1
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Xue S, Huang G, Chen Q, Wang X, Fan J, Shou D. Personal Thermal Management by Radiative Cooling and Heating. NANO-MICRO LETTERS 2024; 16:153. [PMID: 38478150 PMCID: PMC10937893 DOI: 10.1007/s40820-024-01360-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
Maintaining thermal comfort within the human body is crucial for optimal health and overall well-being. By merely broadening the set-point of indoor temperatures, we could significantly slash energy usage in building heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning systems. In recent years, there has been a surge in advancements in personal thermal management (PTM), aiming to regulate heat and moisture transfer within our immediate surroundings, clothing, and skin. The advent of PTM is driven by the rapid development in nano/micro-materials and energy science and engineering. An emerging research area in PTM is personal radiative thermal management (PRTM), which demonstrates immense potential with its high radiative heat transfer efficiency and ease of regulation. However, it is less taken into account in traditional textiles, and there currently lies a gap in our knowledge and understanding of PRTM. In this review, we aim to present a thorough analysis of advanced textile materials and technologies for PRTM. Specifically, we will introduce and discuss the underlying radiation heat transfer mechanisms, fabrication methods of textiles, and various indoor/outdoor applications in light of their different regulation functionalities, including radiative cooling, radiative heating, and dual-mode thermoregulation. Furthermore, we will shine a light on the current hurdles, propose potential strategies, and delve into future technology trends for PRTM with an emphasis on functionalities and applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shidong Xue
- School of Fashion and Textiles, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 999077, People's Republic of China
- Future Intelligent Wear Centre, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 999077, People's Republic of China
| | - Guanghan Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Precision Electronic Manufacturing Technology and Equipment, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, People's Republic of China
| | - Qing Chen
- Shanghai International Fashion Innovation Center, Donghua University, Shanghai, 200051, People's Republic of China
| | - Xungai Wang
- School of Fashion and Textiles, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 999077, People's Republic of China
| | - Jintu Fan
- School of Fashion and Textiles, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 999077, People's Republic of China
- Research Centre of Textiles for Future Fashion, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 999077, People's Republic of China
| | - Dahua Shou
- School of Fashion and Textiles, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 999077, People's Republic of China.
- Future Intelligent Wear Centre, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 999077, People's Republic of China.
- Research Centre of Textiles for Future Fashion, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 999077, People's Republic of China.
- Research Institute for Smart Energy, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 999077, People's Republic of China.
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2
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Fallah-Darrehchi M, Zahedi P. Improvement of Intracellular Interactions through Liquid Crystalline Elastomer Scaffolds by the Alteration of Topology. ACS OMEGA 2023; 8:46878-46891. [PMID: 38107894 PMCID: PMC10720303 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c06528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Preparation of inherently bioactive scaffolds has become a challenging issue owing to their complicated synthesis and nonrobust modified cell-actuating property. Liquid crystalline elastomers (LCEs), due to their combined specialties of liquid crystals and elastomers as well as their ability to respond to various kinds of stimuli, have reversibly led to the design of a new class of stimuli-responsive tissue-engineered scaffolds. In this line, in the first stage of this research work, synthesis and evaluation of acrylate-based LCE films (LCEfilm) encompassing mesogenic monomers are carried out. In the second step, the design of an affordable electrospinning technique for preparing LCE nanofibers (LCEfiber) as a problematic topic, thanks to the low molecular weight of the mesogenic chains of LCEs, is investigated. For this purpose, two approaches are considered, including (1) photo-cross-linking of electrospun LCEfiber and (2) blending LCE with poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) to produce morphologically stable nanofibers (PCL-LCEfiber). In the following, thermal, mechanical, and morphological evaluations show the optimized crosslinker (mol)/aliphatic spacer (mol) molar ratio of 50:50 for LCEfilm samples. On the other hand, for LCEfiber samples, the appropriate amounts of excessive mesogenic monomer and PCL/LCE (v/v) to fabricate the uniform nanofibers are determined to be 20% and 1:2, respectively. Eventually, PC12 cell compatibility and the impact of the liquid crystalline phase on the PC12 cell dynamic behavior of the samples are examined. The obtained results reveal that PC12 cells cultured on electrospun PCL-LCEfiber nanofibers with an average diameter of ∼659 nm per sample are alive and the scaffold has susceptibility for cell proliferation and actuation because of the rapid increase in cell density and number of singularity points formed in time-lapse cell imaging. Moreover, the PCL-LCEfiber nanofibrous scaffold exhibits a high performance for cell differentiation according to detailed biological evaluations such as gene expression level measurements. The time-lapse evaluation of PC12 cell flow fields confirms the significant influence of the reprogrammable liquid crystalline phase in the PCL-LCEfiber nanofibrous scaffold on topographical cue induction compared to the biodegradable PCL nanofibers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahshid Fallah-Darrehchi
- Nano-Biopolymers Research
Laboratory, School of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Tehran, Tehran 1417613131, Iran
| | - Payam Zahedi
- Nano-Biopolymers Research
Laboratory, School of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Tehran, Tehran 1417613131, Iran
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3
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Patel M, Alvarez-Fernandez A, Fornerod MJ, Radhakrishnan ANP, Taylor A, Ten Chua S, Vignolini S, Schmidt-Hansberg B, Iles A, Guldin S. Liquid Crystal-Templated Porous Microparticles via Photopolymerization of Temperature-Induced Droplets in a Binary Liquid Mixture. ACS OMEGA 2023; 8:20404-20411. [PMID: 37323413 PMCID: PMC10268013 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c00490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Porous polymeric microspheres are an emerging class of materials, offering stimuli-responsive cargo uptake and release. Herein, we describe a new approach to fabricate porous microspheres based on temperature-induced droplet formation and light-induced polymerization. Microparticles were prepared by exploiting the partial miscibility of a thermotropic liquid crystal (LC) mixture composed of 4-cyano-4'-pentylbiphenyl (5CB, unreactive mesogens) with 2-methyl-1,4-phenylene bis4-[3-(acryloyloxy)propoxy] benzoate (RM257, reactive mesogens) in methanol (MeOH). Isotropic 5CB/RM257-rich droplets were generated by cooling below the binodal curve (20 °C), and the isotropic-to-nematic transition occurred after cooling below 0 °C. The resulting 5CB/RM257-rich droplets with radial configuration were subsequently polymerized under UV light, resulting in nematic microparticles. Upon heating the mixture, the 5CB mesogens underwent a nematic-isotropic transition and eventually became homogeneous with MeOH, while the polymerized RM257 preserved its radial configuration. Repeated cycles of cooling and heating resulted in swelling and shrinking of the porous microparticles. The use of a reversible materials templating approach to obtain porous microparticles provides new insights into binary liquid manipulation and potential for microparticle production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehzabin Patel
- Department
of Chemical Engineering, University College
London, London, WC1E 7JE, United
Kingdom
| | | | | | | | - Alaric Taylor
- Department
of Chemical Engineering, University College
London, London, WC1E 7JE, United
Kingdom
| | - Singg Ten Chua
- Yusuf
Hamied Department of Chemistry, University
of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, United
Kingdom
| | - Silvia Vignolini
- Yusuf
Hamied Department of Chemistry, University
of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 1EW, United
Kingdom
| | - Benjamin Schmidt-Hansberg
- Chemical
& Process Engineering, Coating & Film Processing, BASF SE, 67056 Ludwigshafen am Rhein, Germany
| | - Alexander Iles
- Lab-on-a-Chip
Research Group, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Hull, Hull, HU6 7RX, United Kingdom
| | - Stefan Guldin
- Department
of Chemical Engineering, University College
London, London, WC1E 7JE, United
Kingdom
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4
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Li X, Wan L, Zhu T, Li R, Zhang M, Lu H. Biomimetic Liquid Crystal-Modified Mesoporous Silica-Based Composite Hydrogel for Soft Tissue Repair. J Funct Biomater 2023; 14:316. [PMID: 37367280 DOI: 10.3390/jfb14060316] [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: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The reconstruction of blood vessels plays a critical role in the tissue regeneration process. However, existing wound dressings in tissue engineering face challenges due to inadequate revascularization induction and a lack of vascular structure. In this study, we report the modification of mesoporous silica nanospheres (MSNs) with liquid crystal (LC) to enhance bioactivity and biocompatibility in vitro. This LC modification facilitated crucial cellular processes such as the proliferation, migration, spreading, and expression of angiogenesis-related genes and proteins in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Furthermore, we incorporated LC-modified MSN within a hydrogel matrix to create a multifunctional dressing that combines the biological benefits of LC-MSN with the mechanical advantages of a hydrogel. Upon application to full-thickness wounds, these composite hydrogels exhibited accelerated healing, evidenced by enhanced granulation tissue formation, increased collagen deposition, and improved vascular development. Our findings suggest that the LC-MSN hydrogel formulation holds significant promise for the repair and regeneration of soft tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoling Li
- Stomatological Hospital, School of Stomatology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510280, China
| | - Lei Wan
- Stomatological Hospital, School of Stomatology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510280, China
| | - Taifu Zhu
- Stomatological Hospital, School of Stomatology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510280, China
| | - Ruiqi Li
- Stomatological Hospital, School of Stomatology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510280, China
| | - Mu Zhang
- Stomatological Hospital, School of Stomatology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510280, China
| | - Haibin Lu
- Stomatological Hospital, School of Stomatology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510280, China
- The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510900, China
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5
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Prévôt ME, Ustunel S, Freychet G, Webb CR, Zhernenkov M, Pindak R, Clements RJ, Hegmann E. Physical Models from Physical Templates Using Biocompatible Liquid Crystal Elastomers as Morphologically Programmable Inks For 3D Printing. Macromol Biosci 2023; 23:e2200343. [PMID: 36415071 DOI: 10.1002/mabi.202200343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Advanced manufacturing has received considerable attention as a tool for the fabrication of cell scaffolds however, finding ideal biocompatible and biodegradable materials that fit the correct parameters for 3D printing and guide cells to align remain a challenge. Herein, a photocrosslinkable smectic-A (Sm-A) liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) designed for 3D printing is presented, that promotes cell proliferation but most importantly induces cell anisotropy. The LCE-based bio-ink allows the 3D duplication of a highly complex brain structure generated from an animal model. Vascular tissue models are generated from fluorescently stained mouse tissue spatially imaged using confocal microscopy and subsequently processed to create a digital 3D model suitable for printing. The 3D structure is reproduced using a Digital Light Processing (DLP) stereolithography (SLA) desktop 3D printer. Synchrotron Small-Angle X-ray Diffraction (SAXD) data reveal a strong alignment of the LCE layering within the struts of the printed 3D scaffold. The resultant anisotropy of the LCE struts is then shown to direct cell growth. This study offers a simple approach to produce model tissues built within hours that promote cellular alignment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianne E Prévôt
- Advanced Materials and Liquid Crystal Institute, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44242, USA
| | - Senay Ustunel
- Advanced Materials and Liquid Crystal Institute, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44242, USA.,Materials Science Graduate Program, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44242, USA
| | - Guillaume Freychet
- Brookhaven National Laboratory, National Synchrotron Light Source-II, Upton, NY, 11973, USA
| | - Caitlyn R Webb
- Advanced Materials and Liquid Crystal Institute, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44242, USA.,Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44242, USA
| | - Mikhail Zhernenkov
- Brookhaven National Laboratory, National Synchrotron Light Source-II, Upton, NY, 11973, USA
| | - Ron Pindak
- Brookhaven National Laboratory, National Synchrotron Light Source-II, Upton, NY, 11973, USA
| | - Robert J Clements
- Advanced Materials and Liquid Crystal Institute, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44242, USA.,Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44242, USA.,Biomedical Sciences Program, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44242, USA
| | - Elda Hegmann
- Advanced Materials and Liquid Crystal Institute, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44242, USA.,Materials Science Graduate Program, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44242, USA.,Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44242, USA.,Biomedical Sciences Program, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44242, USA.,Brain Health Research Institute, Kent State University, Kent, OH, 44242, USA
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6
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Gurboga B, Tuncgovde EB, Kemiklioglu E. Liquid Crystal‐Based Elastomers in Tissue Engineering. Biotechnol Bioeng 2022; 119:1047-1052. [DOI: 10.1002/bit.28038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Revised: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Berfin Gurboga
- Engineering Faculty Manisa Celal Bayar University Manisa Turkey
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7
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Zhan Y, Deng B, Wu H, Xu C, Wang R, Li W, Pan Z. Biomineralized Composite Liquid Crystal Fiber Scaffold Promotes Bone Regeneration by Enhancement of Osteogenesis and Angiogenesis. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:736301. [PMID: 34819856 PMCID: PMC8606401 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.736301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Liquid crystals (LCs) are appealing biomaterials for applications in bone regenerative medicine due to their tunable physical properties and anisotropic viscoelastic behavior. This study reports a novel composite poly (L-lactide) (PLLA) scaffold that is manufactured by a simple electrospinning and biomineralization technique that precisely controls the fibrous structure in liquid LC phase. The enriched-LC composites have superior mineralization ability than neat PLLA; furthermore BMSC cells were inoculated onto the HAP-PLLA/LC with hydroxyapatite (HAP) composite scaffold to test the capability for osteogenesis in vitro. The results show that the PLLA/LC with HAP produced by mineralization leads to better cell compatibility, which is beneficial to cell proliferation, osteogenic differentiation, and expression of the angiogenic CD31 gene. Moreover, in vivo studies showed that the HAP-PLLA/LC scaffold with a bone-like environment significantly accelerates new and mature lamellar bone formation by development of a microenvironment for vascularized bone regeneration. Thus, this bionic composite scaffold in an LC state combining osteogenesis with vascularized activities is a promising biomaterial for bone regeneration in defective areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Zhan
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin, China
| | - Bing Deng
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin, China
| | - Huixian Wu
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin, China
| | - Changpeng Xu
- Department of Orthopaedics, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ruiying Wang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin, China
| | - Wenqiang Li
- Engineering Technology Research Center for Sports Assistive Devices of Guangdong, Guangzhou Sport University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhixiong Pan
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin, China
- Guangxi Health Commission Key Laboratory of Basic Research in Sphingolipid Metabolism Related Diseases, The Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin, China
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8
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Liu X, Debije MG, Heuts JPA, Schenning APHJ. Liquid-Crystalline Polymer Particles Prepared by Classical Polymerization Techniques. Chemistry 2021; 27:14168-14178. [PMID: 34320258 PMCID: PMC8596811 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202102224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Liquid-crystalline polymer particles prepared by classical polymerization techniques are receiving increased attention as promising candidates for use in a variety of applications including micro-actuators, structurally colored objects, and absorbents. These particles have anisotropic molecular order and liquid-crystalline phases that distinguish them from conventional polymer particles. In this minireview, the preparation of liquid-crystalline polymer particles from classical suspension, (mini-)emulsion, dispersion, and precipitation polymerization reactions are discussed. The particle sizes, molecular orientations, and liquid-crystalline phases produced by each technique are summarized and compared. We conclude with a discussion of the challenges and prospects of the preparation of liquid-crystalline polymer particles by classical polymerization techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohong Liu
- Department of Chemical Engineering and ChemistryEindhoven University of TechnologyPO Box 5135600 MBEindhovenThe Netherlands
- Institute for Complex Molecular SystemsEindhoven University of TechnologyPO Box 5135600 MBEindhovenThe Netherlands
| | - Michael G. Debije
- Department of Chemical Engineering and ChemistryEindhoven University of TechnologyPO Box 5135600 MBEindhovenThe Netherlands
| | - Johan P. A. Heuts
- Department of Chemical Engineering and ChemistryEindhoven University of TechnologyPO Box 5135600 MBEindhovenThe Netherlands
- Institute for Complex Molecular SystemsEindhoven University of TechnologyPO Box 5135600 MBEindhovenThe Netherlands
| | - Albert P. H. J. Schenning
- Department of Chemical Engineering and ChemistryEindhoven University of TechnologyPO Box 5135600 MBEindhovenThe Netherlands
- Institute for Complex Molecular SystemsEindhoven University of TechnologyPO Box 5135600 MBEindhovenThe Netherlands
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9
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Xu Y, Dupont RL, Yao Y, Zhang M, Fang JC, Wang X. Random Liquid Crystalline Copolymers Consisting of Prolate and Oblate Liquid Crystal Monomers. Macromolecules 2021. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.macromol.1c00006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Yang Xu
- William G. Lowrie Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Robert L. Dupont
- William G. Lowrie Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Yuxing Yao
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, United States
| | - Meng Zhang
- William G. Lowrie Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Jen-Chun Fang
- William G. Lowrie Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Xiaoguang Wang
- William G. Lowrie Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
- Sustainability Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
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10
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Ambulo CP, Ford MJ, Searles K, Majidi C, Ware TH. 4D-Printable Liquid Metal-Liquid Crystal Elastomer Composites. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2021; 13:12805-12813. [PMID: 33356119 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.0c19051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Soft actuators that undergo programmable shape change in response to a stimulus are enabling components of future soft robots and other soft machines. Strategies to power these actuators often require the incorporation of rigid, electrically conductive materials into the soft actuator, thus limiting the compliance and shape change of the material. In this study, we develop a 4D-printable composite composed of liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) matrix with dispersed droplets of eutectic gallium indium alloy (EGaIn). Using deformable EGaIn droplets in place of rigid conductive fillers preserves the compliance and shape-morphing properties of the LCE. The process enables 4D-printed LCE actuators capable of photothermal and electrothermal actuation. At low liquid metal (LM) concentrations (71 wt %), the composite actuator exhibits a photothermal response upon irradiation of near-IR light. Printed actuators with a twisted nematic configuration are capable of bending angles of 150° at 800 mW cm-2. At higher LM concentrations (88 wt %), the embedded LM droplets can form percolating networks that conduct electricity and enable electrical Joule heating of the LCE. Actuation strain ranging from 5 to 12% is controlled by the amount of electrical power that is delivered to the composite. We also introduce a method for multimaterial printing of monolithic structures where the LM filler loading is spatially varied. These multifunctional materials exhibit innate responsivity where the actuator behaves as an electrical switch and can report one of two states (on/off). These multiresponsive, 4D-printable composites enable multifunctional, mechanically active structures that can be powered with IR light or low DC voltages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cedric P Ambulo
- Department of Bioengineering, The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, Texas 75080, United States
| | - Michael J Ford
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, United States
| | - Kyle Searles
- Department of Bioengineering, The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, Texas 75080, United States
| | - Carmel Majidi
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, United States
| | - Taylor H Ware
- Department of Bioengineering, The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, Texas 75080, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
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11
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Ambulo CP, Tasmim S, Wang S, Abdelrahman MK, Zimmern PE, Ware TH. Processing advances in liquid crystal elastomers provide a path to biomedical applications. JOURNAL OF APPLIED PHYSICS 2020; 128:140901. [PMID: 33060862 PMCID: PMC7546753 DOI: 10.1063/5.0021143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) are a class of stimuli-responsive polymers that undergo reversible shape-change in response to environmental changes. The shape change of LCEs can be programmed during processing by orienting the liquid crystal phase prior to crosslinking. The suite of processing techniques that has been developed has resulted in a myriad of LCEs with different shape-changing behavior and mechanical properties. Aligning LCEs via mechanical straining yields large uniaxial actuators capable of a moderate force output. Magnetic fields are utilized to control the alignment within LCE microstructures. The generation of out-of-plane deformations such as bending, twisting, and coning is enabled by surface alignment techniques within thin films. 4D printing processes have emerged that enable the fabrication of centimeter-scale, 3D LCE structures with a complex alignment. The processing technique also determines, to a large extent, the potential applications of the LCE. For example, 4D printing enables the fabrication of LCE actuators capable of replicating the forces generated by human muscles. Employing surface alignment techniques, LCE films can be designed for use as coatings or as substrates for stretchable electronics. The growth of new processes and strategies opens and strengthens the path for LCEs to be applicable within biomedical device designs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cedric P Ambulo
- Department of Bioengineering, The University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, Texas 75080, USA
| | | | | | | | - Philippe E Zimmern
- Department of Urology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA
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12
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Shaha RK, Merkel DR, Anderson MP, Devereaux EJ, Patel RR, Torbati AH, Willett N, Yakacki CM, Frick CP. Biocompatible liquid-crystal elastomers mimic the intervertebral disc. J Mech Behav Biomed Mater 2020; 107:103757. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2020.103757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2019] [Revised: 02/23/2020] [Accepted: 03/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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13
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Zhao D, Liu Y. Light-induced spontaneous bending of a simply supported liquid crystal elastomer rectangular plate. Phys Rev E 2020; 101:042701. [PMID: 32422828 DOI: 10.1103/physreve.101.042701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2019] [Accepted: 04/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Designing the director alignment of a liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) is a key tuning approach for LCE based smart devices. In this paper, the spontaneous strain of the LCE with arbitrary three-dimensional director orientation is derived, and the governing equation for a simply supported LCE rectangular plate is established. By using the finite difference method, the bending configurations are obtained. Different from the freestanding case, three bending modes, that is, unimodal, bimodal, and trimodal modes, are observed for the simply supported rectangular LCE plate. The relation between the bending modes and the director orientation is established. This paper enhances the understanding and facilitates the design of LCE based intelligent light driven devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Zhao
- School of Civil Engineering, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing 100044, China
| | - Ying Liu
- School of Civil Engineering, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing 100044, China
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14
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Wang Y, McKinstry AH, Burke KA. Main-Chain Liquid Crystalline Hydrogels that Support 3D Stem Cell Culture. Biomacromolecules 2020; 21:2365-2375. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.0c00316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yongjian Wang
- Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Connecticut, 191 Auditorium Road Unit 3222, Storrs, Connecticut 06269-3222, United States
| | - Amy H. McKinstry
- Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Connecticut, 191 Auditorium Road Unit 3222, Storrs, Connecticut 06269-3222, United States
| | - Kelly A. Burke
- Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Connecticut, 191 Auditorium Road Unit 3222, Storrs, Connecticut 06269-3222, United States
- Polymer Program, Institute of Materials Science, University of Connecticut, 97 North Eagleville Road Unit 3136, Storrs, Connecticut 06269-3136, United States
- Biomedical Engineering, University of Connecticut, 260 Glenbrook Road Unit 3247, Storrs, Connecticut 06269-3247, United States
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15
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Mori T, Cukelj R, Prévôt ME, Ustunel S, Story A, Gao Y, Diabre K, McDonough JA, Freeman EJ, Hegmann E, Clements RJ. 3D Porous Liquid Crystal Elastomer Foams Supporting Long-term Neuronal Cultures. Macromol Rapid Commun 2020; 41:e1900585. [PMID: 32009277 DOI: 10.1002/marc.201900585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2019] [Revised: 12/18/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
3D liquid crystal elastomer (3D-LCE) foams are used to support long-term neuronal cultures for over 60 days. Sequential imaging shows that cell density remains relatively constant throughout the culture period while the number of cells per observational area increases. In a subset of samples, retinoic acid is used to stimulate extensive neuritic outgrowth and maturation of proliferated neurons within the LCEs, inducing a threefold increase in length with cells displaying morphologies indicative of mature neurons. Designed LCEs' micro-channels have a similar diameter to endogenous parenchymal arterioles, ensuring that neurons throughout the construct have constant access to growth media during extended experiments. Here it is shown that 3D-LCEs provide a unique environment and simple method to longitudinally study spatial neuronal function, not possible in conventional culture environments, with simplistic integration into existing methodological pipelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taizo Mori
- Advanced Materials and Liquid Crystal Institute, 1425 Lefton Esplanade, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio, 44242-0001, USA
| | - Richard Cukelj
- Department of Biological Sciences, 1425 Lefton Esplanade, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio, 44242-0001, USA
| | - Marianne Estelle Prévôt
- Advanced Materials and Liquid Crystal Institute, 1425 Lefton Esplanade, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio, 44242-0001, USA
| | - Senay Ustunel
- Advanced Materials and Liquid Crystal Institute, 1425 Lefton Esplanade, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio, 44242-0001, USA.,Chemical Physics Interdisciplinary Program, 1425 Lefton Esplanade, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio, 44242-0001, USA
| | - Anna Story
- Department of Biological Sciences, 1425 Lefton Esplanade, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio, 44242-0001, USA
| | - Yunxiang Gao
- Advanced Materials and Liquid Crystal Institute, 1425 Lefton Esplanade, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio, 44242-0001, USA
| | - Karene Diabre
- Advanced Materials and Liquid Crystal Institute, 1425 Lefton Esplanade, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio, 44242-0001, USA
| | - Jennifer Ann McDonough
- Department of Biological Sciences, 1425 Lefton Esplanade, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio, 44242-0001, USA.,Biomedical Sciences Program, 1425 Lefton Esplanade, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio, 44242-0001, USA.,Brain Health Research Institute, 1425 Lefton Esplanade, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio, 44242-0001, USA
| | - Ernest Johnson Freeman
- Department of Biological Sciences, 1425 Lefton Esplanade, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio, 44242-0001, USA.,Biomedical Sciences Program, 1425 Lefton Esplanade, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio, 44242-0001, USA.,Brain Health Research Institute, 1425 Lefton Esplanade, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio, 44242-0001, USA
| | - Elda Hegmann
- Advanced Materials and Liquid Crystal Institute, 1425 Lefton Esplanade, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio, 44242-0001, USA.,Department of Biological Sciences, 1425 Lefton Esplanade, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio, 44242-0001, USA.,Biomedical Sciences Program, 1425 Lefton Esplanade, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio, 44242-0001, USA.,Brain Health Research Institute, 1425 Lefton Esplanade, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio, 44242-0001, USA.,Chemical Physics Interdisciplinary Program, 1425 Lefton Esplanade, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio, 44242-0001, USA
| | - Robert John Clements
- Department of Biological Sciences, 1425 Lefton Esplanade, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio, 44242-0001, USA.,Biomedical Sciences Program, 1425 Lefton Esplanade, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio, 44242-0001, USA.,Brain Health Research Institute, 1425 Lefton Esplanade, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio, 44242-0001, USA
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16
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Ferrantini C, Pioner JM, Martella D, Coppini R, Piroddi N, Paoli P, Calamai M, Pavone FS, Wiersma DS, Tesi C, Cerbai E, Poggesi C, Sacconi L, Parmeggiani C. Development of Light-Responsive Liquid Crystalline Elastomers to Assist Cardiac Contraction. Circ Res 2020; 124:e44-e54. [PMID: 30732554 DOI: 10.1161/circresaha.118.313889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Despite major advances in cardiovascular medicine, heart disease remains a leading cause of death worldwide. However, the field of tissue engineering has been growing exponentially in the last decade and restoring heart functionality is now an affordable target; yet, new materials are still needed for effectively provide rapid and long-lasting interventions. Liquid crystalline elastomers (LCEs) are biocompatible polymers able to reversibly change shape in response to a given stimulus and generate movement. Once stimulated, LCEs can produce tension or movement like a muscle. However, so far their application in biology was limited by slow response times and a modest possibility to modulate tension levels during activation. OBJECTIVE To develop suitable LCE-based materials to assist cardiac contraction. METHODS AND RESULTS Thanks to a quick, simple, and versatile synthetic approach, a palette of biocompatible acrylate-based light-responsive LCEs with different molecular composition was prepared and mechanically characterized. Out of this, the more compliant one was selected. This material was able to contract for some weeks when activated with very low light intensity within a physiological environment. Its contraction was modulated in terms of light intensity, stimulation frequency, and ton/toff ratio to fit different contraction amplitude/time courses, including those of the human heart. Finally, LCE strips were mounted in parallel with cardiac trabeculae, and we demonstrated their ability to improve muscular systolic function, with no impact on diastolic properties. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicated LCEs are promising in assisting cardiac mechanical function and developing a new generation of contraction assist devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Ferrantini
- From the Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine (C.F., J.M.P., N.P., C.T., C.Po.), University of Florence, Italy.,European Laboratory for Non-linear Spectroscopy, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy (C.F., D.M., M.C., F.S.P., D.S.W., C.Po., L.S., C.Pa.)
| | - Josè M Pioner
- From the Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine (C.F., J.M.P., N.P., C.T., C.Po.), University of Florence, Italy
| | - Daniele Martella
- Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff" (D.M., C.Pa.), University of Florence, Italy.,European Laboratory for Non-linear Spectroscopy, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy (C.F., D.M., M.C., F.S.P., D.S.W., C.Po., L.S., C.Pa.).,National Institute of Optics, National Research Council, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy (D.M., M.C., F.S.P., D.S.W., L.S., C.Pa.)
| | - Raffaele Coppini
- Department of Neurosciences, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health (NEUROFARBA) (R.C., E.C), University of Florence, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Piroddi
- From the Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine (C.F., J.M.P., N.P., C.T., C.Po.), University of Florence, Italy
| | - Paolo Paoli
- Department of Biochemical, Experimental and Clinical "Mario Serio", Italy (P.P.)
| | - Martino Calamai
- European Laboratory for Non-linear Spectroscopy, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy (C.F., D.M., M.C., F.S.P., D.S.W., C.Po., L.S., C.Pa.).,National Institute of Optics, National Research Council, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy (D.M., M.C., F.S.P., D.S.W., L.S., C.Pa.)
| | - Francesco S Pavone
- Department of Physics and Astronomy (F.S.P., D.S.W.), University of Florence, Italy.,European Laboratory for Non-linear Spectroscopy, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy (C.F., D.M., M.C., F.S.P., D.S.W., C.Po., L.S., C.Pa.).,National Institute of Optics, National Research Council, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy (D.M., M.C., F.S.P., D.S.W., L.S., C.Pa.)
| | - Diederik S Wiersma
- Department of Physics and Astronomy (F.S.P., D.S.W.), University of Florence, Italy.,European Laboratory for Non-linear Spectroscopy, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy (C.F., D.M., M.C., F.S.P., D.S.W., C.Po., L.S., C.Pa.).,National Institute of Optics, National Research Council, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy (D.M., M.C., F.S.P., D.S.W., L.S., C.Pa.).,Istituto Nazionale di Ricerca Metrologica INRiM, Turin, Italy (D.S.W., C.Pa.)
| | - Chiara Tesi
- From the Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine (C.F., J.M.P., N.P., C.T., C.Po.), University of Florence, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Cerbai
- Department of Neurosciences, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health (NEUROFARBA) (R.C., E.C), University of Florence, Italy
| | - Corrado Poggesi
- From the Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine (C.F., J.M.P., N.P., C.T., C.Po.), University of Florence, Italy.,European Laboratory for Non-linear Spectroscopy, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy (C.F., D.M., M.C., F.S.P., D.S.W., C.Po., L.S., C.Pa.)
| | - Leonardo Sacconi
- European Laboratory for Non-linear Spectroscopy, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy (C.F., D.M., M.C., F.S.P., D.S.W., C.Po., L.S., C.Pa.).,National Institute of Optics, National Research Council, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy (D.M., M.C., F.S.P., D.S.W., L.S., C.Pa.)
| | - Camilla Parmeggiani
- Department of Chemistry "Ugo Schiff" (D.M., C.Pa.), University of Florence, Italy.,European Laboratory for Non-linear Spectroscopy, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy (C.F., D.M., M.C., F.S.P., D.S.W., C.Po., L.S., C.Pa.).,National Institute of Optics, National Research Council, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy (D.M., M.C., F.S.P., D.S.W., L.S., C.Pa.).,Istituto Nazionale di Ricerca Metrologica INRiM, Turin, Italy (D.S.W., C.Pa.)
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17
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Alvariño C, Heinrich B, Donnio B, Deschenaux R, Therrien B. Supramolecular Arene-Ruthenium Metallacycle with Thermotropic Liquid-Crystalline Properties. Inorg Chem 2019; 58:9505-9512. [PMID: 31247839 DOI: 10.1021/acs.inorgchem.9b01532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Functionalization of 1,4-di(4-pyridinyl)benzene with poly(arylester) dendrimers bearing cyanobiphenyl end-groups gives a bidentate dendromesogenic ligand (L) that exhibits thermotropic liquid-crystalline properties. Combination of the diruthenium complex [Ru2(p-cymene)2(donq)][DDS]2 (M) with L, by coordination-driven self-assembly, affords the discrete and well-defined metallacycle M2L2. Like L, this supramolecular dendritic system displays mesomorphic properties above 50 °C. Both compounds L and M2L2 show smectic phases, characterized by a multilayered organization of the multiple components.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Alvariño
- Institut de Chimie , Université de Neuchâtel , Avenue de Bellevaux 51 , Neuchâtel 2000 , Switzerland
| | - Benoît Heinrich
- Institut de Physique et Chimie des Matériaux de Strasbourg (IPCMS), UMR 7504 , CNRS-Université de Strasbourg , 23 rue du Loess, BP43 , Strasbourg cedex 2 67034 , France
| | - Bertrand Donnio
- Institut de Physique et Chimie des Matériaux de Strasbourg (IPCMS), UMR 7504 , CNRS-Université de Strasbourg , 23 rue du Loess, BP43 , Strasbourg cedex 2 67034 , France
| | - Robert Deschenaux
- Institut de Chimie , Université de Neuchâtel , Avenue de Bellevaux 51 , Neuchâtel 2000 , Switzerland
| | - Bruno Therrien
- Institut de Chimie , Université de Neuchâtel , Avenue de Bellevaux 51 , Neuchâtel 2000 , Switzerland
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18
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Akdeniz B, Bukusoglu E. Liquid Crystal Templates Combined with Photolithography Enable Synthesis of Chiral Twisted Polymeric Microparticles. Macromol Rapid Commun 2019; 40:e1900160. [PMID: 31183928 DOI: 10.1002/marc.201900160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2019] [Revised: 05/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Liquid crystals (LC), when combined with photolithography, enable synthesis of microparticles with 2D and 3D shapes and internal complexities. Films of nematic LCs are prepared using mixtures of reactive (RM257) and non-reactive mesogens with controlled alignment of LCs at the confining surfaces, photo-polymerized the RM257 using a photomask, and then extracted the unreacted mesogens to yield the polymeric microparticles. The extraction results in a controlled anisotropic shrinkage amount dependent on the RM257 content and the direction dependent on LC alignment. Control over the aspect ratio, size, and thickness of the microparticles are obtained with a coefficient of variance less than 2%. In addition, non-parallel LC anchoring at the two surfaces results in a controllable right- or left-handed twisting of microparticles. These methods may find substantial use in applications including drug delivery, emulsions, separations, and sensors, besides their potential in revealing new fundamental concepts in self-assembly and colloidal interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Burak Akdeniz
- Chemical Engineering Department, Middle East Technical University, Dumlupınar Bulvarı No: 1, Çankaya, Ankara, 06800, Turkey
| | - Emre Bukusoglu
- Chemical Engineering Department, Middle East Technical University, Dumlupınar Bulvarı No: 1, Çankaya, Ankara, 06800, Turkey
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19
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One step synthesis of monodisperse thiol-ene clickable polymer microspheres and application on biological functionalization. Eur Polym J 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2018.11.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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20
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Wang Y, Burke KA. Phase behavior of main-chain liquid crystalline polymer networks synthesized by alkyne-azide cycloaddition chemistry. SOFT MATTER 2018; 14:9885-9900. [PMID: 30511082 DOI: 10.1039/c8sm01913d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Liquid crystalline polymer networks (LCNs) couple polymer chain organization to molecular ordering, the switching of which has been shown to impart stimuli-responsive properties, including actuation and one-way shape memory, to the networks. While LCNs have long been proposed as artificial muscles, recent reports have also suggested potential as dynamic biomaterial substrates. In contrast to many existing LCNs synthesized using hydrophobic spacers, this work investigates networks synthesized using more hydrophilic spacers to promote interaction with water. A challenge with such materials is liquid crystalline phases could be disrupted in hydrated networks. This work thus investigates the impact of polyether spacers and mesogen composition on the phase behavior of LCNs. Main-chain LCNs were synthesized using alkyne-azide cycloaddition ("click" chemistry), where two different mesogens (5yH and 5yMe) and a non-LC monomer (5yTe) were coupled with one of two different polyether spacers, poly(ethylene glycol) and poly(propylene glycol), and a crosslinker. The chemistry led to high gel fraction materials, the workup of which resulted in networks that displayed no difference in cellular toxicity due to leachable components compared to tissue culture plastic control. Calorimetric analysis, dynamic mechanical analysis, and X-ray scattering revealed the LC microstructure and temperature-responsive properties of the networks. The use of low molecular weight polyether spacers was found to prevent their crystallization within the LC network, and adjusting mesogen composition to enhance its LC phase stability allowed the use of spacers with larger molecular weights and pendant groups. Hydrated networks were found to rearrange their structure compared to dry networks, while maintaining their LC phases. Like other crosslinked LC materials, the networks display shape changes (actuation) that are tied to changes in LC ordering. The result is a new synthetic approach for polydomain networks that form stable LC phases that are tailorable using polyether spacers and may enable future application as hydrated, stimuli-responsive materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongjian Wang
- Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Connecticut, 191 Auditorium Road Unit 3222, Storrs, CT 06269-3222, USA.
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21
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Merkel DR, Traugutt NA, Visvanathan R, Yakacki CM, Frick CP. Thermomechanical properties of monodomain nematic main-chain liquid crystal elastomers. SOFT MATTER 2018; 14:6024-6036. [PMID: 29974115 DOI: 10.1039/c8sm01178h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Two-stage thiol-acrylate Michael addition reactions have proven useful in programming main-chain liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs). However, the influence of excess acrylate concentration, which is critical to monodomain programming, has not previously been examined with respect to thermomechanical properties in these two-stage LCEs. Previous studies of thiol-acrylate LCEs have focused on polydomain LCEs and/or variation of thiol crosslinking monomers or linear thiol monomers. This study guides the design of monodomain LCE actuators using the two-stage methodology by varying the concentration of mesogenic acrylate monomers from 2 mol% to 45 mol% in stoichiometric excess of thiol. The findings demonstrate a technique to tailor the isotropic transition temperature by 44 °C using identical starting monomers. In contrast to expectations, low amounts of excess acrylate showed excellent fixity (90.4 ± 2.9%), while high amounts of excess acrylate did not hinder actuation strain (87.3 ± 2.3%). Tensile stress-strain properties were influenced by excess acrylate. Linear elastic behavior was observed parallel to the director with modulus increasing from 1.4 to 6.1 MPa. The soft elastic plateau was observed perpendicular to the director with initial modulus and threshold stresses increasing from 0.6 MPa to 2.6 MPa and 14 kPa to 208 kPa, respectively. Overall, this study examines the influence of excess acrylate on mechanical properties of LCE actuators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel R Merkel
- University of Wyoming, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Laramie, WY, USA.
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22
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Martella D, Parmeggiani C. Advances in Cell Scaffolds for Tissue Engineering: The Value of Liquid Crystalline Elastomers. Chemistry 2018; 24:12206-12220. [DOI: 10.1002/chem.201800477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2018] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Martella
- Chemistry Department “Ugo Schiff”; University of Florence; Via della Lastruccia 3-13 Sesto Fiorentino Italy
- CNR-INO; European Laboratory for Non-Linear Spectroscopy (LENS); University of Florence; via Nello Carrara 1 Sesto Fiorentino Italy
| | - Camilla Parmeggiani
- Chemistry Department “Ugo Schiff”; University of Florence; Via della Lastruccia 3-13 Sesto Fiorentino Italy
- CNR-INO; European Laboratory for Non-Linear Spectroscopy (LENS); University of Florence; via Nello Carrara 1 Sesto Fiorentino Italy
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23
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Kato T, Uchida J, Ichikawa T, Sakamoto T. Von funktionellen Flüssigkristallen zur nächsten Generation von Materialien. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2018. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.201711163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Kato
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, School of Engineering The University of Tokyo Hongo Bunkyo-ku Tokyo 113-8656 Japan
| | - Junya Uchida
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, School of Engineering The University of Tokyo Hongo Bunkyo-ku Tokyo 113-8656 Japan
| | - Takahiro Ichikawa
- Department of Biotechnology Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Nakacho Koganei Tokyo 184-8588 Japan
- PRESTO (Japan) Science and Technology Agency (JST) 4-1-8 Honcho Kawaguchi 332-0012 Japan
| | - Takeshi Sakamoto
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, School of Engineering The University of Tokyo Hongo Bunkyo-ku Tokyo 113-8656 Japan
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24
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Kato T, Uchida J, Ichikawa T, Sakamoto T. Functional Liquid Crystals towards the Next Generation of Materials. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2018. [PMID: 29534321 DOI: 10.1002/anie.201711163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 236] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Since the discovery of the liquid-crystalline state in 1888, liquid crystal science has made great advances through fusion with various technologies and disciplines. Recently, new molecular design strategies and new self-assembled structures have been developed as a result of the progress made in synthetic procedures and characterization techniques. Since these liquid crystals exhibit new functions and properties derived from their nanostructures and alignment, a variety of new functions for liquid crystals, such as transport for energy applications, separation for environmental applications, chromism, sensing, electrooptical effects, actuation, and templating have been proposed. This Review presents recent advances of liquid crystals that should contribute to the next generation of materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Kato
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8656, Japan
| | - Junya Uchida
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8656, Japan
| | - Takahiro Ichikawa
- Department of Biotechnology, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Nakacho, Koganei, Tokyo, 184-8588, Japan.,PRESTO (Japan) Science and Technology Agency (JST), 4-1-8 Honcho, Kawaguchi, 332-0012, Japan
| | - Takeshi Sakamoto
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8656, Japan
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25
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Prévôt ME, Ustunel S, Hegmann E. Liquid Crystal Elastomers-A Path to Biocompatible and Biodegradable 3D-LCE Scaffolds for Tissue Regeneration. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2018; 11:E377. [PMID: 29510523 PMCID: PMC5872956 DOI: 10.3390/ma11030377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2018] [Revised: 02/21/2018] [Accepted: 02/23/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The development of appropriate materials that can make breakthroughs in tissue engineering has long been pursued by the scientific community. Several types of material have been long tested and re-designed for this purpose. At the same time, liquid crystals (LCs) have captivated the scientific community since their discovery in 1888 and soon after were thought to be, in combination with polymers, artificial muscles. Within the past decade liquid crystal elastomers (LCE) have been attracting increasing interest for their use as smart advanced materials for biological applications. Here, we examine how LCEs can potentially be used as dynamic substrates for culturing cells, moving away from the classical two-dimensional cell-culture nature. We also briefly discuss the integration of a few technologies for the preparation of more sophisticated LCE-composite scaffolds for more dynamic biomaterials. The anisotropic properties of LCEs can be used not only to promote cell attachment and the proliferation of cells, but also to promote cell alignment under LCE-stimulated deformation. 3D LCEs are ideal materials for new insights to simulate and study the development of tissues and the complex interplay between cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianne E Prévôt
- Liquid Crystal Institute, Kent State University, Kent, OH 44242, USA.
| | - Senay Ustunel
- Liquid Crystal Institute, Kent State University, Kent, OH 44242, USA.
- Chemical Physics Interdisciplinary Program (CPIP), Kent State University, Kent, OH 44242, USA.
| | - Elda Hegmann
- Liquid Crystal Institute, Kent State University, Kent, OH 44242, USA.
- Chemical Physics Interdisciplinary Program (CPIP), Kent State University, Kent, OH 44242, USA.
- Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH 44242, USA.
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26
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Sung B, Kim MH. Liquid-crystalline nanoarchitectures for tissue engineering. BEILSTEIN JOURNAL OF NANOTECHNOLOGY 2018; 9:205-215. [PMID: 29441265 PMCID: PMC5789436 DOI: 10.3762/bjnano.9.22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2017] [Accepted: 11/21/2017] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Hierarchical orders are found throughout all levels of biosystems, from simple biopolymers, subcellular organelles, single cells, and macroscopic tissues to bulky organs. Especially, biological tissues and cells have long been known to exhibit liquid crystal (LC) orders or their structural analogues. Inspired by those native architectures, there has recently been increased interest in research for engineering nanobiomaterials by incorporating LC templates and scaffolds. In this review, we introduce and correlate diverse LC nanoarchitectures with their biological functionalities, in the context of tissue engineering applications. In particular, the tissue-mimicking LC materials with different LC phases and the regenerative potential of hard and soft tissues are summarized. In addition, the multifaceted aspects of LC architectures for developing tissue-engineered products are envisaged. Lastly, a perspective on the opportunities and challenges for applying LC nanoarchitectures in tissue engineering fields is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baeckkyoung Sung
- Liquid Crystal Institute and Chemical Physics Interdisciplinary Program, Kent State University, Kent, OH 44242, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH 44242, USA
| | - Min-Ho Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH 44242, USA
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27
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Fedele C, Netti PA, Cavalli S. Azobenzene-based polymers: emerging applications as cell culture platforms. Biomater Sci 2018. [DOI: 10.1039/c8bm00019k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
This minireview highlights the fundamental landmarks towards the application of azobenzene-containing materials as light-responsive cell culture substrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- C. Fedele
- Dipartimento di Ingegneria Chimica dei Materiali e della Produzione Industriale
- DICMAPI
- Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II
- Napoli
- Italy
| | - P. A. Netti
- Dipartimento di Ingegneria Chimica dei Materiali e della Produzione Industriale
- DICMAPI
- Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II
- Napoli
- Italy
| | - S. Cavalli
- Center for Advanced Biomaterials for Healthcare
- Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia
- Naples
- Italy
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28
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Martella D, Paoli P, Pioner JM, Sacconi L, Coppini R, Santini L, Lulli M, Cerbai E, Wiersma DS, Poggesi C, Ferrantini C, Parmeggiani C. Liquid Crystalline Networks toward Regenerative Medicine and Tissue Repair. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2017; 13:1702677. [PMID: 29045016 DOI: 10.1002/smll.201702677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The communication reports the use of liquid crystalline networks (LCNs) for engineering tissue cultures with human cells. Their ability as cell scaffolds for different cell lines is demonstrated. Preliminary assessments of the material biocompatibility are performed on human dermal fibroblasts and murine muscle cells (C2C12), demonstrating that coatings or other treatments are not needed to use the acrylate-based materials as support. Moreover, it is found that adherent C2C12 cells undergo differentiation, forming multinucleated myotubes, which show the typical elongated shape, and contain bundles of stress fibers. Once biocompatibility is demonstrated, the same LCN films are used as a substrate for culturing human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocites (hiPSC-CMs) proving that LCNs are capable to develop adult-like dimensions and a more mature cell function in a short period of culture in respect to standard supports. The demonstrated biocompatibility together with the extraordinary features of LCNs opens to preparation of complex cell scaffolds, both patterned and stimulated, for dynamic cell culturing. The ability of these materials to improve cell maturation and differentiation will be developed toward engineered heart and skeletal muscular tissues exploring regenerative medicine toward bioartificial muscles for injured sites replacement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Martella
- European Laboratory for Non-Linear Spectroscopy, via N. Carrara 1, Sesto F. No., 50019, Italy
| | - Paolo Paoli
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche Sperimentali e Cliniche "Mario Serio", Università degli Studi di Firenze, Viale Morgagni 50, Firenze, 50134, Italy
| | - Josè M Pioner
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale e Clinica, Università degli Studi di Firenze, Viale Morgagni 63, Firenze, 50134, Italy
| | - Leonardo Sacconi
- European Laboratory for Non-Linear Spectroscopy, via N. Carrara 1, Sesto F. No., 50019, Italy
- CNR-INO, via Nello Carrara 1, Sesto F. No., 50019, Italy
| | - Raffaele Coppini
- Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Psicologia, Area del Farmaco e Salute del Bambino, Università degli Studi di Firenze, Viale Pieraccini, 6-50139, Firenze, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Santini
- Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Psicologia, Area del Farmaco e Salute del Bambino, Università degli Studi di Firenze, Viale Pieraccini, 6-50139, Firenze, Italy
| | - Matteo Lulli
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche Sperimentali e Cliniche "Mario Serio", Università degli Studi di Firenze, Viale Morgagni 50, Firenze, 50134, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Cerbai
- Dipartimento di Neuroscienze, Psicologia, Area del Farmaco e Salute del Bambino, Università degli Studi di Firenze, Viale Pieraccini, 6-50139, Firenze, Italy
| | - Diederik S Wiersma
- European Laboratory for Non-Linear Spectroscopy, via N. Carrara 1, Sesto F. No., 50019, Italy
- Istituto Nazionale di Ricerca Metrologica (INRiM), Torino, 10135, Italy
| | - Corrado Poggesi
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale e Clinica, Università degli Studi di Firenze, Viale Morgagni 63, Firenze, 50134, Italy
| | - Cecilia Ferrantini
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale e Clinica, Università degli Studi di Firenze, Viale Morgagni 63, Firenze, 50134, Italy
| | - Camilla Parmeggiani
- European Laboratory for Non-Linear Spectroscopy, via N. Carrara 1, Sesto F. No., 50019, Italy
- CNR-INO, via Nello Carrara 1, Sesto F. No., 50019, Italy
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Martella D, Nocentini S, Nuzhdin D, Parmeggiani C, Wiersma DS. Photonic Microhand with Autonomous Action. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2017; 29:1704047. [PMID: 28976033 DOI: 10.1002/adma.201704047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Grabbing and holding objects at the microscale is a complex function, even for microscopic living animals. Inspired by the hominid-type hand, a microscopic equivalent able to catch microelements is engineered. This microhand is light sensitive and can be either remotely controlled by optical illumination or can act autonomously and grab small particles on the basis of their optical properties. Since the energy is delivered optically, without the need for wires or batteries, the artificial hand can be shrunk down to the micrometer scale. Soft material is used, in particular, a custom-made liquid-crystal network that is patterned by a photolithographic technique. The elastic reshaping properties of this material allow finger movement, using environmental light as the only energy source. The hand can be either controlled externally (via the light field), or else the conditions in which it autonomously grabs a particle in its vicinity can be created. This microrobot has the unique feature that it can distinguish between particles of different colors and gray levels. The realization of this autonomous hand constitutes a crucial element in the development of microscopic creatures that can perform tasks without human intervention and self-organized automation at the micrometer scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Martella
- European Laboratory for Non Linear Spectroscopy (LENS), University of Florence, Via Nello Carrara 1, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Sara Nocentini
- European Laboratory for Non Linear Spectroscopy (LENS), University of Florence, Via Nello Carrara 1, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Dmitry Nuzhdin
- European Laboratory for Non Linear Spectroscopy (LENS), University of Florence, Via Nello Carrara 1, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Camilla Parmeggiani
- European Laboratory for Non Linear Spectroscopy (LENS), University of Florence, Via Nello Carrara 1, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche-Istituto Nazionale di Ottica, Via Nello Carrara 1, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Diederik S Wiersma
- European Laboratory for Non Linear Spectroscopy (LENS), University of Florence, Via Nello Carrara 1, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
- Istituto Nazionale di Ricerca Metrologica (INRiM), Strada delle Cacce 91, 10135, Torino, Italy
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Prévôt ME, Ustunel S, Bergquist LE, Cukelj R, Gao Y, Mori T, Pauline L, Clements RJ, Hegmann E. Synthesis of Biocompatible Liquid Crystal Elastomer Foams as Cell Scaffolds for 3D Spatial Cell Cultures. J Vis Exp 2017:55452. [PMID: 28448030 PMCID: PMC5564508 DOI: 10.3791/55452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Here, we present a step-by-step preparation of a 3D, biodegradable, foam-like cell scaffold. These scaffolds were prepared by cross-linking star block co-polymers featuring cholesterol units as side-chain pendant groups, resulting in smectic-A (SmA) liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs). Foam-like scaffolds, prepared using metal templates, feature interconnected microchannels, making them suitable as 3D cell culture scaffolds. The combined properties of the regular structure of the metal foam and of the elastomer result in a 3D cell scaffold that promotes not only higher cell proliferation compared to conventional porous templated films, but also better management of mass transport (i.e., nutrients, gases, waste, etc.). The nature of the metal template allows for the easy manipulation of foam shapes (i.e., rolls or films) and for the preparation of scaffolds of different pore sizes for different cell studies while preserving the interconnected porous nature of the template. The etching process does not affect the chemistry of the elastomers, preserving their biocompatible and biodegradable nature. We show that these smectic LCEs, when grown for extensive time periods, enable the study of clinically relevant and complex tissue constructs while promoting the growth and proliferation of cells.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Leah E Bergquist
- Chemical Physics Interdisciplinary Program, Liquid Crystal Institute, Kent State University
| | - Richard Cukelj
- Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University
| | | | - Taizo Mori
- Liquid Crystal Institute, Kent State University
| | | | | | - Elda Hegmann
- Liquid Crystal Institute, Kent State University;
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Urbanski M, Reyes CG, Noh J, Sharma A, Geng Y, Subba Rao Jampani V, Lagerwall JPF. Liquid crystals in micron-scale droplets, shells and fibers. JOURNAL OF PHYSICS. CONDENSED MATTER : AN INSTITUTE OF PHYSICS JOURNAL 2017; 29:133003. [PMID: 28199222 DOI: 10.1088/1361-648x/aa5706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
The extraordinary responsiveness and large diversity of self-assembled structures of liquid crystals are well documented and they have been extensively used in devices like displays. For long, this application route strongly influenced academic research, which frequently focused on the performance of liquid crystals in display-like geometries, typically between flat, rigid substrates of glass or similar solids. Today a new trend is clearly visible, where liquid crystals confined within curved, often soft and flexible, interfaces are in focus. Innovation in microfluidic technology has opened for high-throughput production of liquid crystal droplets or shells with exquisite monodispersity, and modern characterization methods allow detailed analysis of complex director arrangements. The introduction of electrospinning in liquid crystal research has enabled encapsulation in optically transparent polymeric cylinders with very small radius, allowing studies of confinement effects that were not easily accessible before. It also opened the prospect of functionalizing textile fibers with liquid crystals in the core, triggering activities that target wearable devices with true textile form factor for seamless integration in clothing. Together, these developments have brought issues center stage that might previously have been considered esoteric, like the interaction of topological defects on spherical surfaces, saddle-splay curvature-induced spontaneous chiral symmetry breaking, or the non-trivial shape changes of curved liquid crystal elastomers with non-uniform director fields that undergo a phase transition to an isotropic state. The new research thrusts are motivated equally by the intriguing soft matter physics showcased by liquid crystals in these unconventional geometries, and by the many novel application opportunities that arise when we can reproducibly manufacture these systems on a commercial scale. This review attempts to summarize the current understanding of liquid crystals in spherical and cylindrical geometry, the state of the art of producing such samples, as well as the perspectives for innovative applications that have been put forward.
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Kularatne RS, Kim H, Boothby JM, Ware TH. Liquid crystal elastomer actuators: Synthesis, alignment, and applications. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017. [DOI: 10.1002/polb.24287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 186] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ruvini S. Kularatne
- Department of Bioengineering; University of Texas at Dallas; 800 W. Campbell Rd. Richardson Texas 75080 USA
| | - Hyun Kim
- Department of Bioengineering; University of Texas at Dallas; 800 W. Campbell Rd. Richardson Texas 75080 USA
| | - Jennifer M. Boothby
- Department of Bioengineering; University of Texas at Dallas; 800 W. Campbell Rd. Richardson Texas 75080 USA
| | - Taylor H. Ware
- Department of Bioengineering; University of Texas at Dallas; 800 W. Campbell Rd. Richardson Texas 75080 USA
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Prévôt M, Hegmann E. From Biomaterial, Biomimetic, and Polymer to Biodegradable and Biocompatible Liquid Crystal Elastomer Cell Scaffolds. ACS SYMPOSIUM SERIES 2017. [DOI: 10.1021/bk-2017-1253.ch001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- M. Prévôt
- Liquid Crystal Institute, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio 44242-0001, United States
- Chemical Physics Interdisciplinary Program, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio 44242-0001, United States
- Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio 44242-0001, United States
| | - E. Hegmann
- Liquid Crystal Institute, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio 44242-0001, United States
- Chemical Physics Interdisciplinary Program, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio 44242-0001, United States
- Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio 44242-0001, United States
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34
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Agrawal A, Chen H, Kim H, Zhu B, Adetiba O, Miranda A, Cristian Chipara A, Ajayan PM, Jacot JG, Verduzco R. Electromechanically Responsive Liquid Crystal Elastomer Nanocomposites for Active Cell Culture. ACS Macro Lett 2016; 5:1386-1390. [PMID: 35651216 DOI: 10.1021/acsmacrolett.6b00554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) are unique among shape-responsive materials in that they exhibit large and reversible shape changes and can respond to a variety of stimuli. However, only a handful of studies have explored LCEs for biomedical applications. Here, we demonstrate that LCE nanocomposites (LCE-NCs) exhibit a fast and reversible electromechanical response and can be employed as dynamic substrates for cell culture. A two-step method for preparing conductive LCE-NCs is described, which produces materials that exhibit rapid (response times as fast at 0.6 s), large-amplitude (contraction by up to 30%), and fully reversible shape changes (stable to over 5000 cycles) under externally applied voltages (5-40 V). The electromechanical response of the LCE-NCs is tunable through variation of the electrical potential and LCE-NC composition. We utilize conductive LCE-NCs as responsive substrates to culture neonatal rat ventricular myocytes (NRVM) and find that NRVM remain viable on both stimulated and static LCE-NC substrates. These materials provide a reliable and simple route to materials that exhibit a fast, reversible, and large-amplitude electromechanical response.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Jeffrey G. Jacot
- Congenital
Heart Surgery, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
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35
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Sharma A, Mori T, Mahnen CJ, Everson HR, Leslie MT, Nielsen AD, Lussier L, Zhu C, Malcuit C, Hegmann T, McDonough JA, Freeman EJ, Korley LTJ, Clements RJ, Hegmann E. Effects of Structural Variations on the Cellular Response and Mechanical Properties of Biocompatible, Biodegradable, and Porous Smectic Liquid Crystal Elastomers. Macromol Biosci 2016; 17. [DOI: 10.1002/mabi.201600278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2016] [Revised: 09/23/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Anshul Sharma
- Liquid Crystal Institute (LCI) Chemical Physics Interdisciplinary Program (CPIP) Kent State University Kent OH 44242‐0001 USA
| | - Taizo Mori
- Liquid Crystal Institute (LCI) Chemical Physics Interdisciplinary Program (CPIP) Kent State University Kent OH 44242‐0001 USA
| | - Cory J. Mahnen
- Liquid Crystal Institute (LCI) Chemical Physics Interdisciplinary Program (CPIP) Kent State University Kent OH 44242‐0001 USA
- Department of Biological Sciences Kent State University Kent OH 44242‐0001 USA
| | - Heather R. Everson
- Department of Biological Sciences Kent State University Kent OH 44242‐0001 USA
| | - Michelle T. Leslie
- Macromolecular Science and Engineering Department Case Western Reserve University Cleveland OH 44106‐7202 USA
| | - Alek d. Nielsen
- Liquid Crystal Institute (LCI) Chemical Physics Interdisciplinary Program (CPIP) Kent State University Kent OH 44242‐0001 USA
- Department of Biological Sciences Kent State University Kent OH 44242‐0001 USA
| | - Laurent Lussier
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry Kent State University Kent OH 44242‐0001 USA
| | - Chenhui Zhu
- Advanced Light Source Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory Berkeley CA 94720 USA
| | - Christopher Malcuit
- Department of Biological Sciences Kent State University Kent OH 44242‐0001 USA
| | - Torsten Hegmann
- Liquid Crystal Institute (LCI) Chemical Physics Interdisciplinary Program (CPIP) Kent State University Kent OH 44242‐0001 USA
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry Kent State University Kent OH 44242‐0001 USA
| | | | - Ernest J. Freeman
- Department of Biological Sciences Kent State University Kent OH 44242‐0001 USA
| | - LaShanda T. J. Korley
- Macromolecular Science and Engineering Department Case Western Reserve University Cleveland OH 44106‐7202 USA
| | - Robert J. Clements
- Department of Biological Sciences Kent State University Kent OH 44242‐0001 USA
| | - Elda Hegmann
- Liquid Crystal Institute (LCI) Chemical Physics Interdisciplinary Program (CPIP) Kent State University Kent OH 44242‐0001 USA
- Department of Biological Sciences Kent State University Kent OH 44242‐0001 USA
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry Kent State University Kent OH 44242‐0001 USA
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Saed MO, Torbati AH, Starr CA, Visvanathan R, Clark NA, Yakacki CM. Thiol-acrylate main-chain liquid-crystalline elastomers with tunable thermomechanical properties and actuation strain. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016. [DOI: 10.1002/polb.24249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Mohand O. Saed
- Department of Mechanical Engineering; University of Colorado Denver; Denver Colorado 80217
| | - Amir H. Torbati
- Department of Mechanical Engineering; University of Colorado Denver; Denver Colorado 80217
| | - Chelsea A. Starr
- Department of Mechanical Engineering; University of Colorado Denver; Denver Colorado 80217
| | - Rayshan Visvanathan
- Department of Physics; Soft Materials Research Center, University of Colorado Boulder; Boulder Colorado 80309
| | - Noel A. Clark
- Department of Physics; Soft Materials Research Center, University of Colorado Boulder; Boulder Colorado 80309
| | - Christopher M. Yakacki
- Department of Mechanical Engineering; University of Colorado Denver; Denver Colorado 80217
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Magneto-responsive liquid crystalline elastomer nanocomposites as potential candidates for dynamic cell culture substrates. MATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING. C, MATERIALS FOR BIOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS 2016; 65:369-78. [PMID: 27157764 DOI: 10.1016/j.msec.2016.04.063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2015] [Revised: 03/31/2016] [Accepted: 04/18/2016] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Recently, liquid crystalline elastomers (LCEs) have been proposed as active substrates for cell culture due to their potential to attach and orient cells, and impose dynamic mechanical signals through the application of external stimuli. In this report, the preparation of anisotropic and oriented nematic magnetic-sensitized LCEs with iron oxide nanoparticles, and the evaluation of the effect of particle addition at low concentrations on the resultant structural, thermal, thermo-mechanical, and mechanical properties is presented. Phase transformations produced by heating in alternating magnetic fields were investigated in LCEs in contact with air, water, and a common liquid cell culture medium was also evaluated. The inclusion of nanoparticles into the elastomers displaced the nematic-to-isotropic phase transition, without affecting the nematic structure as evidenced by similar values of the order parameter, while reducing the maximum thermomechanical deformations. Remote and reversible deformations of the magnetic LCEs were achieved through the application of alternating magnetic fields, which induces the nematic-isotropic phase transition through nanoparticle heat generation. Formulation parameters can be modified to allow for remote actuation at values closer to the human physiological temperature range and within the range of deformations that can affect the cellular behavior of fibroblasts. Finally, a collagen surface treatment was performed to improve compatibility with NIH-3T3 fibroblast cultures, which enabled the attachment and proliferation of fibroblasts on substrates with and without magnetic particles under quiescent conditions. The LCEs developed in this work, which are able to deform and experience stress changes by remote contact-less magnetic stimulation, may allow for further studies on the effect of substrate morphology changes and dynamic mechanical properties during in vitro cell culture.
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38
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Gao Y, Mori T, Manning S, Zhao Y, Nielsen AD, Neshat A, Sharma A, Mahnen CJ, Everson HR, Crotty S, Clements RJ, Malcuit C, Hegmann E. Biocompatible 3D Liquid Crystal Elastomer Cell Scaffolds and Foams with Primary and Secondary Porous Architecture. ACS Macro Lett 2016; 5:4-9. [PMID: 35668595 DOI: 10.1021/acsmacrolett.5b00729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
3D biodegradable and highly regular foamlike cell scaffolds based on biocompatible side-chain liquid crystal elastomers have been prepared. Scaffolds with a primary porosity characterized by spatially interlaced, interconnected microchannels or an additional secondary porosity featuring interconnected microchannel networks define the novel elastomeric scaffolds. The macroscale morphology of the dual porosity 3D scaffold resembles vascular networks observed in tissue. 3D elastomer foams show four times higher cell proliferation capability compared to conventional porous templated films and within the channels guide spontaneous cell alignment enabling the possibility of tissue construct fabrication toward more clinically complex environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunxiang Gao
- Liquid Crystal Institute, ‡Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, §Chemical Physics Interdisciplinary
Program, and ∥Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio 44242, United States
| | - Taizo Mori
- Liquid Crystal Institute, ‡Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, §Chemical Physics Interdisciplinary
Program, and ∥Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio 44242, United States
| | - Sarah Manning
- Liquid Crystal Institute, ‡Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, §Chemical Physics Interdisciplinary
Program, and ∥Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio 44242, United States
| | - Yu Zhao
- Liquid Crystal Institute, ‡Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, §Chemical Physics Interdisciplinary
Program, and ∥Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio 44242, United States
| | - Alek d. Nielsen
- Liquid Crystal Institute, ‡Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, §Chemical Physics Interdisciplinary
Program, and ∥Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio 44242, United States
| | - Abdollah Neshat
- Liquid Crystal Institute, ‡Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, §Chemical Physics Interdisciplinary
Program, and ∥Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio 44242, United States
| | - Anshul Sharma
- Liquid Crystal Institute, ‡Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, §Chemical Physics Interdisciplinary
Program, and ∥Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio 44242, United States
| | - Cory J. Mahnen
- Liquid Crystal Institute, ‡Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, §Chemical Physics Interdisciplinary
Program, and ∥Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio 44242, United States
| | - Heather R. Everson
- Liquid Crystal Institute, ‡Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, §Chemical Physics Interdisciplinary
Program, and ∥Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio 44242, United States
| | - Sierra Crotty
- Liquid Crystal Institute, ‡Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, §Chemical Physics Interdisciplinary
Program, and ∥Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio 44242, United States
| | - Robert J. Clements
- Liquid Crystal Institute, ‡Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, §Chemical Physics Interdisciplinary
Program, and ∥Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio 44242, United States
| | - Christopher Malcuit
- Liquid Crystal Institute, ‡Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, §Chemical Physics Interdisciplinary
Program, and ∥Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio 44242, United States
| | - E. Hegmann
- Liquid Crystal Institute, ‡Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, §Chemical Physics Interdisciplinary
Program, and ∥Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio 44242, United States
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Qiu S, Ge N, Sun D, Zhao S, Sun J, Guo Z, Hu K, Gu N. Synthesis and characterization of multifunctional magnetic polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) microspheres for embolization of blood vessel. IEEE Trans Biomed Eng 2016; 63:730-6. [DOI: 10.1109/tbme.2015.2469735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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