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Omidian H, Dey Chowdhury S, Babanejad N. Cryogels: Advancing Biomaterials for Transformative Biomedical Applications. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:1836. [PMID: 37514023 PMCID: PMC10384998 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15071836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Cryogels, composed of synthetic and natural materials, have emerged as versatile biomaterials with applications in tissue engineering, controlled drug delivery, regenerative medicine, and therapeutics. However, optimizing cryogel properties, such as mechanical strength and release profiles, remains challenging. To advance the field, researchers are exploring advanced manufacturing techniques, biomimetic design, and addressing long-term stability. Combination therapies and drug delivery systems using cryogels show promise. In vivo evaluation and clinical trials are crucial for safety and efficacy. Overcoming practical challenges, including scalability, structural integrity, mass transfer constraints, biocompatibility, seamless integration, and cost-effectiveness, is essential. By addressing these challenges, cryogels can transform biomedical applications with innovative biomaterials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hossein Omidian
- College of Pharmacy, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33328, USA
| | - Sumana Dey Chowdhury
- College of Pharmacy, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33328, USA
| | - Niloofar Babanejad
- College of Pharmacy, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33328, USA
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Eigel D, Werner C, Newland B. Cryogel biomaterials for neuroscience applications. Neurochem Int 2021; 147:105012. [PMID: 33731275 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2021.105012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Revised: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Biomaterials in the form of 3D polymeric scaffolds have been used to create structurally and functionally biomimetic constructs of nervous system tissue. Such constructs can be used to model defects and disease or can be used to supplement neuronal tissue regeneration and repair. One such group of biomaterial scaffolds are hydrogels, which have been widely investigated for cell/tissue culture and as cell or molecule delivery systems in the field of neurosciences. However, a subset of hydrogels called cryogels, have shown to possess several distinct structural advantages over conventional hydrogel networks. Their macroporous structure, created via the time and resource efficient fabrication process (cryogelation) not only allows mass fluid transport throughout the structure, but also creates a high surface area to volume ratio for cell growth or drug loading. In addition, the macroporous structure of cryogels is ideal for applications in the central nervous system as they are very soft and spongey, yet also robust, which makes them a user-friendly and reproducible tool to address neuroscience challenges. In this review, we aim to provide the neuroscience community, who may not be familiar with the fundamental concepts of cryogels, an accessible summary of the basic information that pertain to their use in the brain and nervous tissue. We hope that this review shall initiate creative ways that cryogels could be further adapted and employed to tackle unsolved neuroscience challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitri Eigel
- Leibniz-Institut für Polymerforschung Dresden e.V., Hohe Str. 6, 01069, Dresden, Germany
| | - Carsten Werner
- Leibniz-Institut für Polymerforschung Dresden e.V., Hohe Str. 6, 01069, Dresden, Germany; Technische Universität Dresden, Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Ben Newland
- Leibniz-Institut für Polymerforschung Dresden e.V., Hohe Str. 6, 01069, Dresden, Germany; School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cardiff University, CF10 3NB, Cardiff, Wales, UK.
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Alegret N, Dominguez-Alfaro A, Mecerreyes D. 3D Scaffolds Based on Conductive Polymers for Biomedical Applications. Biomacromolecules 2018; 20:73-89. [PMID: 30543402 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.8b01382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
3D scaffolds appear to be a cost-effective ultimate answer for biomedical applications, facilitating rapid results while providing an environment similar to in vivo tissue. These biomaterials offer large surface areas for cell or biomaterial attachment, proliferation, biosensing and drug delivery applications. Among 3D scaffolds, the ones based on conjugated polymers (CPs) and natural nonconductive polymers arranged in a 3D architecture provide tridimensionality to cellular culture along with a high surface area for cell adherence and proliferation as well electrical conductivity for stimulation or sensing. However, the scaffolds must also obey other characteristics: homogeneous porosity, with pore sizes large enough to allow cell penetration and nutrient flow; elasticity and wettability similar to the tissue of implantation; and a suitable composition to enhance cell-matrix interactions. In this Review, we summarize the fabrication methods, characterization techniques and main applications of conductive 3D scaffolds based on conductive polymers. The main barrier in the development of these platforms has been the fabrication and subsequent maintenance of the third dimension due to challenges in the manipulation of conductive polymers. In the last decades, different approaches to overcome these barriers have been developed for the production of conductive 3D scaffolds, demonstrating a huge potential for biomedical purposes. Finally, we present an overview of the emerging strategies developed to manufacture 3D conductive scaffolds, the techniques used to fully characterize them, and the biomedical fields where they have been applied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuria Alegret
- POLYMAT University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU , Avenida de Tolosa 72 , 20018 Donostia-San Sebastián , Spain.,Cardiovascular Institute, School of Medicine, Division of Cardiology , University of Colorado Denver Anschutz Medical Campus , 12700 E. 19th Avenue, Building P15 , Aurora , Colorado 80045 , United States
| | - Antonio Dominguez-Alfaro
- POLYMAT University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU , Avenida de Tolosa 72 , 20018 Donostia-San Sebastián , Spain.,Carbon Nanobiotechnology Group, CIC biomaGUNE , Paseo de Miramón 182 , 2014 Donostia-San Sebastián , Spain
| | - David Mecerreyes
- POLYMAT University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU , Avenida de Tolosa 72 , 20018 Donostia-San Sebastián , Spain.,Ikerasque, Basque Foundation for Science , 48013 Bilbao , Spain
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Hixon KR, Lu T, Sell SA. A comprehensive review of cryogels and their roles in tissue engineering applications. Acta Biomater 2017; 62:29-41. [PMID: 28851666 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2017.08.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 163] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2017] [Revised: 08/01/2017] [Accepted: 08/25/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The extracellular matrix is fundamental in providing an appropriate environment for cell interaction and signaling to occur. Replicating such a matrix is advantageous in the support of tissue ingrowth and regeneration through the field of tissue engineering. While scaffolds can be fabricated in many ways, cryogels have recently become a popular approach due to their macroporous structure and durability. Produced through the crosslinking of gel precursors followed by a subsequent controlled freeze/thaw cycle, the resulting cryogel provides a unique, sponge-like structure. Therefore, cryogels have proven advantageous for many tissue engineering applications including roles in bioreactor systems, cell separation, and scaffolding. Specifically, the matrix has been demonstrated to encourage the production of various molecules, such as antibodies, and has also been used for cryopreservation. Cryogels can pose as a bioreactor for the expansion of cell lines, as well as a vehicle for cell separation. Lastly, this matrix has shown excellent potential as a tissue engineered scaffold, encouraging regrowth at numerous damaged tissue sites in vivo. This review will briefly discuss the fabrication of cryogels, with an emphasis placed on their application in various facets of tissue engineering to provide an overview of this unique scaffold's past and future roles. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE Cryogels are unique scaffolds produced through the controlled freezing and thawing of a polymer solution. There is an ever-growing body of literature that demonstrates their applicability in the realm of tissue engineering as extracellular matrix analogue scaffolds; with extensive information having been provided regarding the fabrication, porosity, and mechanical integrity of the scaffolds. Additionally, cryogels have been reviewed with respect to their role in bioseparation and as cellular incubators. This all-inclusive view of the roles that cryogels can play is critical to advancing the technology and expanding its niche within biomaterials and tissue engineering research. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first comprehensive review of cryogel applications in tissue engineering that includes specific looks at their growing roles as extracellular matrix analogues, incubators, and in bioseparation processes.
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Damania A, Kumar A, Sarin SK, Kumar A. Optimized performance of the integrated hepatic cell-loaded cryogel-based bioreactor with intermittent perfusion of acute liver failure plasma. J Biomed Mater Res B Appl Biomater 2017; 106:259-269. [DOI: 10.1002/jbm.b.33851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2016] [Revised: 12/09/2016] [Accepted: 01/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Apeksha Damania
- Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering; Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur; Kanpur 208016 UP India
| | - Anupam Kumar
- Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences (ILBS); New Delhi India
| | - Shiv K. Sarin
- Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences (ILBS); New Delhi India
| | - Ashok Kumar
- Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering; Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur; Kanpur 208016 UP India
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Efficacy of supermacroporous poly(ethylene glycol)–gelatin cryogel matrix for soft tissue engineering applications. MATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING. C, MATERIALS FOR BIOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS 2015; 47:298-312. [DOI: 10.1016/j.msec.2014.11.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2014] [Revised: 10/11/2014] [Accepted: 11/08/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Ramburrun P, Kumar P, Choonara YE, Bijukumar D, du Toit LC, Pillay V. A review of bioactive release from nerve conduits as a neurotherapeutic strategy for neuronal growth in peripheral nerve injury. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2014; 2014:132350. [PMID: 25143934 PMCID: PMC4131113 DOI: 10.1155/2014/132350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2014] [Accepted: 05/04/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Peripheral nerve regeneration strategies employ the use of polymeric engineered nerve conduits encompassed with components of a delivery system. This allows for the controlled and sustained release of neurotrophic growth factors for the enhancement of the innate regenerative capacity of the injured nerves. This review article focuses on the delivery of neurotrophic factors (NTFs) and the importance of the parameters that control release kinetics in the delivery of optimal quantities of NTFs for improved therapeutic effect and prevention of dose dumping. Studies utilizing various controlled-release strategies, in attempt to obtain ideal release kinetics, have been reviewed in this paper. Release strategies discussed include affinity-based models, crosslinking techniques, and layer-by-layer technologies. Currently available synthetic hollow nerve conduits, an alternative to the nerve autografts, have proven to be successful in the bridging and regeneration of primarily the short transected nerve gaps in several patient cases. However, current research emphasizes on the development of more advanced nerve conduits able to simulate the effectiveness of the autograft which includes, in particular, the ability to deliver growth factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Poornima Ramburrun
- Wits Advanced Drug Delivery Platform Research Unit, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, School of Therapeutic Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, 7 York Road, Parktown, Johannesburg 2193, South Africa
| | - Pradeep Kumar
- Wits Advanced Drug Delivery Platform Research Unit, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, School of Therapeutic Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, 7 York Road, Parktown, Johannesburg 2193, South Africa
| | - Yahya E. Choonara
- Wits Advanced Drug Delivery Platform Research Unit, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, School of Therapeutic Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, 7 York Road, Parktown, Johannesburg 2193, South Africa
| | - Divya Bijukumar
- Wits Advanced Drug Delivery Platform Research Unit, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, School of Therapeutic Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, 7 York Road, Parktown, Johannesburg 2193, South Africa
| | - Lisa C. du Toit
- Wits Advanced Drug Delivery Platform Research Unit, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, School of Therapeutic Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, 7 York Road, Parktown, Johannesburg 2193, South Africa
| | - Viness Pillay
- Wits Advanced Drug Delivery Platform Research Unit, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, School of Therapeutic Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, 7 York Road, Parktown, Johannesburg 2193, South Africa
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