrogel. The sulfate group of CNC-S was a key for good biocompatibility and the biological activities of VEGF-loaded CNC hydrogel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiyoon Min
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, 123 Cheomdan-Gwagiro, Buk-Gu, Gwangju, 61005, Republic of Korea
| | - Giyoong Tae
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, 123 Cheomdan-Gwagiro, Buk-Gu, Gwangju, 61005, Republic of Korea.
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Zhang K, Wu D, Chang L, Duan W, Wang Y, Li W, Qin J. Cellulose based self-healing hydrogel through Boronic Ester connections for wound healing and antitumor applications. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 230:123294. [PMID: 36649869 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.123294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
The application of biodegradable hydrogels in medical field has drawn great attention because their networked structure provided ideal spaces for drug loading and cell growth. In this research, the boronic acid was coupled onto carboxyethyl cellulose (CMC) to synthesize boronic acid grafted CMC (CMC-BA) conveniently and self-healing hydrogel was fabricated with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) crosslinking through dynamic boronic ester bond. The CMC-BA/PVA hydrogel showed good biocompatibility and could be degraded by cellulase and in vivo. The hydrogel formed fast fit for localized injection to cover the irregular wounds and localize the antitumor drugs to the tumor site. The in vivo wound repairing experiment revealed the hydrogel could form airtight adhesion to the wound site to reduce blood loss and accelerate the wound repairing rate. The hydrogel as a drug release carrier also reduced the acute in vivo toxicity of DOX with antitumor performance well preserved through a controlled release profile. Based on the above advantages, the CMC-based hydrogel with boronic ester connection should have great potential in biomedical areas with profitable future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaiyue Zhang
- College of Chemistry and Environmental Science, Hebei University, Baoding City, Hebei Province 071002, China
| | - Di Wu
- Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis Mechanism and Control of Inflammatory-Autoimmune Diseases in Hebei Province, Hebei University, Baoding City, Hebei Province 071002, China
| | - Limin Chang
- College of Chemistry and Environmental Science, Hebei University, Baoding City, Hebei Province 071002, China
| | - Wenhao Duan
- College of Chemistry and Environmental Science, Hebei University, Baoding City, Hebei Province 071002, China
| | - Yong Wang
- Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis Mechanism and Control of Inflammatory-Autoimmune Diseases in Hebei Province, Hebei University, Baoding City, Hebei Province 071002, China
| | - Wenjuan Li
- Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis Mechanism and Control of Inflammatory-Autoimmune Diseases in Hebei Province, Hebei University, Baoding City, Hebei Province 071002, China
| | - Jianglei Qin
- College of Chemistry and Environmental Science, Hebei University, Baoding City, Hebei Province 071002, China; Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis Mechanism and Control of Inflammatory-Autoimmune Diseases in Hebei Province, Hebei University, Baoding City, Hebei Province 071002, China.
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Xu Y, Liu K, Yang Y, Kim MS, Lee CH, Zhang R, Xu T, Choi SE, Si C. Hemicellulose-based hydrogels for advanced applications. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 10:1110004. [PMID: 36698644 PMCID: PMC9868175 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.1110004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Hemicellulose-based hydrogels are three-dimensional networked hydrophilic polymer with high water retention, good biocompatibility, and mechanical properties, which have attracted much attention in the field of soft materials. Herein, recent advances and developments in hemicellulose-based hydrogels were reviewed. The preparation method, formation mechanism and properties of hemicellulose-based hydrogels were introduced from the aspects of chemical cross-linking and physical cross-linking. The differences of different initiation systems such as light, enzymes, microwave radiation, and glow discharge electrolytic plasma were summarized. The advanced applications and developments of hemicellulose-based hydrogels in the fields of controlled drug release, wound dressings, high-efficiency adsorption, and sensors were summarized. Finally, the challenges faced in the field of hemicellulose-based hydrogels were summarized and prospected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Xu
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Pulp and Paper, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin, China
| | - Kun Liu
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Pulp and Paper, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin, China
| | - Yanfan Yang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Pulp and Paper, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin, China
| | - Min-Seok Kim
- Department of Forest Biomaterials Engineering, College of Forest and Environmental Sciences, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, South Korea
| | - Chan-Ho Lee
- Department of Forest Biomaterials Engineering, College of Forest and Environmental Sciences, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, South Korea
| | - Rui Zhang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Pulp and Paper, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin, China,Department of Finance, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin, China
| | - Ting Xu
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Pulp and Paper, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin, China,*Correspondence: Ting Xu, ; Sun-Eun Choi, ; Chuanling Si,
| | - Sun-Eun Choi
- Department of Forest Biomaterials Engineering, College of Forest and Environmental Sciences, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, South Korea,*Correspondence: Ting Xu, ; Sun-Eun Choi, ; Chuanling Si,
| | - Chuanling Si
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Pulp and Paper, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin, China,State Key Laboratory of Tree Genetics and Breeding, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, China,*Correspondence: Ting Xu, ; Sun-Eun Choi, ; Chuanling Si,
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8
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Polysaccharides-Based Injectable Hydrogels: Preparation, Characteristics, and Biomedical Applications. COLLOIDS AND INTERFACES 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/colloids6040078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Polysaccharides-based injectable hydrogels are a unique group of biodegradable and biocompatible materials that have shown great potential in the different biomedical fields. The biomolecules or cells can be simply blended with the hydrogel precursors with a high loading capacity by homogenous mixing. The different physical and chemical crosslinking approaches for preparing polysaccharide-based injectable hydrogels are reviewed. Additionally, the review highlights the recent work using polysaccharides-based injectable hydrogels as stimuli-responsive delivery vehicles for the controlled release of different therapeutic agents and viscoelastic matrix for cell encapsulation. Moreover, the application of polysaccharides-based injectable hydrogel in regenerative medicine as tissue scaffold and wound healing dressing is covered.
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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: 176] [Impact Index Per Article: 88.0] [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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