1
|
Nasu E, Kawakami N, Takamura S, Hotta A, Arai R, Miyamoto K. Thermally Reversible Gel-Sol Transition of Hydrogels via Dissociation and Association of an Artificial Protein Nanocage. Biomacromolecules 2024; 25:2358-2366. [PMID: 38445465 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.3c01285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
Oligomeric protein nanocages often disassemble into their subunits and reassemble by external stimuli. Thus, using these nanocages as cross-linkers for hydrogel network structures is a promising approach to allow hydrogels to undergo stimuli-responsive gel-sol transitions or self-healing. Here, we report hydrogels that show a reversible gel-sol transition resulting from the heat-induced dissociation and reassociation of protein nanocages. The hydrogel contained the 60-mer artificial protein nanocage, TIP60, as a supramolecular cross-linker for polyethylene glycol network structures. The hydrogel showed a gel-to-sol transition upon heating at a temperature above the melting point of TIP60 and immediately returned to a gel state upon cooling to room temperature. During the heating and cooling treatment of the hydrogel, small-angle X-ray scattering analysis suggested the dissociation and reassociation of TIP60. Furthermore, we demonstrated redox-responsive cargo release from TIP60 in the hydrogel. These results showed the potential of TIP60 as a component of multi-stimuli-responsive hydrogels.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Erika Nasu
- Department of Bioscience and Informatics, Faculty of Science and Technology, Keio University, Yokohama, Kanagawa 223-8522, Japan
| | - Norifumi Kawakami
- Department of Bioscience and Informatics, Faculty of Science and Technology, Keio University, Yokohama, Kanagawa 223-8522, Japan
| | - Shuhei Takamura
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Keio University, Yokohama, Kanagawa 223-8522, Japan
| | - Atsushi Hotta
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Keio University, Yokohama, Kanagawa 223-8522, Japan
| | - Ryoichi Arai
- Department of Biomolecular Innovation, Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Interdisciplinary Cluster for Cutting Edge Research, Shinshu University, Ueda, Nagano 386-8567, Japan
- Department of Applied Biology, Faculty of Textile Science and Technology, Shinshu University, Ueda, Nagano 386-8567, Japan
| | - Kenji Miyamoto
- Department of Bioscience and Informatics, Faculty of Science and Technology, Keio University, Yokohama, Kanagawa 223-8522, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Dranseike D, Ota Y, Edwardson TGW, Guzzi EA, Hori M, Nakic ZR, Deshmukh DV, Levasseur MD, Mattli K, Tringides CM, Zhou J, Hilvert D, Peters C, Tibbitt MW. Designed modular protein hydrogels for biofabrication. Acta Biomater 2024; 177:107-117. [PMID: 38382830 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2024.02.019] [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: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
Designing proteins that fold and assemble over different length scales provides a way to tailor the mechanical properties and biological performance of hydrogels. In this study, we designed modular proteins that self-assemble into fibrillar networks and, as a result, form hydrogel materials with novel properties. We incorporated distinct functionalities by connecting separate self-assembling (A block) and cell-binding (B block) domains into single macromolecules. The number of self-assembling domains affects the rigidity of the fibers and the final storage modulus G' of the materials. The mechanical properties of the hydrogels could be tuned over a broad range (G' = 0.1 - 10 kPa), making them suitable for the cultivation and differentiation of multiple cell types, including cortical neurons and human mesenchymal stem cells. Moreover, we confirmed the bioavailability of cell attachment domains in the hydrogels that can be further tailored for specific cell types or other biological applications. Finally, we demonstrate the versatility of the designed proteins for application in biofabrication as 3D scaffolds that support cell growth and guide their function. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Designed proteins that enable the decoupling of biophysical and biochemical properties within the final material could enable modular biomaterial engineering. In this context, we present a designed modular protein platform that integrates self-assembling domains (A blocks) and cell-binding domains (B blocks) within a single biopolymer. The linking of assembly domains and cell-binding domains this way provided independent tuning of mechanical properties and inclusion of biofunctional domains. We demonstrate the use of this platform for biofabrication, including neural cell culture and 3D printing of scaffolds for mesenchymal stem cell culture and differentiation. Overall, this work highlights how informed design of biopolymer sequences can enable the modular design of protein-based hydrogels with independently tunable biophysical and biochemical properties.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dalia Dranseike
- Macromolecular Engineering Laboratory, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Yusuke Ota
- Organic Chemistry Laboratory, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Elia A Guzzi
- Macromolecular Engineering Laboratory, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Mao Hori
- Organic Chemistry Laboratory, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | | | | | - Kevin Mattli
- Biosystems Technology, ZHAW, Wädenswil, Switzerland
| | | | - Jiangtao Zhou
- Laboratory of Food and Soft Materials, ETH Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Donald Hilvert
- Organic Chemistry Laboratory, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | | | - Mark W Tibbitt
- Macromolecular Engineering Laboratory, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Gao C, Zhang E, Bian X, Li Q, Wang C, Yang G, Jiang M, Chen G. One-Pot Fabrication of Supramolecular Synthetic Protein Hydrogel with Tissue-like Integrated Dynamic Features. Biomacromolecules 2024; 25:2065-2074. [PMID: 38386431 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.3c01451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
Protein-incorporated soft networks have received remarkable attention during the past several years. They possess desirable properties similar to native tissues and organs and exhibit unique advantages in applications. However, fabrication of protein-based hydrogels usually suffers from complex protein mutation and modification or chemical synthesis, which limited the scale and yield of production. Meanwhile, the lack of rationally designed noncovalent interactions in networks may result in a deficiency of the dynamic features of materials. Therefore, a highly efficient method is needed to include supramolecular interactions into protein hydrogel to generate a highly dynamic hydrogel possessing integrated tissue-like properties. Here, we report the design and construction of native protein-based supramolecular synthetic protein hydrogels through a simple and efficient one-pot polymerization of acrylamide and ligand monomers in the presence of a ligand-binding protein. The supramolecular interactions in the network yield integrated dynamic properties, including remarkable stretchability over 10,000% of their original length, ultrafast self-healing abilities within 3-4 s, tissue-like fast stress relaxation, satisfactory ability of adhesion to different living and nonliving substrates, injectability, and high biocompatibility. Furthermore, this material demonstrated potential as a biosensor to monitor small finger movements. This strategy provides a new avenue for fabricating synthetic protein hydrogels with integrated features.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chendi Gao
- The State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers and Department of Macromolecular Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Ensong Zhang
- The State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers and Department of Macromolecular Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Xinyu Bian
- The State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers and Department of Macromolecular Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Qiaoran Li
- Biomass Molecular Engineering Center and Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui 230036, China
| | - Chunming Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medicine & Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Health Science, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau SAR 999078, China
| | - Guang Yang
- The State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers and Department of Macromolecular Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
- Biomass Molecular Engineering Center and Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui 230036, China
| | - Ming Jiang
- The State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers and Department of Macromolecular Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Guosong Chen
- The State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers and Department of Macromolecular Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Brown CP, Hughes MDG, Mahmoudi N, Brockwell DJ, Coletta PL, Peyman S, Evans SD, Dougan L. Structural and mechanical properties of folded protein hydrogels with embedded microbubbles. Biomater Sci 2023; 11:2726-2737. [PMID: 36815670 PMCID: PMC10088474 DOI: 10.1039/d2bm01918c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
Globular folded proteins are powerful building blocks to create biomaterials with mechanical robustness and inherent biological functionality. Here we explore their potential as advanced drug delivery scaffolds, by embedding microbubbles (MBs) within a photo-activated, chemically cross-linked bovine serum albumin (BSA) protein network. Using a combination of circular dichroism (CD), rheology, small angle neutron scattering (SANS) and microscopy we determine the nanoscale and mesoscale structure and mechanics of this novel multi-composite system. Optical and confocal microscopy confirms the presence of MBs within the protein hydrogel, their reduced diffusion and their effective rupture using ultrasound, a requirement for burst drug release. CD confirms that the inclusion of MBs does not impact the proportion of folded proteins within the cross-linked protein network. Rheological characterisation demonstrates that the mechanics of the BSA hydrogels is reduced in the presence of MBs. Furthermore, SANS reveals that embedding MBs in the protein hydrogel network results in a smaller number of clusters that are larger in size (∼16.6% reduction in number of clusters, 17.4% increase in cluster size). Taken together, we show that MBs can be successfully embedded within a folded protein network and ruptured upon application of ultrasound. The fundamental insight into the impact of embedded MBs in protein scaffolds at the nanoscale and mesoscale is important in the development of future platforms for targeted and controlled drug delivery applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christa P Brown
- School of Physics and Astronomy, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK.
| | - Matt D G Hughes
- School of Physics and Astronomy, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK.
| | - Najet Mahmoudi
- ISIS Neutron and Muon Spallation Source, STFC Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Oxfordshire, UK
| | - David J Brockwell
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, UK
| | - P Louise Coletta
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research, Wellcome Trust Brenner Building, St James's University Hospital, Leeds, UK
| | - Sally Peyman
- School of Physics and Astronomy, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK.
| | - Stephen D Evans
- School of Physics and Astronomy, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK.
| | - Lorna Dougan
- School of Physics and Astronomy, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK.
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Garcia Garcia C, Patkar SS, Wang B, Abouomar R, Kiick KL. Recombinant protein-based injectable materials for biomedical applications. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2023; 193:114673. [PMID: 36574920 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2022.114673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Injectable nanocarriers and hydrogels have found widespread use in a variety of biomedical applications such as local and sustained biotherapeutic cargo delivery, and as cell-instructive matrices for tissue engineering. Recent advances in the development and application of recombinant protein-based materials as injectable platforms under physiological conditions have made them useful platforms for the development of nanoparticles and tissue engineering matrices, which are reviewed in this work. Protein-engineered biomaterials are highly customizable, and they provide distinctly tunable rheological properties, encapsulation efficiencies, and delivery profiles. In particular, the key advantages of emerging technologies which harness the stimuli-responsive properties of recombinant polypeptide-based materials are highlighted in this review.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cristobal Garcia Garcia
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA
| | - Sai S Patkar
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA
| | - Bin Wang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA
| | - Ramadan Abouomar
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA
| | - Kristi L Kiick
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19716, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, DE 19176, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Chen X, Liu Y, Yin S, Zang J, Zhang T, Lv C, Zhao G. Construction of Sol-Gel Phase-Reversible Hydrogels with Tunable Properties with Native Nanofibrous Protein as Building Blocks. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2022; 14:44125-44135. [PMID: 36162135 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c11765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Reversible sol-gel transforming behaviors combined with tunable mechanical properties are vital demands for developing biomaterials. However, it remains challenging to correlate these properties with the hydrogels constructed by denatured protein as building blocks. Herein, taking advantage of naturally high-affinity coordination environments consisting of i, i + 4 His-Glu motifs offered by paramyosin, a ubiquitous nanofibrous protein, we found that Zn2+ rather than Ca2+ or Mg2+ has the ability to trigger the self-assembly of native abalone paramyosin (AbPM) into protein hydrogels under benign conditions, while the addition of EDTA induces the hydrogels back into protein monomers, indicative of a reversible process. By using such sol-gel reversible property, the AbPM gels can serve as a vehicle to encapsulate bioactive molecules such as curcumin, thereby protecting it from degradation from thermal and photo treatment. Notably, based on the high conserved structure of native AbPM, the mechanical property and biological activity of the fabricated AbPM hydrogels can be fined-tuned by its noncovalent interaction with small molecules. All these findings raise the possibility that native paramyosin can be explored as a new class of protein hydrogels which exhibit favorable properties that the traditional hydrogels constructed by denatured protein building blocks do not have.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xuemin Chen
- College of Food Science & Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Key Laboratory of Functional Dairy, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Yu Liu
- College of Food Science & Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Key Laboratory of Functional Dairy, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Shuhua Yin
- College of Food Science & Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Key Laboratory of Functional Dairy, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Jiachen Zang
- College of Food Science & Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Key Laboratory of Functional Dairy, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Tuo Zhang
- College of Food Science & Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Key Laboratory of Functional Dairy, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Chenyan Lv
- College of Food Science & Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Key Laboratory of Functional Dairy, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Guanghua Zhao
- College of Food Science & Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Key Laboratory of Functional Dairy, Ministry of Education, Beijing 100083, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Jiang X, Feng T, An B, Ren S, Meng J, Li K, Liu S, Wu H, Zhang H, Zhong C. A Bi-Layer Hydrogel Cardiac Patch Made of Recombinant Functional Proteins. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2022; 34:e2201411. [PMID: 35307880 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202201411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2022] [Revised: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The development of minimally invasive cardiac patches, either as hemostatic dressing or treating myocardial infarction, is of clinical significance but remains a major challenge. Designing such patches often requires simultaneous consideration of several material attributes, including bioabsorption, non-toxicity, matching the mechanic properties of heart tissues, and working efficiently in wet and dynamic environments. Using genetically engineered multi-domain proteins, a printed bi-layer proteinaceous hydrogel patch for heart failure treatments is reported. The intrinsic self-healing nature of hydrogel materials physically enables seamless interfacial integration of two disparate hydrogel layers and functionally endows the cardiac patches with the combinatorial advantages of each layer. Leveraging the biocompatibility, structural stability, and tunable drug release properties of the bi-layer hydrogel, promising effects of hemostasis, fibrosis reduction, and heart function recovery on mice is demonstrated with two myocardium damage models. Moreover, this proteinaceous patch is proved biodegradable in vivo without any additive inflammations. In conclusion, this work introduces a promising new type of minimally invasive patch based on genetically modified double-layer protein gel for treating heart-related injuries or diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyu Jiang
- Materials and Physical Biology Division, School of Physical Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, P. R. China
| | - Teng Feng
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, P. R. China
| | - Bolin An
- CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Materials Synthetic Biology Center, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, P. R. China
| | - Susu Ren
- Materials and Physical Biology Division, School of Physical Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, P. R. China
| | - Jufeng Meng
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, P. R. China
| | - Ke Li
- School of Food Science and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210000, P. R. China
| | - Suying Liu
- Materials and Physical Biology Division, School of Physical Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, P. R. China
| | - Haiying Wu
- Materials and Physical Biology Division, School of Physical Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, P. R. China
| | - Hui Zhang
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, P. R. China
| | - Chao Zhong
- Materials and Physical Biology Division, School of Physical Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, P. R. China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Materials Synthetic Biology Center, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
|
9
|
Duan T, Bian Q, Li H. Light-Responsive Dynamic Protein Hydrogels Based on LOVTRAP. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2021; 37:10214-10222. [PMID: 34396769 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.1c01699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Protein-based hydrogels can mimic many aspects of native extracellular matrices (ECMs) and are promising biomedical materials that find various applications in cell proliferation, drug/cell delivery, and tissue engineering. To be adapted for different tasks, it is important that the mechanical and/or biochemical properties of protein-based hydrogels can be regulated by external stimuli. Light as a regulation stimulus is of advantage because it can be easily applied in demanded spatiotemporal manners. The noncovalent binding between the light-oxygen-voltage-sensing domain 2 (LOV2) and its binding partner ZDark1 (zdk1), named as LOVTRAP, is a light-responsive interaction. The binding affinity of LOVTRAP is much higher in dark than that under blue light irradiation. Taking advantage of these light-responsive interactions, herein we endeavored to use LOVTRAP as a crosslinking mechanism to engineer light-responsive protein hydrogels. Using LOV2-containing and zdk1-containing multifunctional protein building blocks, we successfully engineered a light-responsive protein hydrogel whose viscoelastic properties can change in response to light: in the dark, the hydrogel showed higher storage modulus; under blue light irradiation, the storage modulus decreased. Due to the noncovalent nature of the LOVTRAP, the engineered LOVTRAP protein hydrogels displayed shear-thinning and self-healing properties and served as an excellent injectable protein hydrogel. We anticipated that this new class of light-responsive protein hydrogels will broaden the scope of dynamic protein hydrogels and help develop other light-responsive protein hydrogels for biomedical applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tianyu Duan
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z1, Canada
| | - Qingyuan Bian
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z1, Canada
| | - Hongbin Li
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z1, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Drozdov AD, deClaville Christiansen J. Thermo-Viscoelastic Response of Protein-Based Hydrogels. Bioengineering (Basel) 2021; 8:73. [PMID: 34072950 PMCID: PMC8228610 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering8060073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Revised: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Because of the bioactivity and biocompatibility of protein-based gels and the reversible nature of bonds between associating coiled coils, these materials demonstrate a wide spectrum of potential applications in targeted drug delivery, tissue engineering, and regenerative medicine. The kinetics of rearrangement (association and dissociation) of the physical bonds between chains has been traditionally studied in shear relaxation tests and small-amplitude oscillatory tests. A characteristic feature of recombinant protein gels is that chains in the polymer network are connected by temporary bonds between the coiled coil complexes and permanent cross-links between functional groups of amino acids. A simple model is developed for the linear viscoelastic behavior of protein-based gels. Its advantage is that, on the one hand, the model only involves five material parameters with transparent physical meaning and, on the other, it correctly reproduces experimental data in shear relaxation and oscillatory tests. The model is applied to study the effects of temperature, the concentration of proteins, and their structure on the viscoelastic response of hydrogels.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aleksey D. Drozdov
- Department of Materials and Production, Aalborg University, Fibigerstraede 16, 9220 Aalborg, Denmark;
| | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Drozdov AD, Christiansen JD. Structure–property relations in linear viscoelasticity of supramolecular hydrogels. RSC Adv 2021; 11:16860-16880. [PMID: 35479676 PMCID: PMC9032333 DOI: 10.1039/d1ra02749b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
A model is developed for the linear viscoelastic response of supramolecular gels and applied to the analysis of structure–property relations in gels with various supramolecular motifs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aleksey D. Drozdov
- Department of Materials and Production Aalborg University Fibigerstraede 16
- Aalborg 9220
- Denmark
| | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Rizzo F, Kehr NS. Recent Advances in Injectable Hydrogels for Controlled and Local Drug Delivery. Adv Healthc Mater 2021; 10:e2001341. [PMID: 33073515 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202001341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 140] [Impact Index Per Article: 46.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Revised: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Injectable hydrogels have received considerable interest in the biomedical field due to their potential applications in minimally invasive local drug delivery, more precise implantation, and site-specific drug delivery into poorly reachable tissue sites and into interface tissues, where wound healing takes a long time. Injectable hydrogels, such as in situ forming and/or shear-thinning hydrogels, can be generated using chemically and/or physically crosslinked hydrogels. Yet, for controlled and local drug delivery applications, the ideal injectable hydrogel should be able to provide controlled and sustained release of drug molecules to the target site when needed and should limit nonspecific drug molecule distribution in healthy tissues. Thus, such hydrogels should sense the environmental changes that arise in disease states and be able to release the optimal amount of drug over the necessary time period to the target region. To address this, researchers have designed stimuli-responsive injectable hydrogels. Stimuli-responsive hydrogels change their shape or volume when they sense environmental stimuli, e.g., pH, temperature, light, electrical signals, or enzymatic changes, and deliver an optimal concentration of drugs to the target site without affecting healthy tissues.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Rizzo
- Istituto di Scienze e Tecnologie Chimiche “G. Natta” (SCITEC) Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR) via Fantoli 16/15 Milan 20138 Italy
- Organic Chemistry Institute Westfälische Wilhelms‐Universität Münster Corrensstr. 36 Münster 48149 Germany
- Center for Soft Nanoscience (SoN) Westfälische Wilhelms‐Universität Münster Busso‐Peus‐Str. 10 Münster 48149 Germany
| | - Nermin Seda Kehr
- Center for Soft Nanoscience (SoN) Westfälische Wilhelms‐Universität Münster Busso‐Peus‐Str. 10 Münster 48149 Germany
- Physikalisches Institut Westfälische Wilhelms‐Universität Münster Wilhelm‐Klemm‐Str. 10 Münster 48149 Germany
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Chimisso V, Aleman Garcia MA, Yorulmaz Avsar S, Dinu IA, Palivan CG. Design of Bio-Conjugated Hydrogels for Regenerative Medicine Applications: From Polymer Scaffold to Biomolecule Choice. Molecules 2020; 25:E4090. [PMID: 32906772 PMCID: PMC7571016 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25184090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Revised: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Bio-conjugated hydrogels merge the functionality of a synthetic network with the activity of a biomolecule, becoming thus an interesting class of materials for a variety of biomedical applications. This combination allows the fine tuning of their functionality and activity, whilst retaining biocompatibility, responsivity and displaying tunable chemical and mechanical properties. A complex scenario of molecular factors and conditions have to be taken into account to ensure the correct functionality of the bio-hydrogel as a scaffold or a delivery system, including the polymer backbone and biomolecule choice, polymerization conditions, architecture and biocompatibility. In this review, we present these key factors and conditions that have to match together to ensure the correct functionality of the bio-conjugated hydrogel. We then present recent examples of bio-conjugated hydrogel systems paving the way for regenerative medicine applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Cornelia G. Palivan
- Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 24a, BPR-1096, 4058 Basel, Switzerland; (V.C.); (M.A.A.G.); (S.Y.A.); (I.A.D.)
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Hanson BS, Dougan L. Network Growth and Structural Characteristics of Globular Protein Hydrogels. Macromolecules 2020. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.macromol.0c00890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin S. Hanson
- School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, U.K
| | - Lorna Dougan
- School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, U.K
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds LS2 9JT, U.K
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Khoury LR, Slawinski M, Collison DR, Popa I. Cation-induced shape programming and morphing in protein-based hydrogels. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2020; 6:eaba6112. [PMID: 32494690 PMCID: PMC7190360 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.aba6112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2019] [Accepted: 02/07/2020] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Smart materials that are capable of memorizing a temporary shape, and morph in response to a stimulus, have the potential to revolutionize medicine and robotics. Here, we introduce an innovative method to program protein hydrogels and to induce shape changes in aqueous solutions at room temperature. We demonstrate our approach using hydrogels made from serum albumin, the most abundant protein in the blood plasma, which are synthesized in a cylindrical or flower shape. These gels are then programmed into a spring or a ring shape, respectively. The programming is performed through a marked change in stiffness (of up to 17-fold), induced by adsorption of Zn2+ or Cu2+ cations. We show that these programmed biomaterials can then morph back into their original shape, as the cations diffuse outside the hydrogel material. The approach demonstrated here represents an innovative strategy to program protein-based hydrogels to behave as actuators.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luai R. Khoury
- Department of Physics, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM), 3135 North Maryland Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53211, USA
| | - Marina Slawinski
- Department of Physics, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM), 3135 North Maryland Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53211, USA
| | - Daniel R. Collison
- Department of Physics, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM), 3135 North Maryland Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53211, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Li Y, Xue B, Cao Y. 100th Anniversary of Macromolecular Science Viewpoint: Synthetic Protein Hydrogels. ACS Macro Lett 2020; 9:512-524. [PMID: 35648497 DOI: 10.1021/acsmacrolett.0c00109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Our bodies are composed of soft tissues made of various proteins. In contrast, most hydrogels designed for biological applications are made of synthetic polymers. Recently, it is increasingly recognized that genetically synthesized proteins can be tailored as building blocks of hydrogels with biological, chemical, and mechanical properties similar to native soft tissues. In this Viewpoint, we summarize recent progress in synthetic protein hydrogels. We compare the structural and mechanical properties of different protein building blocks. We discuss various biocompatible cross-linking strategies based on covalent chemical reactions and noncovalent physical interactions. We introduce how stimulus-responsive conformational changes or intermolecular interactions at the molecular level can be used to engineer responsive hydrogels. We highlight that hydrogel network structures are as important as the protein sequences for the properties and functions of protein hydrogels and should be carefully designed. Despite great progress and potentials of synthetic protein hydrogels, there are still quite a few unsettled challenges and unexploited opportunities, providing abundant room for future investigation and development, particularly as this field is quickly expanding beyond its initial stage. We discuss a number of possible directions, including optimizing protein production and reducing cost, engineering anisotropic hydrogels to better mimic native tissues, rationally designing hydrogel mechanical properties, investigating interplays of hydrogels and residing cells for 3D cell culture and organoid construction, and evaluating long-term cytotoxicity and immune response.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ying Li
- School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology (NUIST), Nanjing, China 210044
| | - Bin Xue
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructure, Department of Physics, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China 210093
| | - Yi Cao
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructure, Department of Physics, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China 210093
- Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), Nanjing University, Nanjing, China, 210023
- Institute of Brain Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China, 210023
| |
Collapse
|