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Su C, Lin D, Huang X, Feng J, Jin A, Wang F, Lv Q, Lei L, Pan W. Developing hydrogels for gene therapy and tissue engineering. J Nanobiotechnology 2024; 22:182. [PMID: 38622684 PMCID: PMC11017488 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-024-02462-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Hydrogels are a class of highly absorbent and easily modified polymer materials suitable for use as slow-release carriers for drugs. Gene therapy is highly specific and can overcome the limitations of traditional tissue engineering techniques and has significant advantages in tissue repair. However, therapeutic genes are often affected by cellular barriers and enzyme sensitivity, and carrier loading of therapeutic genes is essential. Therapeutic gene hydrogels can well overcome these difficulties. Moreover, gene-therapeutic hydrogels have made considerable progress. This review summarizes the recent research on carrier gene hydrogels for the treatment of tissue damage through a summary of the most current research frontiers. We initially introduce the classification of hydrogels and their cross-linking methods, followed by a detailed overview of the types and modifications of therapeutic genes, a detailed discussion on the loading of therapeutic genes in hydrogels and their characterization features, a summary of the design of hydrogels for therapeutic gene release, and an overview of their applications in tissue engineering. Finally, we provide comments and look forward to the shortcomings and future directions of hydrogels for gene therapy. We hope that this article will provide researchers in related fields with more comprehensive and systematic strategies for tissue engineering repair and further promote the development of the field of hydrogels for gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunyu Su
- Key Laboratory of Artificial Organs and Computational Medicine in Zhejiang Province, Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou, 310015, China
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325200, China
- College of Biology & Pharmacy, Yulin Normal University, Yulin, 537000, China
| | - Dini Lin
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325200, China
| | - Xinyu Huang
- College of Biology & Pharmacy, Yulin Normal University, Yulin, 537000, China
| | - Jiayin Feng
- Key Laboratory of Artificial Organs and Computational Medicine in Zhejiang Province, Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou, 310015, China
| | - Anqi Jin
- Key Laboratory of Artificial Organs and Computational Medicine in Zhejiang Province, Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou, 310015, China
| | - Fangyan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Artificial Organs and Computational Medicine in Zhejiang Province, Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou, 310015, China
| | - Qizhuang Lv
- College of Biology & Pharmacy, Yulin Normal University, Yulin, 537000, China.
| | - Lanjie Lei
- Key Laboratory of Artificial Organs and Computational Medicine in Zhejiang Province, Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou, 310015, China.
| | - Wenjie Pan
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325200, China.
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Abstract
Owing to superior softness, wetness, responsiveness, and biocompatibility, bulk hydrogels are being intensively investigated for versatile functions in devices and machines including sensors, actuators, optics, and coatings. The one-dimensional (1D) hydrogel fibers possess the metrics from both the hydrogel materials and structural topology, endowing them with extraordinary mechanical, sensing, breathable and weavable properties. As no comprehensive review has been reported for this nascent field, this article aims to provide an overview of hydrogel fibers for soft electronics and actuators. We first introduce the basic properties and measurement methods of hydrogel fibers, including mechanical, electrical, adhesive, and biocompatible properties. Then, typical manufacturing methods for 1D hydrogel fibers and fibrous films are discussed. Next, the recent progress of wearable sensors (e.g., strain, temperature, pH, and humidity) and actuators made from hydrogel fibers is discussed. We conclude with future perspectives on next-generation hydrogel fibers and the remaining challenges. The development of hydrogel fibers will not only provide an unparalleled one-dimensional characteristic, but also translate fundamental understanding of hydrogels into new application boundaries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaxuan Du
- School of Electronic Science & Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210096, China
| | - Qing Ma
- School of Electronic Science & Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210096, China
| | - Binghao Wang
- School of Electronic Science & Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210096, China
| | - Litao Sun
- School of Electronic Science & Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210096, China
| | - Limei Liu
- College of Mechanical Engineering, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225127, China
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Chen Y, Hao Y, Mensah A, Lv P, Wei Q. Bio-inspired hydrogels with fibrous structure: A review on design and biomedical applications. BIOMATERIALS ADVANCES 2022; 136:212799. [PMID: 35929334 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioadv.2022.212799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Revised: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Numerous tissues in the human body have fibrous structures, including the extracellular matrix, muscles, and heart, which perform critical biological functions and have exceptional mechanical strength. Due to their high-water content, softness, biocompatibility and elastic nature, hydrogels resemble biological tissues. Traditional hydrogels, on the other hand, have weak mechanical properties and lack tissue-like fibrous structures, limiting their potential applications. Thus, bio-inspired hydrogels with fibrous architectures have piqued the curiosity of biomedical researchers. Here, we review fabrication strategies for fibrous hydrogels and their recent progress in the biomedical fields of wound dressings, drug delivery, tissue engineering scaffolds and bioadhesives. Challenges and future perspectives are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yajun Chen
- Key Laboratory of Eco-textiles, Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Yi Hao
- Key Laboratory of Eco-textiles, Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Alfred Mensah
- Key Laboratory of Eco-textiles, Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Pengfei Lv
- Key Laboratory of Eco-textiles, Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Qufu Wei
- Key Laboratory of Eco-textiles, Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, People's Republic of China.
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Liu J, Su C, Chen Y, Tian S, Lu C, Huang W, Lv Q. Current Understanding of the Applications of Photocrosslinked Hydrogels in Biomedical Engineering. Gels 2022; 8:gels8040216. [PMID: 35448118 PMCID: PMC9026461 DOI: 10.3390/gels8040216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Hydrogel materials have great application value in biomedical engineering. Among them, photocrosslinked hydrogels have attracted much attention due to their variety and simple convenient preparation methods. Here, we provide a systematic review of the biomedical-engineering applications of photocrosslinked hydrogels. First, we introduce the types of photocrosslinked hydrogel monomers, and the methods for preparation of photocrosslinked hydrogels with different morphologies are summarized. Subsequently, various biomedical applications of photocrosslinked hydrogels are reviewed. Finally, some shortcomings and development directions for photocrosslinked hydrogels are considered and proposed. This paper is designed to give researchers in related fields a systematic understanding of photocrosslinked hydrogels and provide inspiration to seek new development directions for studies of photocrosslinked hydrogels or related materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Liu
- College of Biology & Pharmacy, Yulin Normal University, Yulin 537000, China; (J.L.); (C.S.); (Y.C.); (S.T.); (C.L.)
| | - Chunyu Su
- College of Biology & Pharmacy, Yulin Normal University, Yulin 537000, China; (J.L.); (C.S.); (Y.C.); (S.T.); (C.L.)
| | - Yutong Chen
- College of Biology & Pharmacy, Yulin Normal University, Yulin 537000, China; (J.L.); (C.S.); (Y.C.); (S.T.); (C.L.)
| | - Shujing Tian
- College of Biology & Pharmacy, Yulin Normal University, Yulin 537000, China; (J.L.); (C.S.); (Y.C.); (S.T.); (C.L.)
| | - Chunxiu Lu
- College of Biology & Pharmacy, Yulin Normal University, Yulin 537000, China; (J.L.); (C.S.); (Y.C.); (S.T.); (C.L.)
| | - Wei Huang
- College of Biology & Pharmacy, Yulin Normal University, Yulin 537000, China; (J.L.); (C.S.); (Y.C.); (S.T.); (C.L.)
- Correspondence: (W.H.); (Q.L.)
| | - Qizhuang Lv
- College of Biology & Pharmacy, Yulin Normal University, Yulin 537000, China; (J.L.); (C.S.); (Y.C.); (S.T.); (C.L.)
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Agricultural Resources Chemistry and Biotechnology, Yulin 537000, China
- Correspondence: (W.H.); (Q.L.)
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Li J, Li S, Huang J, Khan AQ, An B, Zhou X, Liu Z, Zhu M. Spider Silk-Inspired Artificial Fibers. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2022; 9:e2103965. [PMID: 34927397 PMCID: PMC8844500 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202103965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Revised: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Spider silk is a natural polymeric fiber with high tensile strength, toughness, and has distinct thermal, optical, and biocompatible properties. The mechanical properties of spider silk are ascribed to its hierarchical structure, including primary and secondary structures of the spidroins (spider silk proteins), the nanofibril, the "core-shell", and the "nano-fishnet" structures. In addition, spider silk also exhibits remarkable properties regarding humidity/water response, water collection, light transmission, thermal conductance, and shape-memory effect. This motivates researchers to prepare artificial functional fibers mimicking spider silk. In this review, the authors summarize the study of the structure and properties of natural spider silk, and the biomimetic preparation of artificial fibers from different types of molecules and polymers by taking some examples of artificial fibers exhibiting these interesting properties. In conclusion, biomimetic studies have yielded several noteworthy findings in artificial fibers with different functions, and this review aims to provide indications for biomimetic studies of functional fibers that approach and exceed the properties of natural spider silk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiatian Li
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical BiologyCollege of Pharmacy and College of ChemistryKey Laboratory of Functional Polymer MaterialsFrontiers Science Center for New Organic MatterNankai UniversityTianjin300071China
| | - Sitong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical BiologyCollege of Pharmacy and College of ChemistryKey Laboratory of Functional Polymer MaterialsFrontiers Science Center for New Organic MatterNankai UniversityTianjin300071China
| | - Jiayi Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical BiologyCollege of Pharmacy and College of ChemistryKey Laboratory of Functional Polymer MaterialsFrontiers Science Center for New Organic MatterNankai UniversityTianjin300071China
| | - Abdul Qadeer Khan
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical BiologyCollege of Pharmacy and College of ChemistryKey Laboratory of Functional Polymer MaterialsFrontiers Science Center for New Organic MatterNankai UniversityTianjin300071China
| | - Baigang An
- School of Chemical EngineeringUniversity of Science and Technology LiaoningAnshan114051China
| | - Xiang Zhou
- Department of ScienceChina Pharmaceutical UniversityNanjing211198China
| | - Zunfeng Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical BiologyCollege of Pharmacy and College of ChemistryKey Laboratory of Functional Polymer MaterialsFrontiers Science Center for New Organic MatterNankai UniversityTianjin300071China
- School of Chemical EngineeringUniversity of Science and Technology LiaoningAnshan114051China
| | - Meifang Zhu
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer MaterialsCollege of Materials Science and EngineeringDonghua UniversityShanghai201620China
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Jiang J, Shea G, Rastogi P, Kamperman T, Venner CH, Visser CW. Continuous High-Throughput Fabrication of Architected Micromaterials via In-Air Photopolymerization. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2021; 33:e2006336. [PMID: 33274554 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202006336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Revised: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Recent advances in optical coding, drug delivery, diagnostics, tissue engineering, shear-induced gelation, and functionally engineered rheology crucially depend on microparticles and microfibers with tunable shape, size, and composition. However, scalable manufacturing of the required complex micromaterials remains a long-standing challenge. Here in-air polymerization of liquid jets is demonstrated as a novel platform to produce microparticles and microfibers with tunable size, shape, and composition at high throughput (>100 mL h-1 per nozzle). The polymerization kinetics is quantitatively investigated and modeled as a function of the ink composition, the UV light intensity, and the velocity of the liquid jet, enabling engineering of complex micromaterials in jetting regimes. The size, morphology, and local chemistry of micromaterials are independently controlled, as highlighted by producing micromaterials using 5 different photopolymers as well as multi-material composites. Simultaneous optimization of these control parameters yields rapid fabrication of stimuli-responsive Janus fibers that function as soft actuators. Finally, in-air photopolymerization enables control over the curvature of printed droplets, as highlighted by high-throughput printing of microlenses with tunable focal distance. The combination of rapid processing and tunability in composition and architecture opens a new route toward applications of tailored micromaterials in soft matter, medicine, pharmacy, and optics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jieke Jiang
- Engineering Fluid Dynamics group, Department of Thermal and Fluid Engineering, Faculty of Engineering Technology, University of Twente, Enschede, 7500AE, The Netherlands
| | - Gary Shea
- Engineering Fluid Dynamics group, Department of Thermal and Fluid Engineering, Faculty of Engineering Technology, University of Twente, Enschede, 7500AE, The Netherlands
- Department of Developmental BioEngineering, Faculty of Science and Technology, Technical Medical Centre, University of Twente, Enschede, 7500AE, The Netherlands
| | - Prasansha Rastogi
- Engineering Fluid Dynamics group, Department of Thermal and Fluid Engineering, Faculty of Engineering Technology, University of Twente, Enschede, 7500AE, The Netherlands
| | - Tom Kamperman
- Department of Developmental BioEngineering, Faculty of Science and Technology, Technical Medical Centre, University of Twente, Enschede, 7500AE, The Netherlands
- Division of Engineering in Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Cornelis H Venner
- Engineering Fluid Dynamics group, Department of Thermal and Fluid Engineering, Faculty of Engineering Technology, University of Twente, Enschede, 7500AE, The Netherlands
| | - Claas Willem Visser
- Engineering Fluid Dynamics group, Department of Thermal and Fluid Engineering, Faculty of Engineering Technology, University of Twente, Enschede, 7500AE, The Netherlands
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Chen G, Wang G, Tan X, Hou K, Meng Q, Zhao P, Wang S, Zhang J, Zhou Z, Chen T, Cheng Y, Hsiao BS, Reichmanis E, Zhu M. Integrated dynamic wet spinning of core-sheath hydrogel fibers for optical-to-brain/tissue communications. Natl Sci Rev 2020; 8:nwaa209. [PMID: 34691723 PMCID: PMC8433079 DOI: 10.1093/nsr/nwaa209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2020] [Revised: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Hydrogel optical light-guides have received substantial interest for applications such as deep-tissue biosensors, optogenetic stimulation and photomedicine due to their biocompatibility, (micro)structure control and tissue-like Young's modulus. However, despite recent developments, large-scale fabrication with a continuous synthetic methodology, which could produce core-sheath hydrogel fibers with the desired optical and mechanical properties suitable for deep-tissue applications, has yet to be achieved. In this study, we report a versatile concept of integrated light-triggered dynamic wet spinning capable of continuously producing core-sheath hydrogel optical fibers with tunable fiber diameters, and mechanical and optical propagation properties. Furthermore, this concept also exhibited versatility for various kinds of core-sheath functional fibers. The wet spinning synthetic procedure and fabrication process were optimized with the rational design of the core/sheath material interface compatibility [core = poly(ethylene glycol diacrylate-co-acrylamide); sheath = Ca-alginate], optical transparency, refractive index and spinning solution viscosity. The resulting hydrogel optical fibers exhibited desirable low optical attenuation (0.18 ± 0.01 dB cm−1 with 650 nm laser light), excellent biocompatibility and tissue-like Young's modulus (<2.60 MPa). The optical waveguide hydrogel fibers were successfully employed for deep-tissue cancer therapy and brain optogenetic stimulation, confirming that they could serve as an efficient versatile tool for diverse deep-tissue therapy and brain optogenetic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guoyin Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai 201620, China
| | - Gang Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai 201620, China
| | - Xinrong Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institute of Brain Science, Department of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Kai Hou
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai 201620, China
| | - Qingshuo Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institute of Brain Science, Department of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Peng Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institute of Brain Science, Department of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Shun Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai 201620, China
| | - Jiayi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institute of Brain Science, Department of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Zhan Zhou
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai 201620, China
| | - Tao Chen
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai 201620, China
| | - Yanhua Cheng
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai 201620, China
| | - Benjamin S Hsiao
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai 201620, China
| | - Elsa Reichmanis
- School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - Meifang Zhu
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai 201620, China
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