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Oh DH, Le Thi P, Park KD. Injectable Dual Fenton/Enzymatically Cross-Linked Double-Network Hydrogels Based on Acrylic/Phenolic Polymers with Highly Reinforced and Tunable Mechanical Properties. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2024; 7:5702-5718. [PMID: 39105701 DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.4c00773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/07/2024]
Abstract
Injectable hydrogels have been extensively used as promising therapeutic scaffolds for a wide range of biomedical applications, such as tissue regeneration and drug delivery. However, their low fracture toughness and brittleness often limit their scope of application. Double-network (DN) hydrogel, which is composed of independently cross-linked rigid and ductile polymer networks, has been proposed as an alternative technique to compensate for the weak mechanical properties of hydrogels. Nevertheless, some challenges still remain, such as the complicated and time-consuming process for DN formation, and the difficulty in controlling the mechanical properties of DN hydrogels. In this study, we introduce a simple, rapid, and controllable method to prepare in situ cross-linkable injectable DN hydrogels composed of acrylamide (AAm) and 4-arm-PPO-PEO-tyramine (TTA) via dual Fenton- and enzyme-mediated reactions. By varying the concentration of Fenton's reagent, the DN hydrogels were rapidly formed with controllable gelation rate. Importantly, the DN hydrogels showed a 13-fold increase in compressive strength and a 14-fold increase in tensile strength, compared to the single network hydrogels. The mechanical properties, elasticity, and plasticity of DN hydrogels could also be modulated by simply varying the preparation conditions, including the cross-linking density and reagent concentrations. At low cross-linker concentration (<0.05 wt %), the plastic DN hydrogel stretched to over 6,500%, whereas high cross-linker concentration (≥0.05 wt %) induced fully elastic hydrogels, without hysteresis. Besides, DN hydrogels were endowed with rapid self-recovery and highly enhanced adhesion, which can be further applied to wearable devices. Moreover, human dermal fibroblasts treated with DN hydrogels retained viability, demonstrating the biocompatibility of the cross-linking system. Therefore, we expect that the dual Fenton-/enzyme-mediated cross-linkable DN hydrogels offer great potential as advanced biomaterials applied for hard tissue regeneration and replacement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Hwan Oh
- Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University, 206 Worldcup-ro, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon 16499, Republic of Korea
| | - Phuong Le Thi
- Institute of Applied Materials Science, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, Ho Chi Minh City 7000000, Vietnam
- Graduate University of Science and Technology, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, Ho Chi Minh City 7000000, Vietnam
| | - Ki Dong Park
- Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University, 206 Worldcup-ro, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon 16499, Republic of Korea
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2
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Levin M, Tang Y, Eisenbach CD, Valentine MT, Cohen N. Understanding the Response of Poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA) Hydrogel Networks: A Statistical Mechanics-Based Framework. Macromolecules 2024; 57:7074-7086. [PMID: 39156193 PMCID: PMC11325651 DOI: 10.1021/acs.macromol.3c02635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 08/20/2024]
Abstract
Thanks to many promising properties, including biocompatibility and the ability to experience large deformations, poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA) hydrogels are excellent candidate materials for a wide range of applications. Interestingly, the polymerization of PEGDA leads to a network microstructure that is fundamentally different from that of the "classic" polymeric gels. Specifically, PEGDA hydrogels comprise PEG chains that are interconnected by multifunctional densely grafted rod-like polyacrylates (PAs), which serve as cross-linkers. In this work, we derive a microstructurally motivated model that captures the essential features which enable deformation in PEGDA hydrogels: (1) entropic elasticity of PEG chains, (2) deformation of PA rods, and (3) PA-PA interactions. Expressions for the energy-density functions and the stress associated with each of the three contributions are derived. The model demonstrates the microstructural evolution of the network during loading and reveals the role of key microscopic quantities. To validate the model, we fabricate and compress PEGDA hydrogel discs. The model is in excellent agreement with our experimental findings for a broad range of PEGDA compositions. Interestingly, we show that the response of PEGDA hydrogels with short PEG chains and long PA rods is governed by PA-PA interactions, whereas networks with longer PEG chains are dominated by entropy. To enable design, we employ the model to investigate the influence of key microstructural quantities, such as the length of the PEG and the PA chains, on the macroscopic properties and response. The findings from this work pave the way to the efficient design of PEGDA hydrogels with tunable properties and behaviors, which will enable the optimization of their performance in various applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michal Levin
- Department
of Materials Science and Engineering, Technion
- Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3200003, Israel
| | - Yongkui Tang
- Department
of Mechanical Engineering, University of
California, Santa
Barbara, California 93106, United States
- Materials
Research Laboratory, University of California, Santa Barbara, California 93106, United States
| | - Claus D. Eisenbach
- Materials
Research Laboratory, University of California, Santa Barbara, California 93106, United States
- Institut
for Polymerchemie, University of Stuttgart, Stuttgart D-70569, Germany
| | - Megan T. Valentine
- Department
of Mechanical Engineering, University of
California, Santa
Barbara, California 93106, United States
- Materials
Research Laboratory, University of California, Santa Barbara, California 93106, United States
| | - Noy Cohen
- Department
of Materials Science and Engineering, Technion
- Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3200003, Israel
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3
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Chansoria P, Rizzo R, Rütsche D, Liu H, Delrot P, Zenobi-Wong M. Light from Afield: Fast, High-Resolution, and Layer-Free Deep Vat 3D Printing. Chem Rev 2024; 124:8787-8822. [PMID: 38967405 PMCID: PMC11273351 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.4c00134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2024] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
Harnessing light for cross-linking of photoresponsive materials has revolutionized the field of 3D printing. A wide variety of techniques leveraging broad-spectrum light shaping have been introduced as a way to achieve fast and high-resolution printing, with applications ranging from simple prototypes to biomimetic engineered tissues for regenerative medicine. Conventional light-based printing techniques use cross-linking of material in a layer-by-layer fashion to produce complex parts. Only recently, new techniques have emerged which deploy multidirection, tomographic, light-sheet or filamented light-based image projections deep into the volume of resin-filled vat for photoinitiation and cross-linking. These Deep Vat printing (DVP) approaches alleviate the need for layer-wise printing and enable unprecedented fabrication speeds (within a few seconds) with high resolution (>10 μm). Here, we elucidate the physics and chemistry of these processes, their commonalities and differences, as well as their emerging applications in biomedical and non-biomedical fields. Importantly, we highlight their limitations, and future scope of research that will improve the scalability and applicability of these DVP techniques in a wide variety of engineering and regenerative medicine applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parth Chansoria
- Department
of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zürich, Zürich 8093, Switzerland
| | - Riccardo Rizzo
- John
A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts 02134, United States
- Wyss
Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, United States
| | - Dominic Rütsche
- Department
of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305, United States
- Basic
Science & Engineering (BASE) Initiative, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - Hao Liu
- Department
of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zürich, Zürich 8093, Switzerland
| | - Paul Delrot
- Readily3D
SA, EPFL Innovation Park, Lausanne 1015, Switzerland
| | - Marcy Zenobi-Wong
- Department
of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zürich, Zürich 8093, Switzerland
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4
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Ishikawa S, Kamata H, Sakai T. Enhancing cell adhesion in synthetic hydrogels via physical confinement of peptide-functionalized polymer clusters. J Mater Chem B 2024; 12:7103-7112. [PMID: 38919129 DOI: 10.1039/d4tb00761a] [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: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
Artificially synthesized poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)-based hydrogels are extensively utilized as biomaterials for tissue scaffolds and cell culture matrices due to their non-protein adsorbing properties. Although these hydrogels are inherently non-cell-adhesive, advancements in modifying polymer networks with functional peptides have led to PEG hydrogels with diverse functionalities, such as cell adhesion and angiogenesis. However, traditional methods of incorporating additives into hydrogel networks often result in the capping of crosslinking points with heterogeneous substances, potentially impairing mechanical properties and obscuring the causal relationships of biological functions. This study introduces polymer additives designed to resist prolonged elution from hydrogels, providing a novel approach to facilitate cell culture on non-adhesive surfaces. By clustering tetra-branched PEG to form ultra-high molecular weight hyper-branched structures and functionalizing their termini with cell-adhesive peptides, we successfully entrapped these clusters within the hydrogel matrix without compromising mechanical strength. This method has enabled successful cell culture on inherently non-adhesive PEG hydrogel surfaces at high peptide densities, a feat challenging to achieve with conventional means. The approach proposed in this study not only paves the way for new possibilities with polymer additives but also serves as a new design paradigm for cell culturing on non-cell-adhesive hydrogels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shohei Ishikawa
- Department of Chemistry & Biotechnology, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Hiroyuki Kamata
- Department of Chemistry & Biotechnology, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Takamasa Sakai
- Department of Chemistry & Biotechnology, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan.
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5
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Hartquist CM, Li B, Zhang JH, Yu Z, Lv G, Shin J, Boriskina SV, Chen G, Zhao X, Lin S. Reversible two-way tuning of thermal conductivity in an end-linked star-shaped thermoset. Nat Commun 2024; 15:5590. [PMID: 38961059 PMCID: PMC11222444 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49354-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Polymeric thermal switches that can reversibly tune and significantly enhance their thermal conductivities are desirable for diverse applications in electronics, aerospace, automotives, and medicine; however, they are rarely achieved. Here, we report a polymer-based thermal switch consisting of an end-linked star-shaped thermoset with two independent thermal conductivity tuning mechanisms-strain and temperature modulation-that rapidly, reversibly, and cyclically modulate thermal conductivity. The end-linked star-shaped thermoset exhibits a strain-modulated thermal conductivity enhancement up to 11.5 at a fixed temperature of 60 °C (increasing from 0.15 to 2.1 W m-1 K-1). Additionally, it demonstrates a temperature-modulated thermal conductivity tuning ratio up to 2.3 at a fixed stretch of 2.5 (increasing from 0.17 to 0.39 W m-1 K-1). When combined, these two effects collectively enable the end-linked star-shaped thermoset to achieve a thermal conductivity tuning ratio up to 14.2. Moreover, the end-linked star-shaped thermoset demonstrates reversible tuning for over 1000 cycles. The reversible two-way tuning of thermal conductivity is attributed to the synergy of aligned amorphous chains, oriented crystalline domains, and increased crystallinity by elastically deforming the end-linked star-shaped thermoset.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chase M Hartquist
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Buxuan Li
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - James H Zhang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Zhaohan Yu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Guangxin Lv
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Jungwoo Shin
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Svetlana V Boriskina
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Gang Chen
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
| | - Xuanhe Zhao
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
| | - Shaoting Lin
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA.
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6
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Yao X, Vishnu JA, Lupfer C, Hoenders D, Skarsetz O, Chen W, Dattler D, Perrot A, Wang WZ, Gao C, Giuseppone N, Schmid F, Walther A. Scalable Approach to Molecular Motor-Polymer Conjugates for Light-Driven Artificial Muscles. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2403514. [PMID: 38613525 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202403514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2024] [Revised: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/15/2024]
Abstract
The integration of molecular machines and motors into materials represents a promising avenue for creating dynamic and functional molecular systems, with potential applications in soft robotics or reconfigurable biomaterials. However, the development of truly scalable and controllable approaches for incorporating molecular motors into polymeric matrices has remained a challenge. Here, it is shown that light-driven molecular motors with sensitive photo-isomerizable double bonds can be converted into initiators for Cu-mediated controlled/living radical polymerization enabling the synthesis of star-shaped motor-polymer conjugates. This approach enables scalability, precise control over the molecular structure, block copolymer structures, and high-end group fidelity. Moreover, it is demonstrated that these materials can be crosslinked to form gels with quasi-ideal network topology, exhibiting light-triggered contraction. The influence of arm length and polymer structure is investigated, and the first molecular dynamics simulation framework to gain deeper insights into the contraction processes is developed. Leveraging this scalable methodology, the creation of bilayer soft robotic devices and cargo-lifting artificial muscles is showcased, highlighting the versatility and potential applications of this advanced polymer chemistry approach. It is anticipated that the integrated experimental and simulation framework will accelerate scalable approaches for active polymer materials based on molecular machines, opening up new horizons in materials science and bioscience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuyang Yao
- Life-Like Materials and Systems, Department of Chemistry, University of Mainz, Duesbergweg 10-14, 55128, Mainz, Germany
- SAMS Research Group, Université de Strasbourg, Institut Charles Sadron - CNRS, 23 rue du Loess, BP 84047, 67034, Strasbourg, Cedex 2, France
- Freiburg Institute for Advanced Studies, Freiburg, Germany
- Strasbourg Institute for Advanced Studies, Strasbourg, France
| | - Jude Ann Vishnu
- KOMET 1, Institute of Physics, Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz, D 55099, Mainz, Germany
| | - Claudius Lupfer
- Life-Like Materials and Systems, Department of Chemistry, University of Mainz, Duesbergweg 10-14, 55128, Mainz, Germany
| | - Daniel Hoenders
- Life-Like Materials and Systems, Department of Chemistry, University of Mainz, Duesbergweg 10-14, 55128, Mainz, Germany
| | - Oliver Skarsetz
- Life-Like Materials and Systems, Department of Chemistry, University of Mainz, Duesbergweg 10-14, 55128, Mainz, Germany
| | - Weixiang Chen
- Life-Like Materials and Systems, Department of Chemistry, University of Mainz, Duesbergweg 10-14, 55128, Mainz, Germany
| | - Damien Dattler
- SAMS Research Group, Université de Strasbourg, Institut Charles Sadron - CNRS, 23 rue du Loess, BP 84047, 67034, Strasbourg, Cedex 2, France
| | - Alexis Perrot
- SAMS Research Group, Université de Strasbourg, Institut Charles Sadron - CNRS, 23 rue du Loess, BP 84047, 67034, Strasbourg, Cedex 2, France
| | - Wen-Zhi Wang
- SAMS Research Group, Université de Strasbourg, Institut Charles Sadron - CNRS, 23 rue du Loess, BP 84047, 67034, Strasbourg, Cedex 2, France
| | - Chuan Gao
- SAMS Research Group, Université de Strasbourg, Institut Charles Sadron - CNRS, 23 rue du Loess, BP 84047, 67034, Strasbourg, Cedex 2, France
| | - Nicolas Giuseppone
- SAMS Research Group, Université de Strasbourg, Institut Charles Sadron - CNRS, 23 rue du Loess, BP 84047, 67034, Strasbourg, Cedex 2, France
- Freiburg Institute for Advanced Studies, Freiburg, Germany
- Strasbourg Institute for Advanced Studies, Strasbourg, France
- Institut Universitaire de France (IUF), Paris, 75005, France
| | - Friederike Schmid
- KOMET 1, Institute of Physics, Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz, D 55099, Mainz, Germany
| | - Andreas Walther
- Life-Like Materials and Systems, Department of Chemistry, University of Mainz, Duesbergweg 10-14, 55128, Mainz, Germany
- Freiburg Institute for Advanced Studies, Freiburg, Germany
- Strasbourg Institute for Advanced Studies, Strasbourg, France
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7
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He G, Xian Y, Lin H, Yu C, Chen L, Chen Z, Hong Y, Zhang C, Wu D. An injectable and coagulation-independent Tetra-PEG hydrogel bioadhesive for post-extraction hemostasis and alveolar bone regeneration. Bioact Mater 2024; 37:106-118. [PMID: 39022616 PMCID: PMC11252469 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2024.03.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Effective control of post-extraction hemorrhage and alveolar bone resorption is critical for successful extraction socket treatment, which remains an unmet clinical challenge. Herein, an injectable Tetra-PEG hydrogel that possesses rapid gelation, firm tissue adhesion, high mechanical strength, suitable degradability, and excellent biocompatibility is developed as a sutureless and coagulation-independent bioadhesive for the management of extraction sockets. Our results demonstrate that the rapid and robust adhesive sealing of the extraction socket by the Tetra-PEG hydrogel can provide reliable protection for the underlying wound and stabilize blood clots to facilitate tissue healing. In vivo experiments using an anticoagulated rat tooth extraction model show that the hydrogel significantly outperformed clinically used cotton and gelatin sponge in hemostatic efficacy, wound closure, alveolar ridge preservation, and in situ alveolar bone regeneration. Histomorphological evaluations reveal the mechanisms for accelerated bone repair through suppressed long-term inflammation, elevated collagen deposition, higher osteoblast activity, and enhanced angiogenesis. Together, our study highlights the clinical potential of the developed injectable Tetra-PEG hydrogel for treating anticoagulant-related post-extraction hemorrhage and improving socket healing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gang He
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Advanced Biomaterials, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, No. 1088 Xueyuan Avenue, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518055, China
| | - Yiwen Xian
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Advanced Biomaterials, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, No. 1088 Xueyuan Avenue, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518055, China
| | - Huajun Lin
- Department of Maxillofacial Surgery, Shenzhen Hospital, Southern Medical University, No. 1333 New Road, Baoan District, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518101, China
| | - Chengcheng Yu
- Department of Maxillofacial Surgery, Shenzhen Hospital, Southern Medical University, No. 1333 New Road, Baoan District, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518101, China
| | - Luyuan Chen
- Department of Maxillofacial Surgery, Shenzhen Hospital, Southern Medical University, No. 1333 New Road, Baoan District, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518101, China
| | - Zhihui Chen
- Department of Maxillofacial Surgery, Shenzhen Hospital, Southern Medical University, No. 1333 New Road, Baoan District, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518101, China
| | - Yonglong Hong
- Department of Maxillofacial Surgery, Shenzhen Hospital, Southern Medical University, No. 1333 New Road, Baoan District, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518101, China
| | - Chong Zhang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Advanced Biomaterials, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, No. 1088 Xueyuan Avenue, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518055, China
| | - Decheng Wu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Advanced Biomaterials, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, No. 1088 Xueyuan Avenue, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518055, China
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8
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Hoenders D, Ludwanowski S, Barner-Kowollik C, Walther A. Cyclodextrin 'Chaperones' Enable Quasi-Ideal Supramolecular Network Formation and Enhanced Photodimerization of Hydrophobic, Red-shifted Photoswitches in Water. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202405582. [PMID: 38640085 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202405582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2024] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Abstract
Precision-engineered light-triggered hydrogels are important for a diversity of applications. However, fields such as biomaterials require wavelength outside the harsh UV regime to prevent photodamage, typically requiring chromophores with extended π-conjugation that suffer from poor water solubility. Herein, we demonstrate how cyclodextrins can be used as auxiliary agents to not only solubilize such chromophores, but even to preorganize them in a 2 : 2 host-guest inclusion complex to facilitate photodimerization. We apply our concept to styrylpyrene-end-functionalized star-shaped polyethylene glycols (sPEGs). We initially unravel details of the host-guest inclusion complex using spectroscopy and mass spectrometry to give clear evidence of a 2 : 2 complex formation. Subsequently, we show that the resultant supramolecularly linked hydrogels conform to theories of supramolecular quasi-ideal model networks, and derive details on their association dynamics using in-depth rheological measurements and kinetic models. By comparing sPEGs of different arm length, we further elucidate the model network topology and the accessible mechanical property space. The photo-mediated dimerization proceeds smoothly, allowing to transform the supramolecular model networks into covalent ones. We submit that our strategy opens avenues for executing hydrophobic photochemistry in aqueous environments with enhanced control over reactivity, hydrogel topology or programmable mechanical properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Hoenders
- Life-Like Materials and Systems Lab, Department of Chemistry, University of Mainz, Duesbergweg 10-14, 55128, Mainz, Germany
| | - Simon Ludwanowski
- Life-Like Materials and Systems Lab, Department of Chemistry, University of Mainz, Duesbergweg 10-14, 55128, Mainz, Germany
| | - Christopher Barner-Kowollik
- School of Chemistry and Physics and Centre for Materials Science, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), 2 George Street, 4000 Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Institute of Nanotechnology (INT), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 1, 76344, Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
| | - Andreas Walther
- Life-Like Materials and Systems Lab, Department of Chemistry, University of Mainz, Duesbergweg 10-14, 55128, Mainz, Germany
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9
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Chu Z, He K, Huang S, Zhang W, Li X, Cui K. Investigating Temperature-Dependent Microscopic Deformation in Tough and Self-Healing Hydrogel Using Time-Resolved USAXS. Macromol Rapid Commun 2024:e2400327. [PMID: 38837533 DOI: 10.1002/marc.202400327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2024] [Revised: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
Tough and self-healing hydrogels are typically sensitive to loading rates or temperatures due to the dynamic nature of noncovalent bonds. Understanding the structure evolution under varying loading conditions can provide valuable insights for developing new tough soft materials. In this study, polyampholyte (PA) hydrogel with a hierarchical structure is used as a model system. The evolution of the microscopic structure during loading is investigated under varied loading temperatures. By combining ultra-small angle X-ray scattering (USAXS) and Mooney-Rivlin analysis, it is elucidated that the deformation of bicontinuous hard/soft phase networks is closely correlated with the relaxation dynamics or strength of noncovalent bonds. At high loading temperatures, the gel is soft and ductile, and large affine deformation of the phase-separated networks is observed, correlated with the fast relaxation dynamics of noncovalent bonds. At low loading temperatures, the gel is stiff, and nonaffine deformation occurs from the onset of loading due to the substantial breaking of noncovalent bonds and limited chain mobility as well as weak adaptation of phase deformation to external stretch. This work provides an in-depth understanding of the relationship between structure and performance of tough and self-healing hydrogels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaoyang Chu
- National Synchrotron Radiation Laboratory, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
- Anhui Provincial Engineering Laboratory of Advanced Functional Polymer Film, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
| | - Kaining He
- Anhui Provincial Engineering Laboratory of Advanced Functional Polymer Film, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Soft Matter Chemistry, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
- Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
| | - Siqi Huang
- Anhui Provincial Engineering Laboratory of Advanced Functional Polymer Film, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Soft Matter Chemistry, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
- Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
| | - Wenhua Zhang
- National Synchrotron Radiation Laboratory, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
| | - Xueyu Li
- Laboratory of Soft & Wet Matter, Faculty of Advanced Life Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, 001-0021, Japan
| | - Kunpeng Cui
- Anhui Provincial Engineering Laboratory of Advanced Functional Polymer Film, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Soft Matter Chemistry, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
- Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
- Key Laboratory of Precision and Intelligent Chemistry, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230026, China
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10
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Su G, Wang N, Liu Y, Zhang R, Li Z, Deng Y, Tang BZ. From Fluorescence-Transfer-Lightening-Printing-Assisted Conductive Adhesive Nanocomposite Hydrogels toward Wearable Interactive Optical Information-Electronic Strain Sensors. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2400085. [PMID: 38469972 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202400085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2024] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
The interactive flexible device, which monitors the human motion in optical and electrical synergistic modes, has attracted growing attention recently. The incorporation of information attribute within the optical signal is deemed advantageous for improving the interactive efficiency. Therefore, the development of wearable optical information-electronic strain sensors holds substantial promise, but integrating and synergizing various functions and realizing strain-mediated information transformation keep challenging. Herein, an amylopectin (AP) modified nanoclay/polyacrylamide-based nanocomposite (NC) hydrogel and an aggregation-induced-emission-active ink are fabricated. Through the fluorescence-transfer printing of the ink onto the hydrogel film in different strains with nested multiple symbolic information, a wearable interactive fluorescent information-electronic strain sensor is developed. In the sensor, the nanoclay plays a synergistic "one-stone-three-birds" role, contributing to "lightening" fluorescence (≈80 times emission intensity enhancement), ionic conductivity, and excellent stretchability (>1000%). The sensor has high biocompatibility, resilience (elastic recovery ratio: 97.8%), and strain sensitivity (gauge factor (GF): 10.9). Additionally, the AP endows the sensor with skin adhesiveness. The sensor can achieve electrical monitoring of human joint movements while displaying interactive fluorescent information transformation. This research poses an efficient strategy to develop multifunctional materials and provides a general platform for achieving next-generation interactive devices with prospective applications in wearable devices, human-machine interfaces, and artificial intelligence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gongmeiyue Su
- School of Medical Technology, Beijing Key Laboratory for Separation and Analysis in Biomedicine and Pharmaceuticals, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081, P. R. China
| | - Ni Wang
- School of Medical Technology, Beijing Key Laboratory for Separation and Analysis in Biomedicine and Pharmaceuticals, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081, P. R. China
| | - Yangkun Liu
- School of Medical Technology, Beijing Key Laboratory for Separation and Analysis in Biomedicine and Pharmaceuticals, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081, P. R. China
| | - Ruoyao Zhang
- School of Medical Technology, Beijing Key Laboratory for Separation and Analysis in Biomedicine and Pharmaceuticals, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081, P. R. China
| | - Zhao Li
- School of Medical Technology, Beijing Key Laboratory for Separation and Analysis in Biomedicine and Pharmaceuticals, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081, P. R. China
| | - Yulin Deng
- School of Medical Technology, Beijing Key Laboratory for Separation and Analysis in Biomedicine and Pharmaceuticals, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, 100081, P. R. China
| | - Ben Zhong Tang
- School of Science and Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen(CUHK-Shenzhen), Guangdong, 518172, P. R. China
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11
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Wang XQ, Xie AQ, Cao P, Yang J, Ong WL, Zhang KQ, Ho GW. Structuring and Shaping of Mechanically Robust and Functional Hydrogels toward Wearable and Implantable Applications. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2309952. [PMID: 38389497 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202309952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
Hydrogels possess unique features such as softness, wetness, responsiveness, and biocompatibility, making them highly suitable for biointegrated applications that have close interactions with living organisms. However, conventional man-made hydrogels are usually soft and brittle, making them inferior to the mechanically robust biological hydrogels. To ensure reliable and durable operation of biointegrated wearable and implantable devices, mechanical matching and shape adaptivity of hydrogels to tissues and organs are essential. Recent advances in polymer science and processing technologies have enabled mechanical engineering and shaping of hydrogels for various biointegrated applications. In this review, polymer network structuring strategies at micro/nanoscales for toughening hydrogels are summarized, and representative mechanical functionalities that exist in biological materials but are not easily achieved in synthetic hydrogels are further discussed. Three categories of processing technologies, namely, 3D printing, spinning, and coating for fabrication of tough hydrogel constructs with complex shapes are reviewed, and the corresponding hydrogel toughening strategies are also highlighted. These developments enable adaptive fabrication of mechanically robust and functional hydrogel devices, and promote application of hydrogels in the fields of biomedical engineering, bioelectronics, and soft robotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Qiao Wang
- National Engineering Laboratory for Modern Silk, College of Textile and Clothing Engineering, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - An-Quan Xie
- National Engineering Laboratory for Modern Silk, College of Textile and Clothing Engineering, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Pengle Cao
- National Engineering Laboratory for Modern Silk, College of Textile and Clothing Engineering, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Jian Yang
- National Engineering Laboratory for Modern Silk, College of Textile and Clothing Engineering, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Wei Li Ong
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, National University of Singapore, 4 Engineering Drive 3, Singapore, 117583, Singapore
| | - Ke-Qin Zhang
- National Engineering Laboratory for Modern Silk, College of Textile and Clothing Engineering, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Ghim Wei Ho
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, National University of Singapore, 4 Engineering Drive 3, Singapore, 117583, Singapore
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12
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Kong V, Staunton TA, Laaser JE. Effect of Cross-Link Homogeneity on the High-Strain Behavior of Elastic Polymer Networks. Macromolecules 2024; 57:4670-4679. [PMID: 38827963 PMCID: PMC11140753 DOI: 10.1021/acs.macromol.3c02565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 04/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
Cross-link heterogeneity and topological defects have been shown to affect the moduli of polymer networks in the low-strain regime. Probing their role in the high-strain regime, however, has been difficult because of premature network fracture. Here, we address this problem by using a double-network approach to investigate the high-strain behavior of both randomly and regularly cross-linked networks with the same backbone chemistry. Randomly cross-linked poly(n-butyl acrylate) networks with target molecular weights between cross-links of 5-30 kg/mol were synthesized via free-radical polymerization, while regularly cross-linked poly(n-butyl acrylate) networks with molecular weights between cross-links of 7-38 kg/mol were synthesized via cross-linking of tetrafunctional star polymers. Both types of networks were then swollen in a monomer/cross-linker mixture, polymerized to form double networks, and characterized via uniaxial tensile testing. The onset of strain stiffening was found to occur later in regular networks than in random networks with the same modulus but was well-predicted by the target molecular weight between cross-links of each sample. These results indicate that the low- and high-strain behavior of polymer networks result from different molecular-scale features of the material and suggest that controlling network architecture offers new opportunities to both further fundamental understanding of architecture-property relationships and design materials with independently controlled moduli and strain stiffening responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria
A. Kong
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260, United States
| | - Thomas A. Staunton
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260, United States
| | - Jennifer E. Laaser
- Department of Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260, United States
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13
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Li Y, Zhao W, Cheng Z, Sun ZY, Liu H. Structural heterogeneity in tetra-armed gels revealed by computer simulation: Evidence from a graph theory assisted characterization. J Chem Phys 2024; 160:144902. [PMID: 38591682 DOI: 10.1063/5.0198388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Designing homogeneous networks is considered one typical strategy for solving the problem of strength and toughness conflict of polymer network materials. Experimentalists have proposed the hypothesis of obtaining a structurally homogeneous hydrogel by crosslinking tetra-armed polymers, whose homogeneity was claimed to be verified by scattering characterization and other methods. Nevertheless, it is highly desirable to further evaluate this issue from other perspectives. In this study, a coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulation coupled with a stochastic reaction model is applied to reveal the topological structure of a polymer network synthesized by tetra-armed monomers as precursors. Two different scenarios, distinguished by whether internal cross-linking is allowed, are considered. We introduce the Dijkstra algorithm from graph theory to precisely characterize the network structure. The microscopic features of the network structure, e.g., loop size, dispersity, and size distribution, are obtained via the Dijkstra algorithm. By comparing the two reaction scenarios, Scenario II exhibits an overall more idealized structure. Our results demonstrate the feasibility of the Dijkstra algorithm for precisely characterizing the polymer network structure. We expect this work will provide a new insight for the evaluation and description of gel networks and further help to reveal the dynamic process of network formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingxiang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Physics and Chemistry, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130022, People's Republic of China
- School of Applied Chemistry and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenbo Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment Ministry of Education, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhiyuan Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment Ministry of Education, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhao-Yan Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Physics and Chemistry, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130022, People's Republic of China
- School of Applied Chemistry and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, People's Republic of China
| | - Hong Liu
- Key Laboratory of Theoretical Chemistry of Environment Ministry of Education, South China Normal University, Guangzhou 510006, People's Republic of China
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14
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Liu B, Chen K. Advances in Hydrogel-Based Drug Delivery Systems. Gels 2024; 10:262. [PMID: 38667681 PMCID: PMC11048949 DOI: 10.3390/gels10040262] [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: 03/19/2024] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Hydrogels, with their distinctive three-dimensional networks of hydrophilic polymers, drive innovations across various biomedical applications. The ability of hydrogels to absorb and retain significant volumes of water, coupled with their structural integrity and responsiveness to environmental stimuli, renders them ideal for drug delivery, tissue engineering, and wound healing. This review delves into the classification of hydrogels based on cross-linking methods, providing insights into their synthesis, properties, and applications. We further discuss the recent advancements in hydrogel-based drug delivery systems, including oral, injectable, topical, and ocular approaches, highlighting their significance in enhancing therapeutic outcomes. Additionally, we address the challenges faced in the clinical translation of hydrogels and propose future directions for leveraging their potential in personalized medicine and regenerative healthcare solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boya Liu
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Kuo Chen
- Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
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15
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Meng Z, Löser L, Saalwächter K, Gasser U, Klok HA. Disulfide-Cross-Linked Tetra-PEG Gels. Macromolecules 2024; 57:3058-3065. [PMID: 38616809 PMCID: PMC11008237 DOI: 10.1021/acs.macromol.3c02514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
The preparation of polymer gels via cross-linking of four-arm star-shaped poly(ethylene glycol) (Tetra-PEG) precursors is an attractive strategy to prepare networks with relatively well-defined topologies. Typically, Tetra-PEG gels are obtained by cross-linking heterocomplementary reactive Tetra-PEG precursors. This study, in contrast, explores the cross-linking of self-reactive, thiol-end functional Tetra-PEG macromers to form disulfide-cross-linked gels. The structure of the disulfide-cross-linked Tetra-PEG gels was studied with multiple-quantum NMR (MQ-NMR) spectroscopy and small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) experiments. In line with earlier simulation studies, these experiments showed a strong dependence of the relative fractions of the different network connectivities on the concentration of the thiol-end functional Tetra-PEG macromer that was used for the synthesis of the networks. Disulfide-cross-linked Tetra-PEG gels prepared at macromer concentrations below the overlap concentration (c = 0.66c*) primarily feature defect connectivity motifs, such as primary loops and dangling ends. For networks prepared at macromer concentrations above the overlap concentration, the fraction of single-link connectivities was found to be similar to that in amide-cross-linked Tetra-PEG gels obtained by heterocomplementary cross-linking of N-hydroxysuccinimide ester and amine functional Tetra-PEG macromers. Since disulfide bonds are susceptible to reductive cleavage, these disulfide-cross-linked gels are of interest, e.g., as reduction-sensitive hydrogels for a variety of biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhao Meng
- Institut
des Matériaux and Institut des Sciences et Ingénierie
Chimiques, Laboratoire des Polymères, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Bâtiment MXD, Station 12, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
- Swiss
National Center for Competence in Research (NCCR) Bio-inspired Materials, University of Fribourg, Chemin des Verdiers 4, CH-1700 Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Lucas Löser
- Institut
für Physik - NMR, Martin-Luther Universität
Halle-Wittenberg, Betty-Heimann-Str. 7, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Kay Saalwächter
- Institut
für Physik - NMR, Martin-Luther Universität
Halle-Wittenberg, Betty-Heimann-Str. 7, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Urs Gasser
- Laboratory
for Neutron Scattering and Imaging (LNS), Paul Scherrer Institut, CH-5232 Villigen PSI, Switzerland
| | - Harm-Anton Klok
- Institut
des Matériaux and Institut des Sciences et Ingénierie
Chimiques, Laboratoire des Polymères, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Bâtiment MXD, Station 12, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
- Swiss
National Center for Competence in Research (NCCR) Bio-inspired Materials, University of Fribourg, Chemin des Verdiers 4, CH-1700 Fribourg, Switzerland
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16
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Zhang Y, Pan Y, Chang R, Chen K, Wang K, Tan H, Yin M, Liu C, Qu X. Advancing homogeneous networking principles for the development of fatigue-resistant, low-swelling and sprayable hydrogels for sealing wet, dynamic and concealed wounds in vivo. Bioact Mater 2024; 34:150-163. [PMID: 38225944 PMCID: PMC10788230 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2023.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Effective sealing of wet, dynamic and concealed wounds remains a formidable challenge in clinical practice. Sprayable hydrogel sealants are promising due to their ability to cover a wide area rapidly, but they face limitations in dynamic and moist environments. To address this issue, we have employed the principle of a homogeneous network to design a sprayable hydrogel sealant with enhanced fatigue resistance and reduced swelling. This network is formed by combining the spherical structure of lysozyme (LZM) with the orthotetrahedral structure of 4-arm-polyethylene glycol (4-arm-PEG). We have achieved exceptional sprayability by controlling the pH of the precursor solution. The homogeneous network, constructed through uniform cross-linking of amino groups in protein and 4-arm-PEG-NHS, provides the hydrogel with outstanding fatigue resistance, low swelling and sustained adhesion. In vitro testing demonstrated that it could endure 2000 cycles of underwater shearing, while in vivo experiments showed adhesion maintenance exceeding 24 h. Furthermore, the hydrogel excelled in sealing leaks and promoting ulcer healing in models including porcine cardiac hemorrhage, lung air leakage and rat oral ulcers, surpassing commonly used clinical materials. Therefore, our research presents an advanced biomaterial strategy with the potential to advance the clinical management of wet, dynamic and concealed wounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Zhang
- Key Laboratory for Ultrafine Materials of Ministry of Education, School of Material Science and Engineering, Frontiers Science Center for Materiobiology and Dynamic Chemistry, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Yanjun Pan
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 1678 Dong Fang Road, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Ronghang Chang
- Key Laboratory for Ultrafine Materials of Ministry of Education, School of Material Science and Engineering, Frontiers Science Center for Materiobiology and Dynamic Chemistry, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Kangli Chen
- Key Laboratory for Ultrafine Materials of Ministry of Education, School of Material Science and Engineering, Frontiers Science Center for Materiobiology and Dynamic Chemistry, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Kun Wang
- Key Laboratory for Ultrafine Materials of Ministry of Education, School of Material Science and Engineering, Frontiers Science Center for Materiobiology and Dynamic Chemistry, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Haoqi Tan
- Suzhou Innovation Center of Shanghai University, Shanghai University, Suzhou 215000, Jiangsu, China
| | - Meng Yin
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 1678 Dong Fang Road, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Changsheng Liu
- Key Laboratory for Ultrafine Materials of Ministry of Education, School of Material Science and Engineering, Frontiers Science Center for Materiobiology and Dynamic Chemistry, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Xue Qu
- Key Laboratory for Ultrafine Materials of Ministry of Education, School of Material Science and Engineering, Frontiers Science Center for Materiobiology and Dynamic Chemistry, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
- Wenzhou Institute of Shanghai University, Wenzhou, 325000, China
- Shanghai Frontier Science Center of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism Shanghai, 200237, China
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17
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Zhang Z, Zhao J, Yan X. Mechanically Interlocked Polymers with Dense Mechanical Bonds. Acc Chem Res 2024; 57:992-1006. [PMID: 38417011 DOI: 10.1021/acs.accounts.4c00006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/01/2024]
Abstract
ConspectusMechanically interlocked polymers (MIPs) such as polyrotaxanes and polycatenanes are polymer architectures that incorporate mechanical bonds, which represent a compelling frontier in polymer science. MIPs with cross-linked structures are known as mechanically interlocked networks (MINs) and are widely utilized in materials science. Leveraging the motion of mechanical bonds, MINs hold the potential for achieving a combination of robustness and dynamicity. Currently, the reported MINs predominantly consist of networks with discrete mechanical bonds as cross-linking points, exemplified by well-known slide-ring materials and rotaxane/catenane cross-linked polymers. The motion of these mechanically interlocked cross-linking points facilitates the redistribution of tension throughout the network, effectively preventing stress concentration and thereby enhancing material toughness. In these instances, the impact of mechanical bonds can be likened to the adage "small things can make a big difference", whereby a limited number of mechanical bonds substantially elevate the mechanical performance of conventional polymers. In addition to MINs cross-linked by mechanical bonds, there is another type of MIN in which their principal parts are polymer chains composed of dense mechanical bonds. Within these MINs, mechanical bonds generally serve as repeating units, and their unique properties stem from integrating and amplifying the function of a large amount of mechanical bonds. Consequently, MINs with dense mechanical bonds tend to reflect the intrinsic properties of mechanical interlocked polymers, making their exploration critical for a comprehensive understanding of MIPs. Nevertheless, investigations into MINs featuring dense mechanical bonds remain relatively scarce.This Account presents a comprehensive overview of our investigation and insights into MINs featuring dense mechanical bonds. First, we delve into the synthetic strategies employed to effectively prepare MINs with dense mechanical bonds, while critically evaluating their advantages and limitations. Through meticulous control of the core interlocking step, three distinct strategies have emerged: mechanical interlocking followed by polymerization, supramolecular polymerization followed by mechanical interlocking, and dynamic interlocking. Furthermore, we underscore the structure-property relationships of MINs with dense mechanical bonds. The macroscopic properties of MINs originate from integrating and amplifying countless microscopic motions of mechanical bonds, a phenomenon we define as an integration and amplification mechanism. Our investigation has revealed detailed motion characteristics of mechanical bonds in bulk mechanically interlocked materials, encompassing the quantification of motion activation energy, discrimination of varying motion distances, and elucidation of the recovery process. Additionally, we have elucidated their influence on the mechanical performance of the respective materials. Moreover, we have explored potential applications of MINs, leveraging their exceptional mechanical properties and dynamicity. These applications include enhancing the toughness of conventional polymers, engineering mechanically adaptive and multifunctional aerogels, and mitigating Li protrusion as interfacial layers in lithium-ion batteries. Finally, we offer our personal perspectives on the promises, opportunities, and key challenges in the future development of MINs with dense mechanical bonds, underscoring the potential for transformative advancements in this burgeoning field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaoming Zhang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, P. R. China
| | - Jun Zhao
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, P. R. China
| | - Xuzhou Yan
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, P. R. China
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18
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Ohya Y, Dohi R, Seko F, Nakazawa Y, Mizuguchi KI, Shinzaki K, Yasui T, Ogawa H, Kato S, Yoshizaki Y, Murase N, Kuzuya A. Synthesis of Topological Gels by Penetrating Polymerization Using a Molecular Net. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202317045. [PMID: 38191829 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202317045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
Topological gels possess structures that are cross-linked only via physical constraints; ideally, no attractive intermolecular interactions act between their components, which yields interesting physical properties. However, most reported previous topological gels were synthesized based on supramolecular interlocked structures such as polyrotaxane, for which attractive intermolecular interactions are essential. Here, we synthesize a water-soluble "molecular net" (MN) with a large molecular weight and three-dimensional network structure using poly(ethylene glycol). When a water-soluble monomer (N-isopropylacrylamide) is polymerized in the presence of the MNs, the extending polymer chains penetrates the MNs to form an ideal topological MN gel with no specific attractive interactions between its components. The MN gels show unique physical properties as well a significantly high degree of swelling and high extensibility due to slipping of the physical cross-linking. We postulate this method to yield a new paradigm in gel science with unprecedented physical properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuichi Ohya
- Department of Chemistry and Materials Engineering, Faculty of Chemistry, Materials and Bioengineering, Kansai University, 3-3-35 Yamate, Suita, Osaka, 564-8680, Japan
- Kansai University Medical Polymer Research Center, Kansai University, 3-3-35 Yamate, Suita, Osaka, 564-8680, Japan
| | - Ryota Dohi
- Department of Chemistry and Materials Engineering, Faculty of Chemistry, Materials and Bioengineering, Kansai University, 3-3-35 Yamate, Suita, Osaka, 564-8680, Japan
| | - Fumika Seko
- Department of Chemistry and Materials Engineering, Faculty of Chemistry, Materials and Bioengineering, Kansai University, 3-3-35 Yamate, Suita, Osaka, 564-8680, Japan
| | - Yuto Nakazawa
- Department of Chemistry and Materials Engineering, Faculty of Chemistry, Materials and Bioengineering, Kansai University, 3-3-35 Yamate, Suita, Osaka, 564-8680, Japan
| | - Ken-Ichiro Mizuguchi
- Department of Chemistry and Materials Engineering, Faculty of Chemistry, Materials and Bioengineering, Kansai University, 3-3-35 Yamate, Suita, Osaka, 564-8680, Japan
| | - Kosei Shinzaki
- Department of Chemistry and Materials Engineering, Faculty of Chemistry, Materials and Bioengineering, Kansai University, 3-3-35 Yamate, Suita, Osaka, 564-8680, Japan
| | - Takahiko Yasui
- Department of Chemistry and Materials Engineering, Faculty of Chemistry, Materials and Bioengineering, Kansai University, 3-3-35 Yamate, Suita, Osaka, 564-8680, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Ogawa
- Department of Chemistry and Materials Engineering, Faculty of Chemistry, Materials and Bioengineering, Kansai University, 3-3-35 Yamate, Suita, Osaka, 564-8680, Japan
| | - Shizuka Kato
- Department of Chemistry and Materials Engineering, Faculty of Chemistry, Materials and Bioengineering, Kansai University, 3-3-35 Yamate, Suita, Osaka, 564-8680, Japan
| | - Yuta Yoshizaki
- Organization for Research & Development of Innovative Science & Technology (ORDIST), Kansai University, 3-3-35 Yamate, Suita, Osaka, 564-8680, Japan
- Current address: Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, 6-3 Aoba, Aramaki, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-8578, Japan
| | - Nobuo Murase
- Organization for Research & Development of Innovative Science & Technology (ORDIST), Kansai University, 3-3-35 Yamate, Suita, Osaka, 564-8680, Japan
| | - Akinori Kuzuya
- Department of Chemistry and Materials Engineering, Faculty of Chemistry, Materials and Bioengineering, Kansai University, 3-3-35 Yamate, Suita, Osaka, 564-8680, Japan
- Kansai University Medical Polymer Research Center, Kansai University, 3-3-35 Yamate, Suita, Osaka, 564-8680, Japan
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19
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Nepal S, Si J, Ishikawa S, Nishikawa M, Sakai Y, Akimoto AM, Okada H, Ohba S, Chung UI, Sakai T, Hojo H. Injectable phase-separated tetra-armed poly(ethylene glycol) hydrogel scaffold allows sustained release of growth factors to enhance the repair of critical bone defects. Regen Ther 2024; 25:24-34. [PMID: 38108043 PMCID: PMC10724494 DOI: 10.1016/j.reth.2023.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
With the rising prevalence of bone-related injuries, it is crucial to improve treatments for fractures and defects. Tissue engineering offers a promising solution in the form of injectable hydrogel scaffolds that can sustain the release of growth factors like bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) for bone repair. Recently, we discovered that tetra-PEG hydrogels (Tetra gels) undergo gel-gel phase separation (GGPS) at low polymer content, resulting in hydrophobicity and tissue affinity. In this work, we examined the potential of a newer class of gel, the oligo-tetra-PEG gel (Oligo gel), as a growth factor-releasing scaffold. We investigated the extent of GGPS occurring in the two gels and assessed their ability to sustain BMP-2 release and osteogenic potential in a mouse calvarial defect model. The Oligo gel underwent a greater degree of GGPS than the Tetra gel, exhibiting higher turbidity, hydrophobicity, and pore formation. The Oligo gel demonstrated sustained protein or growth factor release over a 21-day period from protein release kinetics and osteogenic cell differentiation studies. Finally, BMP-2-loaded Oligo gels achieved complete regeneration of critical-sized calvarial defects within 28 days, significantly outperforming Tetra gels. The easy formulation, injectability, and capacity for sustained release makes the Oligo gel a promising candidate therapeutic biomaterial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shant Nepal
- Department of Bioengineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan
| | - Jinyan Si
- Department of Bioengineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan
| | - Shohei Ishikawa
- Department of Bioengineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan
| | - Masaki Nishikawa
- Department of Chemical Systems Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan
| | - Yasuyuki Sakai
- Department of Bioengineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan
- Department of Chemical Systems Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan
| | - Aya M. Akimoto
- Department of Materials Engineering, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Okada
- Center for Disease Biology and Integrative Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
| | - Shinsuke Ohba
- Department of Tissue and Developmental Biology, Graduate School of Dentistry, Osaka University, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Ung-il Chung
- Department of Bioengineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan
- Center for Disease Biology and Integrative Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
| | - Takamasa Sakai
- Department of Bioengineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan
| | - Hironori Hojo
- Department of Bioengineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan
- Center for Disease Biology and Integrative Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8655, Japan
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20
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Xu Z, Chen Y, Cao Y, Xue B. Tough Hydrogels with Different Toughening Mechanisms and Applications. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2675. [PMID: 38473922 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25052675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Load-bearing biological tissues, such as cartilage and muscles, exhibit several crucial properties, including high elasticity, strength, and recoverability. These characteristics enable these tissues to endure significant mechanical stresses and swiftly recover after deformation, contributing to their exceptional durability and functionality. In contrast, while hydrogels are highly biocompatible and hold promise as synthetic biomaterials, their inherent network structure often limits their ability to simultaneously possess a diverse range of superior mechanical properties. As a result, the applications of hydrogels are significantly constrained. This article delves into the design mechanisms and mechanical properties of various tough hydrogels and investigates their applications in tissue engineering, flexible electronics, and other fields. The objective is to provide insights into the fabrication and application of hydrogels with combined high strength, stretchability, toughness, and fast recovery as well as their future development directions and challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengyu Xu
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructure, Department of Physics, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Yanru Chen
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructure, Department of Physics, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Yi Cao
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructure, Department of Physics, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
- Jinan Microecological Biomedicine Shandong Laboratory, Jinan 250000, China
| | - Bin Xue
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, National Laboratory of Solid State Microstructure, Department of Physics, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
- Jinan Microecological Biomedicine Shandong Laboratory, Jinan 250000, China
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21
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Zhang B, Wang M, Tian H, Cai H, Wu S, Jiao S, Zhao J, Li Y, Zhou H, Guo W, Qu W. Functional hemostatic hydrogels: design based on procoagulant principles. J Mater Chem B 2024; 12:1706-1729. [PMID: 38288779 DOI: 10.1039/d3tb01900d] [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: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
Uncontrolled hemorrhage results in various complications and is currently the leading cause of death in the general population. Traditional hemostatic methods have drawbacks that may lead to ineffective hemostasis and even the risk of secondary injury. Therefore, there is an urgent need for more effective hemostatic techniques. Polymeric hemostatic materials, particularly hydrogels, are ideal due to their biocompatibility, flexibility, absorption, and versatility. Functional hemostatic hydrogels can enhance hemostasis by creating physical circumstances conducive to hemostasis or by directly interfering with the physiological processes of hemostasis. The procoagulant principles include increasing the concentration of localized hemostatic substances or establishing a physical barrier at the physical level and intervention in blood cells or the coagulation cascade at the physiological level. Moreover, synergistic hemostasis can combine these functions. However, some hydrogels are ineffective in promoting hemostasis or have a limited application scope. These defects have impeded the advancement of hemostatic hydrogels. To provide inspiration and resources for new designs, this review provides an overview of the procoagulant principles of hemostatic hydrogels. We also discuss the challenges in developing effective hemostatic hydrogels and provide viewpoints.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boxiang Zhang
- Department of Colorectal & Anal Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130000, Jilin Province, China
| | - Min Wang
- Department of Colorectal & Anal Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130000, Jilin Province, China
| | - Heng Tian
- Department of Hand Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, 218 Ziqiang Street, Changchun, 130041, P. R. China.
| | - Hang Cai
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130041, P. R. China
| | - Siyu Wu
- Department of Hand Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, 218 Ziqiang Street, Changchun, 130041, P. R. China.
| | - Simin Jiao
- Department of Gastrointestinal Nutrition and Hernia Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, 218 Ziqiang Street, Changchun, 130041, P. R. China
| | - Jie Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Bionic Engineering, Ministry of Education, Jilin University, Changchun, 130022, P. R. China
| | - Yan Li
- Trauma and Reparative Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- The Division of Orthopedics and Biotechnology, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology (CLINTEC), Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Huidong Zhou
- Department of Hand Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, 218 Ziqiang Street, Changchun, 130041, P. R. China.
| | - Wenlai Guo
- Department of Hand Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, 218 Ziqiang Street, Changchun, 130041, P. R. China.
| | - Wenrui Qu
- Department of Hand Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, 218 Ziqiang Street, Changchun, 130041, P. R. China.
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22
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Riahinezhad H, Amsden BG. In situ forming, mechanically resilient hydrogels prepared from 4a-[PEG- b-PTMC-Ac] and thiolated chondroitin sulfate for nucleus pulposus cell delivery. J Mater Chem B 2024; 12:1257-1270. [PMID: 38167961 DOI: 10.1039/d3tb02574h] [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: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Intervertebral disk degeneration (IVDD) is a common condition that causes severe back pain and affects patients' mobility and life quality considerably. IVDD originates within the central region of the disk called the nucleus pulposus (NP). Removing the damaged tissue and replacing it with NP cells (NPCs) delivered within an in situ forming hydrogel is a promising treatment approach. Herein we describe a hydrogel formulation based on 4-arm [poly(ethylene glycol)-b-poly(trimethylene carbonate)-acrylate] (4a[PEG-b-PTMC-Ac]) crosslinked with thiolated chondroitin sulfate via Michael-type reaction for this purpose. A library of hydrogels based on 15 kDa 4a-[PEG] with PTMC blocks of varying molecular weight were prepared and characterized. The instantaneous moduli of the hydrogels were adjustable from 24 to 150 kPa depending on the length of the PTMC block and the polymer volume fraction. The influence of each of these parameters was effectively explained using both scaling or mean field theories of polyelectrolyte hydrogels. The hydrogels were resistant to cyclic compressive loading and degraded gradually over 70 days in vitro. A hydrogel formulation with an instantaneous modulus at the high end of the range of values reported for human NP tissue was chosen to assess the ability of these hydrogels for delivering NPCs. The prepolymer solution was injectable and formed a hydrogel within 30 minutes at 37 °C. Bovine NPCs were encapsulated within this hydrogel with high viability and proliferated throughout a 28 day, hypoxic culture period. The encapsulated NPCs formed clusters and deposited collagen type II but no collagen type I within the hydrogels. Despite an initial gradual decrease, a steady-state modulus was reached at the end of the 28 day culture period that was within the range reported for healthy human NP tissue. This in situ forming hydrogel formulation is a promising approach and with further development could be a viable clinical treatment for IVDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hossein Riahinezhad
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada.
| | - Brian G Amsden
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada.
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23
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Merland T, Berteau M, Schmutz M, Legoupy S, Nicolai T, Benyahia L, Chassenieux C. Elaboration and rheological characterization of nanocomposite hydrogels containing C 60 fullerene nanoplatelets. SOFT MATTER 2024; 20:848-855. [PMID: 38170637 DOI: 10.1039/d3sm01559a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Nanocomposite hydrogels were elaborated that consisted of a physical network formed by an amphiphilic polymer in which C60 fullerene nanoplatelets were embedded. Characterization showed that the nanoplatelets within the polymer network were aggregated. The presence of these nanoplatelets led to an increase of the shear modulus of the hydrogels, that cannot be explained by a filler effect alone. The nanocomposite gels displayed similar rheological behavior, both in linear and non-linear domains, as neat hydrogels at higher polymer concentrations. We suggest that the particles reinforced the gels by forming additional connections between the polymer chains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Théo Merland
- Institut des Molécules et Matériaux du Mans, UMR CNRS 6283, Le Mans Université, Avenue Olivier Messiaen, 72085 Le Mans Cedex 9, France
- Soft Matter Sciences and Engineering, ESPCI Paris, PSL University, Sorbonne University, CNRS, F-75005 Paris, France.
| | - Mathieu Berteau
- Institut des Molécules et Matériaux du Mans, UMR CNRS 6283, Le Mans Université, Avenue Olivier Messiaen, 72085 Le Mans Cedex 9, France
| | - Marc Schmutz
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, Institut Charles Sadron, UPR 22, 23 Rue du Loess, 67034 Strasbourg Cedex, France
| | - Stéphanie Legoupy
- Université d'Angers, MOLTECH-ANJOU, UMR CNRS 6200, F-49000 Angers, France
| | - Taco Nicolai
- Institut des Molécules et Matériaux du Mans, UMR CNRS 6283, Le Mans Université, Avenue Olivier Messiaen, 72085 Le Mans Cedex 9, France
| | - Lazhar Benyahia
- Institut des Molécules et Matériaux du Mans, UMR CNRS 6283, Le Mans Université, Avenue Olivier Messiaen, 72085 Le Mans Cedex 9, France
| | - Christophe Chassenieux
- Institut des Molécules et Matériaux du Mans, UMR CNRS 6283, Le Mans Université, Avenue Olivier Messiaen, 72085 Le Mans Cedex 9, France
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24
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Tsuyukubo A, Kubota R, Sato Y, Fujimoto I. The Toughness-Enhanced Atelocollagen Double-Network Gel for Biomaterials. Polymers (Basel) 2024; 16:283. [PMID: 38276691 PMCID: PMC10818786 DOI: 10.3390/polym16020283] [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: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
A tough gel composed of atelocollagen, which lacks an immunogenetic site, is a promising material for biomedical application. In this study, we created a composite hydrogel composed of atelocollagen gel cross-linked with glutaraldehyde (GA) and poly-(N,N-dimethylacrylamide) gel exhibiting biocompatibility based on the double-network (DN) gel principle. The tensile toughness of atelocollagen gel remained constant regardless of the amount of cross-linker (GA) used. In contrast, tensile tests of the DN gel indicated that mechanical properties, such as fracture stress and toughness, were significantly higher than those of the atelocollagen gel. Moreover, fibroblast cells adhered and spread on the gels, the Schiff bases of which were treated via reductive amination for detoxification from GA. These findings demonstrate the potential of the proposed gel materials as artificial alternative materials to soft tissues with sub-MPa fracture stress.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Riku Kubota
- Koken Research Institute, Koken Co., Ltd., 1-18-36 Takarada, Tsuruoka 997-0011, Yamagata, Japan
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25
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Koo MB, Lee JH, Kim GW, Jang H, Kim SY, Kim KT. Structural Homogeneity of Macromolecular Networks by End-to-End Click Chemistry between Discrete Tetrahedral Star Macromolecules. ACS Macro Lett 2024; 13:75-81. [PMID: 38170942 DOI: 10.1021/acsmacrolett.3c00619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Cross-linking via the end-to-end click chemistry of multiarm star polymers creates polymer networks with minimal inhomogeneities. Although it has been suggested that the mechanical and swelling properties of such networks depend on the absence of defects, the structural details of homogeneous networks created by this method have not yet been studied at the molecular level. Here, we report the synthesis of discrete tetrahedral star macromolecules (dTSMs) composed of polylactide (PLA) arms with discrete molecular weight and sequence. Polymer networks prepared by 4 × 4 cross-linking by Cu-free strain-promoted cyclooctyne-azide click chemistry (SPAAC) reaction exhibited a high degree of swelling (>40 fold by weight) in solvents without sacrificing mechanical robustness (elastic modulus >4 kPa). The structural details of the networks were investigated by network disassembly spectrometry (NDS) using MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. By implementing a cleavable repeating unit in the discrete PLA arms of dTSM in a sequence-specific manner, the networks could be disassembled into fragments having discrete molecular weights precisely representing their connectivity in the network. This NDS analysis confirmed that end-to-end click reactions of dTSM networks resulted in the formation of a homogeneous network above the critical concentration (∼10 w/v%) of building blocks in the solution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mo Beom Koo
- Department of Chemistry, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
| | - Jae Hak Lee
- Department of Chemistry, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
| | - Geon Woong Kim
- School of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Institute of Chemical Processes, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
| | - Heejeong Jang
- Department of Chemistry, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
| | - So Youn Kim
- School of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Institute of Chemical Processes, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
| | - Kyoung Taek Kim
- Department of Chemistry, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea
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26
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Ishikawa S, Sakai T. One-Pot Approach to Synthesize Tough and Cell Adhesive Double-Network Hydrogels Consisting of Fully Synthetic Materials of Self-Assembling Peptide and Poly(ethylene glycol). ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2023; 6:5282-5289. [PMID: 37862142 DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.3c00562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2023]
Abstract
Hydrogels with a double network (DN) structure are compelling biomaterials, holding potential for use as artificial extracellular matrices. Generally, the DN approach imparts hydrogels with high mechanical strength and cell-adhesive properties. However, achieving this often demands a complex multistep process involving potentially hazardous free-radical polymerization, which can result in toxicity. This limits their broad biological applications. In this work, we introduce a straightforward yet biocompatible method to fabricate tough and cell-adhesive DN hydrogels using entirely synthetic materials: the self-assembling peptide (RADA16) and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG). An in situ mixing of these components leads to the sequential formation of DN hydrogels─first through the self-assembly of the RADA16 peptide and then via chemical cross-linking between PEG molecules. Hydrogels produced this way exhibited up to a 10-fold increase in fracture energy, and cells seeded on their surfaces showcased good attachment. Our design underscores the efficacy of the DN approach and the promising applications of peptides in tissue engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shohei Ishikawa
- Department of Chemistry & Biotechnology, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan
| | - Takamasa Sakai
- Department of Chemistry & Biotechnology, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan
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27
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Hartquist CM, Lin S, Zhang JH, Wang S, Rubinstein M, Zhao X. An elastomer with ultrahigh strain-induced crystallization. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadj0411. [PMID: 38091402 PMCID: PMC10848725 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adj0411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
Strain-induced crystallization (SIC) prevalently strengthens, toughens, and enables an elastocaloric effect in elastomers. However, the crystallinity induced by mechanical stretching in common elastomers (e.g., natural rubber) is typically below 20%, and the stretchability plateaus due to trapped entanglements. We report a class of elastomers formed by end-linking and then deswelling star polymers with low defects and no trapped entanglements, which achieve strain-induced crystallinity of up to 50%. The deswollen end-linked star elastomer (DELSE) reaches an ultrahigh stretchability of 12.4 to 33.3, scaling beyond the saturated limit of common elastomers. The DELSE also exhibits a high fracture energy of 4.2 to 4.5 kJ m-2 while maintaining low hysteresis. The heightened SIC and stretchability synergistically promote a high elastocaloric effect with an adiabatic temperature change of 9.3°C.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chase M. Hartquist
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Shaoting Lin
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - James H. Zhang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Shu Wang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Michael Rubinstein
- Departments of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Biomedical Engineering, Chemistry, and Physics, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Institute for Chemical Reaction Design and Discovery, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Xuanhe Zhao
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
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28
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Suga K, Yamakado T, Saito S. Dual Ratiometric Fluorescence Monitoring of Mechanical Polymer Chain Stretching and Subsequent Strain-Induced Crystallization. J Am Chem Soc 2023. [PMID: 38051032 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c09175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
Tracking the behavior of mechanochromic molecules provides valuable insights into force transmission and associated microstructural changes in soft materials under load. Herein, we report a dual ratiometric fluorescence (FL) analysis for monitoring both mechanical polymer chain stretching and strain-induced crystallization (SIC) of polymers. SIC has recently attracted renewed attention as an effective mechanism for improving the mechanical properties of polymers. A polyurethane (PU) film incorporating a trace of a dual-emissive flapping force probe (N-FLAP, 0.008 wt %) exhibited a blue-to-green FL spectral change in a low-stress region (<20 MPa), resulting from conformational planarization of the probe in mechanically stretched polymer chains. More importantly, at higher probe concentrations (∼0.65 wt %), the PU film showed a second spectral change from green to yellow during the SIC growth (20-65 MPa) due to self-absorption of scattered FL in a short wavelength region. The reversibility of these spectral changes was demonstrated by load-unload cycles. With these results in hand, the degrees of the polymer chain stretching and the SIC were quantitatively mapped and monitored by dual ratiometric imaging based on different FL ratios (I525/I470 and I525/I600). Simultaneous analysis of these two mappings revealed a spatiotemporal gap in the distribution of the polymer chain stretching and the SIC. The combinational use of the dual-emissive force probe and the ratiometric FL imaging is a universal approach for the development of soft matter physics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kensuke Suga
- Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, Kitashirakawa Oiwake-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8502, Japan
| | - Takuya Yamakado
- Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, Kitashirakawa Oiwake-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8502, Japan
| | - Shohei Saito
- Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, Kitashirakawa Oiwake-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8502, Japan
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29
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Ishikawa S, Iwanaga Y, Uneyama T, Li X, Hojo H, Fujinaga I, Katashima T, Saito T, Okada Y, Chung UI, Sakumichi N, Sakai T. Percolation-induced gel-gel phase separation in a dilute polymer network. NATURE MATERIALS 2023; 22:1564-1570. [PMID: 37903925 DOI: 10.1038/s41563-023-01712-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/01/2023]
Abstract
Cosmic large-scale structures, animal flocks and living tissues can be considered non-equilibrium organized systems created by dissipative processes. Replicating such properties in artificial systems is still difficult. Herein we report a dissipative network formation process in a dilute polymer-water mixture that leads to percolation-induced gel-gel phase separation. The dilute system, which forms a monophase structure at the percolation threshold, spontaneously separates into two co-continuous gel phases with a submillimetre scale (a dilute-percolated gel) during the deswelling process after the completion of the gelation reaction. The dilute-percolated gel, which contains 99% water, exhibits unexpected hydrophobicity and induces the development of adipose-like tissues in subcutaneous tissues. These findings support the development of dissipative structures with advanced functionalities for distinct applications, ranging from physical chemistry to tissue engineering.
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Grants
- JPMJCR1992 MEXT | JST | Core Research for Evolutional Science and Technology (CREST)
- JPMJCR1852 MEXT | JST | Core Research for Evolutional Science and Technology (CREST)
- JPMJCR20E2 MEXT | JST | Core Research for Evolutional Science and Technology (CREST)
- Moon-shot R&D 1125941 MEXT | Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST)
- JPMJMS2025-14 MEXT | Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST)
- JPMXP1122714694 Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT)
- 21H04688 Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT)
- 20H05733 Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT)
- 19H05794 Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT)
- 19H05795 Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT)
- 19K14672 Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT)
- 22H01187 Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT)
- 20J01344 MEXT | Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)
- JPMJPR1992 MEXT | JST | Precursory Research for Embryonic Science and Technology (PRESTO)
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Affiliation(s)
- Shohei Ishikawa
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yasuhide Iwanaga
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takashi Uneyama
- Department of Materials Physics, Graduate School of Engineering, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Xiang Li
- Faculty of Advanced Life Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Hironori Hojo
- Center for Disease Biology and Integrative Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ikuo Fujinaga
- Department of Bioengineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takuya Katashima
- Department of Bioengineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Taku Saito
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yasushi Okada
- Laboratory for Cell Polarity Regulation, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research (BDR), Suita, Japan
- Department of Cell Biology, Department of Physics, Universal Biology Institute (UBI) and International Research Center for Neurointelligence (WPI-IRCN), The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ung-Il Chung
- Department of Bioengineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Naoyuki Sakumichi
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Takamasa Sakai
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.
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30
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Rajasooriya T, Ogasawara H, Dong Y, Mancuso JN, Salaita K. Force-Triggered Self-Destructive Hydrogels. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2023; 35:e2305544. [PMID: 37724392 PMCID: PMC10764057 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202305544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023]
Abstract
Self-destructive polymers (SDPs) are defined as a class of smart polymers that autonomously degrade upon experiencing an external trigger, such as a chemical cue or optical excitation. Because SDPs release the materials trapped inside the network upon degradation, they have potential applications in drug delivery and analytical sensing. However, no known SDPs that respond to external mechanical forces have been reported, as it is fundamentally challenging to create mechano-sensitivity in general and especially so for force levels below those required for classical force-induced bond scission. To address this challenge, the development of force-triggered SDPs composed of DNA crosslinked hydrogels doped with nucleases is described here. Externally applied piconewton forces selectively expose enzymatic cleavage sites within the DNA crosslinks, resulting in rapid polymer self-degradation. The synthesis and the chemical and mechanical characterization of DNA crosslinked hydrogels, as well as the kinetics of force-triggered hydrolysis, are described. As a proof-of-concept, force-triggered and time-dependent rheological changes in the polymer as well as encapsulated nanoparticle release are demonstrated. Finally, that the kinetics of self-destruction are shown to be tuned as a function of nuclease concentration, incubation time, and thermodynamic stability of DNA crosslinkers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Yixiao Dong
- Department of Chemistry, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | | | - Khalid Salaita
- Department of Chemistry, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
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31
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Strachota B, Strachota A, Vratović L, Pavlova E, Šlouf M, Kamel S, Cimrová V. Exceptionally Fast Temperature-Responsive, Mechanically Strong and Extensible Monolithic Non-Porous Hydrogels: Poly( N-isopropylacrylamide) Intercalated with Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose. Gels 2023; 9:926. [PMID: 38131912 PMCID: PMC10742870 DOI: 10.3390/gels9120926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 11/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Exceptionally fast temperature-responsive, mechanically strong, tough and extensible monolithic non-porous hydrogels were synthesized. They are based on divinyl-crosslinked poly(N-isopropyl-acrylamide) (PNIPAm) intercalated by hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC). HPMC was largely extracted after polymerization, thus yielding a 'template-modified' PNIPAm network intercalated with a modest residue of HPMC. High contents of divinyl crosslinker and of HPMC caused a varying degree of micro-phase-separation in some products, but without detriment to mechanical or tensile properties. After extraction of non-fixed HPMC, the micro-phase-separated products combine superior mechanical properties with ultra-fast T-response (in 30 s). Their PNIPAm network was highly regular and extensible (intercalation effect), toughened by hydrogen bonds to HPMC, and interpenetrated by a network of nano-channels (left behind by extracted HPMC), which ensured the water transport rates needed for ultra-fast deswelling. Moreover, the T-response rate could be widely tuned by the degree of heterogeneity during synthesis. The fastest-responsive among our hydrogels could be of practical interest as soft actuators with very good mechanical properties (soft robotics), while the slower ones offer applications in drug delivery systems (as tested on the example of Theophylline), or in related biomedical engineering applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beata Strachota
- Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Heyrovskeho nam. 2, 162 00 Praha, Czech Republic; (B.S.); (L.V.); (E.P.); (M.Š.); (V.C.)
| | - Adam Strachota
- Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Heyrovskeho nam. 2, 162 00 Praha, Czech Republic; (B.S.); (L.V.); (E.P.); (M.Š.); (V.C.)
| | - Leana Vratović
- Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Heyrovskeho nam. 2, 162 00 Praha, Czech Republic; (B.S.); (L.V.); (E.P.); (M.Š.); (V.C.)
| | - Ewa Pavlova
- Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Heyrovskeho nam. 2, 162 00 Praha, Czech Republic; (B.S.); (L.V.); (E.P.); (M.Š.); (V.C.)
| | - Miroslav Šlouf
- Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Heyrovskeho nam. 2, 162 00 Praha, Czech Republic; (B.S.); (L.V.); (E.P.); (M.Š.); (V.C.)
| | - Samir Kamel
- Cellulose and Paper Department, National Research Centre, 33, El-Bohouth Str., Dokki, Giza 12622, Egypt;
| | - Věra Cimrová
- Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Heyrovskeho nam. 2, 162 00 Praha, Czech Republic; (B.S.); (L.V.); (E.P.); (M.Š.); (V.C.)
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32
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Deng S, Chen C, Li K, Chen X, Xia K, Li S. Structure-Based Multilevel Descriptors for High-throughput Screening of Elastomers. J Phys Chem B 2023; 127:10077-10087. [PMID: 37942925 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.3c06025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
To discover new materials, high-throughput screening (HTS) with machine learning (ML) requires universally available descriptors that can accurately predict the desired properties. For elastomers, experimental and simulation data in current descriptors may not be available for all candidates of interest, hindering elastomer discovery through HTS. To address this challenge, we introduce structure-based multilevel (SM) descriptors of elastomers derived solely from molecular structure that is universally available. Our SM descriptors are hierarchically organized to capture both local soft and hard segment structures as well as the global structures of elastomers. With the SM-Morgan Fingerprint (SM-MF) descriptor, one of our SM descriptors, a machine learning model accurately predicts elastomer toughness with a remarkable accuracy of 0.91. Furthermore, an HTS pipeline is established to swiftly screen elastomers with targeted toughness. We also demonstrate the generality and applicability of SM descriptors by using them to construct HTS pipelines for screening elastomers with a targeted critical strain or Young's modulus. The user-friendliness and low computational cost of SM descriptors make them a promising tool to significantly enhance HTS in the search for novel materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyan Deng
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore 639798, Singapore
| | - Chao Chen
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore 639798, Singapore
| | - Ke Li
- Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 2 Fusionopolis Way, Innovis #08-03, Singapore 138634, Republic of Singapore
| | - Xi Chen
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore 639798, Singapore
| | - Kelin Xia
- School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore 639798, Singapore
| | - Shuzhou Li
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore 639798, Singapore
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33
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Selvam A, Majood M, Chaurasia R, Rupesh, Singh A, Dey T, Agrawal O, Verma YK, Mukherjee M. Injectable organo-hydrogels influenced by click chemistry as a paramount stratagem in the conveyor belt of pharmaceutical revolution. J Mater Chem B 2023; 11:10761-10777. [PMID: 37807713 DOI: 10.1039/d3tb01674a] [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: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
The field of injectable hydrogels has demonstrated a paramount headway in the myriad of biomedical applications and paved a path toward clinical advancements. The innate superiority of hydrogels emerging from organic constitution has exhibited dominance in overcoming the bottlenecks associated with inorganic-based hydrogels in the biological milieu. Inorganic hydrogels demonstrate various disadvantages, including limited biocompatibility, degradability, a cumbersome synthesis process, high cost, and ecotoxicity. The excellent biocompatibility, eco-friendliness, and manufacturing convenience of organo-hydrogels have demonstrated to be promising in therapizing biomedical complexities with low toxicity and augmented bioavailability. This report manifests the realization of biomimetic organo-hydrogels with the development of bioresponsive and self-healing injectable organo-hydrogels in the emerging pharmaceutical revolution. Furthermore, the influence of click chemistry in this regime as a backbone in the pharmaceutical conveyor belt has been suggested to scale up production. Moreover, we propose an avant-garde design stratagem of developing a hyaluronic acid (HA)-based injectable organo-hydrogel via click chemistry to be realized for its pharmaceutical edge. Ultimately, injectable organo-hydrogels that materialize from academia or industry are required to follow the standard set of rules established by global governing bodies, which has been delineated to comprehend their marketability. Thence, this perspective narrates the development of injectable organo-hydrogels via click chemistry as a prospective elixir to have in the arsenal of pharmaceuticals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhyavartin Selvam
- Amity Institute of Click Chemistry Research and Studies, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Noida, 201313, India.
- Amity Institute of Nanotechnology, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Noida, 201313, India
| | - Misba Majood
- Amity Institute of Click Chemistry Research and Studies, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Noida, 201313, India.
| | - Radhika Chaurasia
- Amity Institute of Click Chemistry Research and Studies, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Noida, 201313, India.
| | - Rupesh
- Amity Institute of Click Chemistry Research and Studies, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Noida, 201313, India.
| | - Akanksha Singh
- Amity Institute of Click Chemistry Research and Studies, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Noida, 201313, India.
| | - Tapan Dey
- Amity Institute of Click Chemistry Research and Studies, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Noida, 201313, India.
| | - Omnarayan Agrawal
- Amity Institute of Click Chemistry Research and Studies, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Noida, 201313, India.
| | - Yogesh Kumar Verma
- Stem Cell & Tissue Engineering Research Group, Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Sciences, Defence Research and Development Organisation, New Delhi, 110054, India
| | - Monalisa Mukherjee
- Amity Institute of Click Chemistry Research and Studies, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Noida, 201313, India.
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Ahmadi M, Sprenger C, Pareras G, Poater A, Seiffert S. Self-organization of metallo-supramolecular polymer networks by free formation of pyridine-phenanthroline heteroleptic complexes. SOFT MATTER 2023; 19:8112-8123. [PMID: 37846598 DOI: 10.1039/d3sm01136d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2023]
Abstract
Nature employs spontaneous self-organization of supramolecular bonds to create complex matter capable of adaptation and self-healing. Accordingly, the self-sorting of unlike ligands towards a cooperative heteroleptic complex or narcistic homoleptic association in a mixed ligand system is frequently employed to form interchangeable stimuli-responsive complex geometries with a wide range of applications. This notion is however just rarely employed in the organization of polymer networks. In this paper, we report the free-formation of heteroleptic complexes between tetra-am poly(ethylene glycol) (tetraPEG) precursors functionalized either with pyridine (tetraPy) or phenanthroline (tetraEPhen). Among a wide range of studied metal ions, tetraPy could form a network only in combination with Pd2+, presumably with a square-planar geometry, highlighting the importance of complex strength and stability in forming gels with monodentate ligands. Also, mixed networks with tetraEPhen form only in combination with Pd2+ and Fe2+, with strengths surpassing those of individual components and stabilities incomparable to those of parent networks, indicative of heteroleptic complexation. Extensive rheological, UV-vis, and DFT simulation studies revealed the coexistence of different coordination geometries, with an octahedral arrangement prevailing in the presence of Fe2+ and a square-planar geometry in the presence of Pd2+. Therefore, this study offers new opportunities for the development of stimuli-responsive topology-switching polymer networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mostafa Ahmadi
- Department of Chemistry, Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz, Duesbergweg 10-14, D-55128 Mainz, Germany.
| | - Cora Sprenger
- Department of Chemistry, Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz, Duesbergweg 10-14, D-55128 Mainz, Germany.
| | - Gerard Pareras
- Institut de Química Computacional i Catàlisi, Departament de Química, Universitat de Girona, c/Ma Aurèlia Capmany 69, 17003 Girona, Catalonia, Spain
- Departament de Química, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Catalonia 08193, Spain
| | - Albert Poater
- Institut de Química Computacional i Catàlisi, Departament de Química, Universitat de Girona, c/Ma Aurèlia Capmany 69, 17003 Girona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Sebastian Seiffert
- Department of Chemistry, Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz, Duesbergweg 10-14, D-55128 Mainz, Germany.
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35
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Kiyama R, Zheng Y, Nonoyama T, Gong JP. Fractographic mirror law for brittle fracture of nonlinear elastic soft materials. SOFT MATTER 2023; 19:7724-7730. [PMID: 37789766 DOI: 10.1039/d3sm00879g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
Mirror radius analysis of fractured surfaces is a powerful fractographic method for determining the cause of failure in linear elastic hard materials because it does not require prior loading information. However, mirror analysis for soft materials is lacking. In this study, we established a general mirror radius law for nonlinear elastic soft materials using highly deformable brittle hydrogels. The fracture stress and mirror radius follow a -1 power law, which differs from the -0.5 power law for linear elastic hard materials. The constant in the power law is related to the fracture energy of the material. This discovery provides insights into fracture mechanisms and leads the way for applying fractography to soft materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryuji Kiyama
- Faculty of Advanced Life Science, Hokkaido University, N21W11, Kita-ku, Sapporo 01-0021, Japan.
- Creative Research Institution (CRIS), Hokkaido University, N21W10, Kita-ku, Sapporo 001-0021, Japan
| | - Yong Zheng
- Institute for Chemical Reaction Design and Discovery (WPI-ICReDD), Hokkaido University, N21W10, Kita-ku, Sapporo 001-0021, Japan
| | - Takayuki Nonoyama
- Faculty of Advanced Life Science, Hokkaido University, N21W11, Kita-ku, Sapporo 01-0021, Japan.
| | - Jian Ping Gong
- Faculty of Advanced Life Science, Hokkaido University, N21W11, Kita-ku, Sapporo 01-0021, Japan.
- Institute for Chemical Reaction Design and Discovery (WPI-ICReDD), Hokkaido University, N21W10, Kita-ku, Sapporo 001-0021, Japan
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36
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Ohsedo Y, Kaneizumi A. The Preparation of Electrolyte Hydrogels with the Water Solubilization of Polybenzoxazine. Gels 2023; 9:819. [PMID: 37888392 PMCID: PMC10606516 DOI: 10.3390/gels9100819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Polybenzoxazine (PBZ) exhibits excellent heat resistance, and PBZ derivatives have been designed and synthesized to achieve high performance. However, the application range of PBZ is limited by the strong interactions between molecular chains and its low solubility in organic solvents, thereby limiting its processability. This study focused on the benzoxazine structure as the molecular backbone of new hydrogel materials that can be applied as electrolyte materials and prepared functional gel materials. Here, we prepared hydrogels by water-solubilizing PBZ derivatives, which typically exhibit low solubility in organic solvents. Although studies on the hydrophilization of PBZ and its complexation with hydrophilic polymers have been conducted, no studies have been performed on the hydrogelation of PBZ. First, the phenol in the organic solvent-insoluble PBZ thin film obtained after the thermal ring-opening polymerization of the monomer was transformed into sodium phenoxide by immersion in a NaOH aqueous solution to water-solubilize it and obtain a hydrogel thin film. Although the hydrogel thin film exhibited low mechanical strength, a free-standing hydrogel film with improved strength was obtained through the double network gelation method with an acrylamide monomer system. The physical properties of the polymer composite hydrogel thin film were evaluated. The ionic conductivity of the hydrogel thin films was in the order of 10-4 S cm-1, indicating the potential of PBZ as an electrolyte hydrogel material. However, improving its ionic conductivity will be undertaken in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yutaka Ohsedo
- Division of Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Nara Women’s University, Kitauoyahigashi-machi, Nara 630-8506, Japan
| | - Ami Kaneizumi
- Graduate School of Human Centered Engineering, Nara Women’s University, Kitauoyahigashi-machi, Nara 630-8506, Japan
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37
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Wang Y, Jiang X, Li X, Ding K, Liu X, Huang B, Ding J, Qu K, Sun W, Xue Z, Xu W. Bionic ordered structured hydrogels: structure types, design strategies, optimization mechanism of mechanical properties and applications. MATERIALS HORIZONS 2023; 10:4033-4058. [PMID: 37522298 DOI: 10.1039/d3mh00326d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
Natural organisms, such as lobsters, lotus, and humans, exhibit exceptional mechanical properties due to their ordered structures. However, traditional hydrogels have limitations in their mechanical and physical properties due to their disordered molecular structures when compared with natural organisms. Therefore, inspired by nature and the properties of hydrogels similar to those of biological soft tissues, researchers are increasingly focusing on how to investigate bionic ordered structured hydrogels and render them as bioengineering soft materials with unique mechanical properties. In this paper, we systematically introduce the various structure types, design strategies, and optimization mechanisms used to enhance the strength, toughness, and anti-fatigue properties of bionic ordered structured hydrogels in recent years. We further review the potential applications of bionic ordered structured hydrogels in various fields, including sensors, bioremediation materials, actuators, and impact-resistant materials. Finally, we summarize the challenges and future development prospects of bionic ordered structured hydrogels in preparation and applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanyan Wang
- School of Chemistry and Materials Science Ludong University, Yantai 264025, China.
| | - Xinyu Jiang
- School of Chemistry and Materials Science Ludong University, Yantai 264025, China.
| | - Xusheng Li
- School of Chemistry and Materials Science Ludong University, Yantai 264025, China.
| | - Kexin Ding
- School of Chemistry and Materials Science Ludong University, Yantai 264025, China.
| | - Xianrui Liu
- School of Chemistry and Materials Science Ludong University, Yantai 264025, China.
| | - Bin Huang
- School of Chemistry and Materials Science Ludong University, Yantai 264025, China.
| | - Junjie Ding
- School of Chemistry and Materials Science Ludong University, Yantai 264025, China.
| | - Keyu Qu
- School of Chemistry and Materials Science Ludong University, Yantai 264025, China.
| | - Wenzhi Sun
- School of Chemistry and Materials Science Ludong University, Yantai 264025, China.
| | - Zhongxin Xue
- School of Chemistry and Materials Science Ludong University, Yantai 264025, China.
| | - Wenlong Xu
- School of Chemistry and Materials Science Ludong University, Yantai 264025, China.
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38
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Richbourg NR, Peppas NA. Structurally decoupled stiffness and solute transport in multi-arm poly(ethylene glycol) hydrogels. Biomaterials 2023; 301:122272. [PMID: 37573839 PMCID: PMC10785603 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2023.122272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic hydrogels are widely used as artificial 3D environments for cell culture, facilitating the controlled study of cell-environment interactions. However, most hydrogels are limited in their ability to represent the physical properties of biological tissues because stiffness and solute transport properties in hydrogels are closely correlated. Resultingly, experimental investigations of cell-environment interactions in hydrogels are confounded by simultaneous changes in multiple physical properties. Here, we overcame this limitation by simultaneously manipulating four structural parameters to synthesize a library of multi-arm poly (ethylene glycol) (PEG) hydrogel formulations with robustly decoupled stiffness and solute transport. This structural design approach avoids chemical alterations or additions to the network that might have unanticipated effects on encapsulated cells. An algorithm created to statistically evaluate stiffness-transport decoupling within the dataset identified 46 of the 73 synthesized formulations as robustly decoupled. We show that the swollen polymer network model accurately predicts 11 out of 12 structure-property relationships, suggesting that this approach to decoupling stiffness and solute transport in hydrogels is fundamentally validated and potentially broadly applicable. Furthermore, the unprecedented control of hydrogel network structure provided by multi-arm PEG hydrogels confirmed several fundamental modeling assumptions. This study enables nuanced hydrogel design for uncompromised investigation of cell-environment interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan R Richbourg
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Texas, Austin, TX, 78712, USA.
| | - Nicholas A Peppas
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Texas, Austin, TX, 78712, USA; McKetta Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Texas, Austin, TX, 78712, USA; Division of Molecular Therapeutics and Drug Delivery, College of Pharmacy, University of Texas, Austin, TX, 78712, USA; Departments of Surgery and Pediatrics, Dell Medical School, University of Texas, Austin, TX, 78712, USA.
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39
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Feng L, Wang L, Ma Y, Duan W, Martin-Saldaña S, Zhu Y, Zhang X, Zhu B, Li C, Hu S, Bao M, Wang T, Zhu Y, Yang F, Bu Y. Engineering self-healing adhesive hydrogels with antioxidant properties for intrauterine adhesion prevention. Bioact Mater 2023; 27:82-97. [PMID: 37006827 PMCID: PMC10063385 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2023.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2022] [Revised: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Intrauterine adhesion (IUA) is the fibrosis within the uterine cavity. It is the second most common cause of female infertility, significantly affecting women's physical and mental health. Current treatment strategies fail to provide a satisfactory therapeutic outcome for IUA patients, leaving an enormous challenge for reproductive science. A self-healing adhesive hydrogel with antioxidant properties will be highly helpful in IUA prevention. In this work, we prepare a series of self-healing hydrogels (P10G15, P10G20, and P10G25) with antioxidant and adhesive properties. Those hydrogels exhibit good self-healing properties and can adapt themselves to different structures. They possess good injectability and fit the shape of the human uterus. Moreover, the hydrogels exhibit good tissue adhesiveness, which is desirable for stable retention and therapeutic efficacy. The in vitro experiments using P10G20 show that the adhesive effectively scavenges ABTS+, DPPH, and hydroxyl radicals, rescuing cells from oxidative stress. In addition, P10G20 offers good hemocompatibility and in vitro and in vivo biocompatibility. Furthermore, P10G20 lowers down the in vivo oxidative stress and prevents IUA with less fibrotic tissue and better endometrial regeneration in the animal model. It can effectively downregulate fibrosis-related transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Altogether, these adhesives may be a good alternative for the clinical treatment of intrauterine adhesion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luyao Feng
- Institute of Medical Engineering, Department of Biophysics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Liqun Wang
- Department of Reproductive Health, Jiangxi Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330006, China
| | - Yao Ma
- Institute of Medical Engineering, Department of Biophysics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Wanglin Duan
- Institute of Medical Engineering, Department of Biophysics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Sergio Martin-Saldaña
- POLYMAT, Applied Chemistry Department, Faculty of Chemistry, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Paseo Manuel de Lardizabal 3, 20018, Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain
| | - Ye Zhu
- Institute of Medical Engineering, Department of Biophysics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Xianpeng Zhang
- Institute of Medical Engineering, Department of Biophysics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Bin Zhu
- Institute of Medical Engineering, Department of Biophysics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Chaowei Li
- Institute of Medical Engineering, Department of Biophysics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Shibo Hu
- Institute of Medical Engineering, Department of Biophysics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Mingjie Bao
- JXHC Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation, Jiangxi Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330006, China
| | - Ting Wang
- JXHC Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation, Jiangxi Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330006, China
| | - Yuan Zhu
- Department of Reproductive Health, Jiangxi Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330006, China
- JXHC Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation, Jiangxi Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330006, China
- Corresponding author. Department of Reproductive Health, Jiangxi Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330006, China.
| | - Fei Yang
- School of Chemical Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Physics & Chemistry, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
- Corresponding author. School of Chemical Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
| | - Yazhong Bu
- Institute of Medical Engineering, Department of Biophysics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China
- Corresponding author.
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40
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Lee J, Cho HM, Lee YE, Kim Y, Park KM, Hwang BH. Actively cross-linking hemostatic sealant enables rapid hemostasis and wound closure. Biotechnol J 2023; 18:e2200517. [PMID: 37201948 DOI: 10.1002/biot.202200517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
A rapid hemostatic sealant can save a patient's life from shock and death due to severe trauma or excessive bleeding from the wound site during surgery. However, an ideal hemostatic sealant needs to meet the standards of safety, efficacy, usability, cost, and approvability and overcome new challenges. Here, we devised a combinatorial hemostatic sealant of PEG succinimidyl glutarate-based cross-linking branched polymers (CBPs) and the active hemostatic peptide (AHP). After ex vivo optimization, the best hemostatic combination was called an active cross-linking hemostatic sealant (ACHS). Interestingly, ACHS formed cross-links with serum proteins, blood cells, and tissue and interconnected coating on blood cells, which might induce hemostasis and tissue adhesion based on SEM images. Moreover, ACHS showed the highest coagulation efficacy, formation, and agglomeration of thrombi within 12 s, and in vitro biocompatibility. Mouse model experiments represented rapid hemostasis within 1 min, wound closure of the liver incision, and less bleeding than the commercialized sealant with tissue biocompatibility. ACHS has the advantages of rapid hemostasis, mild sealant, and easy supply by chemical synthesis without inhibition by anticoagulants, which might minimize bacterial infection by immediate wound closure. Therefore, ACHS could become a new-type hemostatic sealant to match surgical needs for internal bleeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaewook Lee
- Department of Bioengineering and Nano-bioengineering, Incheon National University, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Hye Min Cho
- Department of Bioengineering and Nano-bioengineering, Incheon National University, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoo Eun Lee
- Department of Bioengineering and Nano-bioengineering, Incheon National University, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Yeonjeong Kim
- Department of Bioengineering and Nano-bioengineering, Incheon National University, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung Min Park
- Department of Bioengineering and Nano-bioengineering, Incheon National University, Incheon, Republic of Korea
- Division of Bioengineering, Incheon National University, Incheon, Republic of Korea
- Research Center for Bio Material & Process Development, Incheon National University, Incheon, Republic of Korea
- Institute for New Drug Development, Incheon National University, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Byeong Hee Hwang
- Department of Bioengineering and Nano-bioengineering, Incheon National University, Incheon, Republic of Korea
- Division of Bioengineering, Incheon National University, Incheon, Republic of Korea
- Research Center for Bio Material & Process Development, Incheon National University, Incheon, Republic of Korea
- Institute for New Drug Development, Incheon National University, Incheon, Republic of Korea
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41
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Duarte LKR, Rizzi LG. On the origin of the negative energy-related contribution to the elastic modulus of rubber-like gels. THE EUROPEAN PHYSICAL JOURNAL. E, SOFT MATTER 2023; 46:52. [PMID: 37433977 DOI: 10.1140/epje/s10189-023-00312-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023]
Abstract
We consider a coarse-grained polymer model in order to investigate the origin of a recently discovered negative energy-related contribution to the elastic modulus G(T) of rubber-like gels. From this model, we are able to compute an exact expression for the free energy of the system, which allows us to evaluate a stress-strain relationship that displays a non-trivial dependence on the temperature T. We validate our approach through comparisons between the theoretical results and the experimental data obtained for tetra-PEG hydrogels, which indicate that, although simple, the present model works well to describe the experiments. Importantly, our approach unveiled aspects of the experimental analysis which turned out to be different from the conventional entropic and energetic analysis broadly used in the literature. Also, in contrast to the linear dependence predicted by the traditional, i.e., purely entropic, models, our results suggest that the general expression of the elastic modulus should be of the form [Formula: see text], with w(T) being a temperature-dependent correction factor that could be related to the interaction between the chains in the network and the solvent. Accordingly, the correction factor allows the expression found for the elastic modulus to describe both rubber and rubber-like gels.
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Affiliation(s)
- L K R Duarte
- Departamento de Física, Universidade Federal de Viçosa (UFV), Av. P. H. Rolfs, s/n, Viçosa, 36570-900, Brazil
- Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia de Minas Gerais, Pç. José Emiliano Dias, 87, Ponte Nova, 35430-034, Brazil
| | - L G Rizzi
- Departamento de Física, Universidade Federal de Viçosa (UFV), Av. P. H. Rolfs, s/n, Viçosa, 36570-900, Brazil.
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42
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Tasaki N, Ugata Y, Hashimoto K, Kokubo H, Ueno K, Watanabe M, Dokko K. Tetra-arm poly(ethylene glycol) gels with highly concentrated sulfolane-based electrolytes exhibiting high Li-ion transference numbers. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2023. [PMID: 37401384 DOI: 10.1039/d3cp01928d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/05/2023]
Abstract
We demonstrate that tetra-arm poly(ethylene glycol) gels containing highly concentrated sulfolane-based electrolytes exhibit high Li+ transference numbers. The low polymer concentration and homogeneous polymer network in the gel electrolyte are useful in achieving both mechanical reliability and high Li+ transport ability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natsumi Tasaki
- Department of Chemistry and Life Science, Yokohama National University, 79-5 Tokiwadai, Hodogaya-ku, Yokohama 240-8501, Japan.
| | - Yosuke Ugata
- Department of Chemistry and Life Science, Yokohama National University, 79-5 Tokiwadai, Hodogaya-ku, Yokohama 240-8501, Japan.
- Advanced Chemical Energy Research Centre, Institute of Advanced Sciences, Yokohama National University, 79-5 Tokiwadai, Hodogaya-ku, Yokohama 240-8501, Japan
| | - Kei Hashimoto
- Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Science, Gifu University, 1-1 Yanagido, Gifu 501-1193, Japan
| | - Hisashi Kokubo
- Department of Chemistry and Life Science, Yokohama National University, 79-5 Tokiwadai, Hodogaya-ku, Yokohama 240-8501, Japan.
| | - Kazuhide Ueno
- Department of Chemistry and Life Science, Yokohama National University, 79-5 Tokiwadai, Hodogaya-ku, Yokohama 240-8501, Japan.
- Advanced Chemical Energy Research Centre, Institute of Advanced Sciences, Yokohama National University, 79-5 Tokiwadai, Hodogaya-ku, Yokohama 240-8501, Japan
| | - Masayoshi Watanabe
- Advanced Chemical Energy Research Centre, Institute of Advanced Sciences, Yokohama National University, 79-5 Tokiwadai, Hodogaya-ku, Yokohama 240-8501, Japan
| | - Kaoru Dokko
- Department of Chemistry and Life Science, Yokohama National University, 79-5 Tokiwadai, Hodogaya-ku, Yokohama 240-8501, Japan.
- Advanced Chemical Energy Research Centre, Institute of Advanced Sciences, Yokohama National University, 79-5 Tokiwadai, Hodogaya-ku, Yokohama 240-8501, Japan
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43
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Wancura M, Nkansah A, Chwatko M, Robinson A, Fairley A, Cosgriff-Hernandez E. Interpenetrating network design of bioactive hydrogel coatings with enhanced damage resistance. J Mater Chem B 2023; 11:5416-5428. [PMID: 36825927 PMCID: PMC10682960 DOI: 10.1039/d2tb02825e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023]
Abstract
Bioactive hydrogel coatings offer a promising route to introduce sustained thromboresistance to cardiovascular devices without compromising bulk mechanical properties. Poly(ethylene glycol)-based hydrogels provide antifouling properties to limit acute thromobosis and incorporation of adhesive ligands can be used to promote endothelialization. However, conventional PEG-based hydrogels at stiffnesses that promote cell attachment can be brittle and prone to damage in a surgical setting, limiting their utility in clinical applications. In this work, we developed a durable hydrogel coating using interpenetrating networks of polyether urethane diacrylamide (PEUDAm) and poly(N-acryloyl glycinamide) (pNAGA). First, diffusion-mediated redox initiation of PEUDAm was used to coat electrospun polyurethane fiber meshes with coating thickness controlled by the immersion time. The second network of pNAGA was then introduced to enhance damage resistance of the hydrogel coating. The durability, thromboresistance, and bioactivity of the resulting multilayer grafts were then assessed. The IPN hydrogel coatings displayed resistance to surgically-associated damage mechanisms and retained the anti-fouling nature of PEG-based hydrogels as indicated by reduced protein adsorption and platelet attachment. Moreover, incorporation of functionalized collagen into the IPN hydrogel coating conferred bioactivity that supported endothelial cell adhesion. Overall, this conformable and durable hydrogel coating provides an improved approach for cardiovascular device fabrication with targeted biological activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan Wancura
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Abbey Nkansah
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA.
| | - Malgorzata Chwatko
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA.
| | - Andrew Robinson
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA.
| | - Ashauntee Fairley
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA.
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44
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Liu T, Chen W, Li K, Long S, Li X, Huang Y. Toughening Weak Polyampholyte Hydrogels with Weak Chain Entanglements via a Secondary Equilibrium Approach. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:2644. [PMID: 37376290 DOI: 10.3390/polym15122644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Polyampholyte (PA) hydrogels are randomly copolymerized from anionic and cationic monomers, showing good mechanical properties owing to the existence of numerous ionic bonds in the networks. However, relatively tough PA gels can be synthesized successfully only at high monomer concentrations (CM), where relatively strong chain entanglements exist to stabilize the primary supramolecular networks. This study aims to toughen weak PA gels with relatively weak primary topological entanglements (at relatively low CM) via a secondary equilibrium approach. According to this approach, an as-prepared PA gel is first dialyzed in a FeCl3 solution to reach a swelling equilibrium and then dialyzed in sufficient deionized water to remove excess free ions to achieve a new equilibrium, resulting in the modified PA gels. It is proved that the modified PA gels are eventually constructed by both ionic and metal coordination bonds, which could synergistically enhance the chain interactions and enable the network toughening. Systematic studies indicate that both CM and FeCl3 concentration (CFeCl3) influence the enhancement effectiveness of the modified PA gels, although all the gels could be dramatically enhanced. The mechanical properties of the modified PA gel could be optimized at CM = 2.0 M and CFeCl3 = 0.3 M, where the Young's modulus, tensile fracture strength, and work of tension are improved by 1800%, 600%, and 820%, respectively, comparing to these of the original PA gel. By selecting a different PA gel system and diverse metal ions (i.e., Al3+, Mg2+, Ca2+), we further prove that the proposed approach is generally appliable. A theoretical model is used to understand the toughening mechanism. This work well extends the simple yet general approach for the toughening of weak PA gels with relatively weak chain entanglements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Liu
- Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Green Materials for Light Industry, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan 430068, China
| | - Wenjun Chen
- Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Green Materials for Light Industry, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan 430068, China
| | - Kai Li
- Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Green Materials for Light Industry, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan 430068, China
| | - Shijun Long
- Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Green Materials for Light Industry, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan 430068, China
- New Materials and Green Manufacturing Talent Introduction and Innovation Demonstration Base, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan 430068, China
| | - Xuefeng Li
- Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Green Materials for Light Industry, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan 430068, China
- New Materials and Green Manufacturing Talent Introduction and Innovation Demonstration Base, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan 430068, China
| | - Yiwan Huang
- Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Green Materials for Light Industry, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan 430068, China
- New Materials and Green Manufacturing Talent Introduction and Innovation Demonstration Base, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan 430068, China
- Non-Power Nuclear Technology Collaborative Innovation Center, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning 437100, China
- Hubei Longzhong Laboratory, Xiangyang 441000, China
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45
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Nakagawa S, Aoki D, Asano Y, Yoshie N. Module-Assembled Elastomer Showing Large Strain Stiffening Capability and High Stretchability. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2023; 35:e2301124. [PMID: 36929528 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202301124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Elastomers are indispensable materials due to their flexible, stretchable, and elastic nature. However, the polymer network structure constituting an elastomer is generally inhomogeneous, limiting the performance of the material. Here, a highly stretchable elastomer with unprecedented strain-stiffening capability is developed based on a highly homogeneous network structure enabled by a module assembly strategy. The elastomer is synthesized by efficient end-linking of a star-shaped aliphatic polyester precursor with a narrow molecular-weight distribution. The resulting product shows high strength (≈26 MPa) and remarkable stretchability (stretch ratio at break ≈1900%), as well as good fatigue resistance and notch insensitivity. Moreover, it shows extraordinary strain-stiffening capability (>2000-fold increase in the apparent stiffness) that exceeds the performance of any existing soft material. These unique properties are due to strain-induced ordering of the polymer chains in a uniformly stretched network, as revealed by in situ X-ray scattering analyses. The utility of this great strain-stiffening capability is demonstrated by realizing a simple variable stiffness actuator for soft robotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shintaro Nakagawa
- Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo, 4-6-1 Komaba, Meguro-ku, Tokyo, 153-8505, Japan
| | - Daisuke Aoki
- Graduate School of Engineering, Chiba University, 1-33 Yayoi-cho, Inage-ku, Chiba, 263-8522, Japan
| | - Yuki Asano
- Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8656, Japan
| | - Naoko Yoshie
- Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo, 4-6-1 Komaba, Meguro-ku, Tokyo, 153-8505, Japan
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46
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Luo Y, Li J, Ding Q, Wang H, Liu C, Wu J. Functionalized Hydrogel-Based Wearable Gas and Humidity Sensors. NANO-MICRO LETTERS 2023; 15:136. [PMID: 37225851 PMCID: PMC10209388 DOI: 10.1007/s40820-023-01109-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Breathing is an inherent human activity; however, the composition of the air we inhale and gas exhale remains unknown to us. To address this, wearable vapor sensors can help people monitor air composition in real time to avoid underlying risks, and for the early detection and treatment of diseases for home healthcare. Hydrogels with three-dimensional polymer networks and large amounts of water molecules are naturally flexible and stretchable. Functionalized hydrogels are intrinsically conductive, self-healing, self-adhesive, biocompatible, and room-temperature sensitive. Compared with traditional rigid vapor sensors, hydrogel-based gas and humidity sensors can directly fit human skin or clothing, and are more suitable for real-time monitoring of personal health and safety. In this review, current studies on hydrogel-based vapor sensors are investigated. The required properties and optimization methods of wearable hydrogel-based sensors are introduced. Subsequently, existing reports on the response mechanisms of hydrogel-based gas and humidity sensors are summarized. Related works on hydrogel-based vapor sensors for their application in personal health and safety monitoring are presented. Moreover, the potential of hydrogels in the field of vapor sensing is elucidated. Finally, the current research status, challenges, and future trends of hydrogel gas/humidity sensing are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yibing Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Materials and Technologies and the Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Display Material and Technology, School of Electronics and Information Technology, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianye Li
- State Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Materials and Technologies and the Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Display Material and Technology, School of Electronics and Information Technology, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiongling Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Materials and Technologies and the Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Display Material and Technology, School of Electronics and Information Technology, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, People's Republic of China
| | - Hao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Materials and Technologies and the Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Display Material and Technology, School of Electronics and Information Technology, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, People's Republic of China
| | - Chuan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Materials and Technologies and the Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Display Material and Technology, School of Electronics and Information Technology, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, People's Republic of China
| | - Jin Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Materials and Technologies and the Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Display Material and Technology, School of Electronics and Information Technology, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, People's Republic of China.
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47
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Kato M, Ishikawa S, Shen Q, Du Z, Katashima T, Naito M, Numahata T, Okazaki M, Sakai T, Kurita M. In situ-formable, dynamic crosslinked poly(ethylene glycol) carrier for localized adeno-associated virus infection and reduced off-target effects. Commun Biol 2023; 6:508. [PMID: 37193797 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-04851-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The adeno-associated virus (AAV) is a potent vector for in vivo gene transduction and local therapeutic applications of AAVs, such as for skin ulcers, are expected. Localization of gene expression is important for the safety and efficiency of genetic therapies. We hypothesized that gene expression could be localized by designing biomaterials using poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) as a carrier. Here we show one of the designed PEG carriers effectively localized gene expression on the ulcer surface and reduced off-target effects in the deep skin layer and the liver, as a representative organ to assess distant off-target effects, using a mouse skin ulcer model. The dissolution dynamics resulted in localization of the AAV gene transduction. The designed PEG carrier may be useful for in vivo gene therapies using AAVs, especially for localized expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Motoi Kato
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shohei Ishikawa
- Department of Bioengineering, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Qi Shen
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Zening Du
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takuya Katashima
- Department of Bioengineering, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mitsuru Naito
- Center for Disease Biology and Integrative Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takao Numahata
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mutsumi Okazaki
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takamasa Sakai
- Department of Bioengineering, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Masakazu Kurita
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, Japan.
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48
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Lee WS, Enomoto T, Akimoto AM, Yoshida R. Capsule self-oscillating gels showing cell-like nonthermal membrane/shape fluctuations. MATERIALS HORIZONS 2023; 10:1332-1341. [PMID: 36722870 DOI: 10.1039/d2mh01490d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
A primary interest in cell membrane and shape fluctuations is establishing experimental models reflecting only nonthermal active contributions. Here we report a millimeter-scaled capsule self-oscillating gel model mirroring the active contribution effect on cell fluctuations. In the capsule self-oscillating gels, the propagating chemical signals during a Belousov-Zhabotinsky (BZ) reaction induce simultaneous local deformations in the various regions, showing cell-like shape fluctuations. The capsule self-oscillating gels do not fluctuate without the BZ reaction, implying that only the active chemical parameter induces the gel fluctuations. The period and amplitude depend on the gel layer thickness and the concentration of the chemical substrate for the BZ reaction. Our results allow for a solid experimental platform showing actively driven cell-like fluctuations, which can potentially contribute to investigating the active parameter effect on cell fluctuations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Won Seok Lee
- Department of Materials Engineering, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8656, Japan.
| | - Takafumi Enomoto
- Department of Materials Engineering, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8656, Japan.
| | - Aya Mizutani Akimoto
- Department of Materials Engineering, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8656, Japan.
| | - Ryo Yoshida
- Department of Materials Engineering, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8656, Japan.
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49
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Hu X, Grinstaff MW. Advances in Hydrogel Adhesives for Gastrointestinal Wound Closure and Repair. Gels 2023; 9:282. [PMID: 37102894 PMCID: PMC10138019 DOI: 10.3390/gels9040282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Millions of individuals undergo gastrointestinal (GI) tract surgeries each year with common postoperative complications including bleeding, perforation, anastomotic leakage, and infection. Today, techniques such as suturing and stapling seal internal wounds, and electrocoagulation stops bleeding. These methods induce secondary damage to the tissue and can be technically difficult to perform depending on the wound site location. To overcome these challenges and to further advance wound closure, hydrogel adhesives are being investigated to specifically target GI tract wounds because of their atraumatic nature, fluid-tight sealing capability, favorable wound healing properties, and facile application. However, challenges remain that limit their use, such as weak underwater adhesive strength, slow gelation, and/or acidic degradation. In this review, we summarize recent advances in hydrogel adhesives to treat various GI tract wounds, with a focus on novel material designs and compositions to combat the environment-specific challenges of GI injury. We conclude with a discussion of potential opportunities from both research and clinical perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mark W. Grinstaff
- Departments of Chemistry and Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA
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50
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Wang Y, Zhu L, Kong X, Lu H, Wang C, Huang Y, Wu M. Fabrication of an ion-enhanced low-temperature tolerant graphene/PAA/KCl hydrogel and its application for skin sensors. NANOSCALE 2023; 15:5938-5947. [PMID: 36883225 DOI: 10.1039/d2nr04803e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Flexible sensors based on conductive hydrogels show great potential in wearable displays and smart devices. However, a water-based hydrogel inevitably freezes or loses its conductivity under extremely cold temperatures, leading to inadequate fulfillment of sensor performance. Herein, a well-designed strategy is proposed for fabricating a low-temperature-tolerant water-based hydrogel for sensor applications. By immersing a multi-crosslinking graphene(GO)/polyacrylic acid (PAA)-Fe3+ hydrogel into a KCl solution, an ion-enhanced conductive (GO/PAA/KCl) hydrogel is obtained with excellent conductivity (24.4 S m-1 at 20 °C; 16.2 S m-1 at -20 °C; 0.8 S m-1 at -80 °C) and outstanding antifreezing properties. The conductive hydrogel also possesses good mechanical properties with a fracture stress of 2.65 MPa and an elongation at break of 1511% and maintains its flexibility even at -35 °C. Then, a strain sensor is assembled to monitor the human motion at 20 °C and the movement of a wooden mannequin at -20 °C. Under both conditions, the sensor presents high sensitivity (GF = 8.66 at 20 °C, 7.93 at -20 °C) and good durability (300 cycles under 100% strain). Consequently, the anti-freezing ion-enhanced hydrogel will meet the needs of flexible sensors designed for intelligent robots, health monitoring, etc., which have to work in cold regions or extreme climates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaoyao Wang
- Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 29 Zhongguancun East Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100190, China.
- Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics Engineering, University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19 A Yuquan Rd, Shijingshan District, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Longhang Zhu
- Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 29 Zhongguancun East Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100190, China.
- Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics Engineering, University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19 A Yuquan Rd, Shijingshan District, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - XiangYu Kong
- Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 29 Zhongguancun East Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100190, China.
| | - Haimei Lu
- Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 29 Zhongguancun East Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100190, China.
- Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics Engineering, University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19 A Yuquan Rd, Shijingshan District, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Chao Wang
- Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 29 Zhongguancun East Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100190, China.
| | - Yong Huang
- Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 29 Zhongguancun East Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100190, China.
| | - Min Wu
- Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 29 Zhongguancun East Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100190, China.
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