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Zhu Y, Shi R, Lu W, Shi S, Chen Y. Framework nucleic acids as promising reactive oxygen species scavengers for anti-inflammatory therapy. NANOSCALE 2024; 16:7363-7377. [PMID: 38411498 DOI: 10.1039/d3nr05844a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are an array of derivatives of molecular oxygen that participate in multiple physiological processes under the control of redox homeostasis. However, under pathological conditions, the over-production of ROS often leads to oxidative stress and inflammatory reactions, indicating a potential therapeutic target. With the rapid development of nucleic acid nanotechnology, scientists have exploited various DNA nanostructures with remarkable biocompatibility, programmability, and structural stability. Among these novel organic nanomaterials, a group of skeleton-like framework nucleic acid (FNA) nanostructures attracts the most interest due to their outstanding self-assembly, cellular endocytosis, addressability, and functionality. Surprisingly, different FNAs manifest similarly satisfactory antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects during their biomedical application process. First, they are intrinsically endowed with the ability to neutralize ROS due to their DNA nature. Therefore, they are extensively involved in the complicated inflammatory signaling network. Moreover, the outstanding editability of FNAs also allows for flexible modifications with nucleic acids, aptamers, peptides, antibodies, low-molecular-weight drugs, and so on, thus further strengthening the targeting and therapeutic ability. This review focuses on the ROS-scavenging potential of three representative FNAs, including tetrahedral framework nucleic acids (tFNAs), DNA origami, and DNA hydrogels, to summarize the recent advances in their anti-inflammatory therapy applications. Although FNAs exhibit great potential in treating inflammatory diseases as promising ROS scavengers, massive efforts still need to be made to overcome the emerging challenges in their clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujie Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Center for Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China.
| | - Ruijianghan Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Center for Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China.
| | - Weitong Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Center for Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China.
| | - Sirong Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Center for Stomatology & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China.
| | - Yang Chen
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Liver Surgery & Liver Transplantation Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan, China
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2
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Gui Q, Ding N, Yao Z, Wu M, Fu R, Wang Y, Zhao Y, Zhu L. Extracellular vesicles derived from mesenchymal stem cells: the wine in Hebe's hands to treat skin aging. PRECISION CLINICAL MEDICINE 2024; 7:pbae004. [PMID: 38516531 PMCID: PMC10955876 DOI: 10.1093/pcmedi/pbae004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Owing to its constant exposure to the external environment and various stimuli, skin ranks among the organs most vulnerable to manifestations of aging. Preventing and delaying skin aging has become one of the prominent research subjects in recent years. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent stem cells derived from mesoderm with high self-renewal ability and multilineage differentiation potential. MSC-derived extracellular vesicles (MSC-EVs) are nanoscale biological vesicles that facilitate intercellular communication and regulate biological behavior. Recent studies have shown that MSC-EVs have potential applications in anti-aging therapy due to their anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative stress, and wound healing promoting abilities. This review presents the latest progress of MSC-EVs in delaying skin aging. It mainly includes the MSC-EVs promoting the proliferation and migration of keratinocytes and fibroblasts, reducing the expression of matrix metalloproteinases, resisting oxidative stress, and regulating inflammation. We then briefly discuss the recently discovered treatment methods of MSC-EVs in the field of skin anti-aging. Moreover, the advantages and limitations of EV-based treatments are also presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qixiang Gui
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University (Shanghai Changzheng Hospital), Shanghai 200001, China
| | - Neng Ding
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University (Shanghai Changzheng Hospital), Shanghai 200001, China
| | - Zuochao Yao
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery of Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200120, China
| | - Minjuan Wu
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Ruifeng Fu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Cell Engineering, Translational Medical Research Center, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Yue Wang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Cell Engineering, Translational Medical Research Center, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
- Shanghai Institute of Stem Cell Research and Clinical Translation, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Yunpeng Zhao
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Cell Engineering, Translational Medical Research Center, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Lie Zhu
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University (Shanghai Changzheng Hospital), Shanghai 200001, China
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Zhao Y, Du J, Xu Z, Wang L, Ma L, Sun L. DNA Adjuvant Hydrogel-Optimized Enzymatic Cascade Reaction for Tumor Chemodynamic-Immunotherapy. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2308229. [PMID: 38225716 PMCID: PMC10933675 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202308229] [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: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
Chemodynamic therapy (CDT) shows immense potential in cancer treatment as it not only directly kills tumor cells but also induces anti-tumor immune responses. However, the efficacy of CDT is hampered by challenges in targeting CDT catalysts specifically to tumors using nanomaterials, along with the limitations of low H2 O2 levels and short catalyst duration within the tumor microenvironment. In this study, DNA adjuvant hydrogel to arrange a glucose oxidase-ferrocene cascade for continuously generating reactive oxygen species (ROS) from glucose in situ for tumor CDT combined with immunotherapy is employed. By precisely tuning the catalyst spacing with DNA double helix, ROS production efficiency is elevated by up to nine times compared to free catalysts, resulting in stronger immunogenetic cell death. Upon intratumoral injection, the DNA hydrogel system elicited potent anti-tumor immune responses, thereby effectively inhibiting established tumors and rejecting re-challenged tumors. This work offers a novel platform for integrated CDT and immunotherapy in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zhao
- Institute of Biomedical Health Technology and EngineeringShenzhen Bay LaboratoryShenzhen518132China
| | - Jiangnan Du
- Institute of Biopharmaceutical and Health EngineeringTsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate SchoolTsinghua UniversityShenzhen518055China
| | - Zihui Xu
- Institute of Biopharmaceutical and Health EngineeringTsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate SchoolTsinghua UniversityShenzhen518055China
| | - Lihua Wang
- Institute of MateriobiologyDepartment of ChemistryCollege of ScienceShanghai UniversityShanghai200444China
| | - Lan Ma
- Institute of Biomedical Health Technology and EngineeringShenzhen Bay LaboratoryShenzhen518132China
- Institute of Biopharmaceutical and Health EngineeringTsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate SchoolTsinghua UniversityShenzhen518055China
- Tsinghua‐Berkeley Shenzhen InstituteTsinghua UniversityShenzhen518055China
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical OncogenomicsTsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate SchoolTsinghua UniversityShenzhen518055China
| | - Lele Sun
- Institute of MateriobiologyDepartment of ChemistryCollege of ScienceShanghai UniversityShanghai200444China
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Li Y, Chen R, Zhou B, Dong Y, Liu D. Rational Design of DNA Hydrogels Based on Molecular Dynamics of Polymers. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2307129. [PMID: 37820719 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202307129] [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: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, DNA has emerged as a fascinating building material to engineer hydrogel due to its excellent programmability, which has gained considerable attention in biomedical applications. Understanding the structure-property relationship and underlying molecular determinants of DNA hydrogel is essential to precisely tailor its macroscopic properties at molecular level. In this review, the rational design principles of DNA molecular networks based on molecular dynamics of polymers on the temporal scale, which can be engineered via the backbone rigidity and crosslinking kinetics, are highlighted. By elucidating the underlying molecular mechanisms and theories, it is aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of how the tunable DNA backbone rigidity and the crosslinking kinetics lead to desirable macroscopic properties of DNA hydrogels, including mechanical properties, diffusive permeability, swelling behaviors, and dynamic features. Furthermore, it is also discussed how the tunable macroscopic properties make DNA hydrogels promising candidates for biomedical applications, such as cell culture, tissue engineering, bio-sensing, and drug delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujie Li
- Engineering Research Center of Advanced Rare Earth Materials, (Ministry of Education), Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, P. R. China
| | - Ruofan Chen
- Engineering Research Center of Advanced Rare Earth Materials, (Ministry of Education), Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, P. R. China
| | - Bini Zhou
- Engineering Research Center of Advanced Rare Earth Materials, (Ministry of Education), Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, P. R. China
| | - Yuanchen Dong
- CAS Key Laboratory of Colloid, Interface and Chemical Thermodynamics, Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, P. R. China
| | - Dongsheng Liu
- Engineering Research Center of Advanced Rare Earth Materials, (Ministry of Education), Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, P. R. China
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Liu J, Du C, Huang W, Lei Y. Injectable smart stimuli-responsive hydrogels: pioneering advancements in biomedical applications. Biomater Sci 2023; 12:8-56. [PMID: 37969066 DOI: 10.1039/d3bm01352a] [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: 11/17/2023]
Abstract
Hydrogels have established their significance as prominent biomaterials within the realm of biomedical research. However, injectable hydrogels have garnered greater attention compared with their conventional counterparts due to their excellent minimally invasive nature and adaptive behavior post-injection. With the rapid advancement of emerging chemistry and deepened understanding of biological processes, contemporary injectable hydrogels have been endowed with an "intelligent" capacity to respond to various endogenous/exogenous stimuli (such as temperature, pH, light and magnetic field). This innovation has spearheaded revolutionary transformations across fields such as tissue engineering repair, controlled drug delivery, disease-responsive therapies, and beyond. In this review, we comprehensively expound upon the raw materials (including natural and synthetic materials) and injectable principles of these advanced hydrogels, concurrently providing a detailed discussion of the prevalent strategies for conferring stimulus responsiveness. Finally, we elucidate the latest applications of these injectable "smart" stimuli-responsive hydrogels in the biomedical domain, offering insights into their prospects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiacheng Liu
- Department of Orthopedics, Orthopedic Laboratory of Chongqing Medical University, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China.
| | - Chengcheng Du
- Department of Orthopedics, Orthopedic Laboratory of Chongqing Medical University, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China.
| | - Wei Huang
- Department of Orthopedics, Orthopedic Laboratory of Chongqing Medical University, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China.
| | - Yiting Lei
- Department of Orthopedics, Orthopedic Laboratory of Chongqing Medical University, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China.
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Zare I, Taheri-Ledari R, Esmailzadeh F, Salehi MM, Mohammadi A, Maleki A, Mostafavi E. DNA hydrogels and nanogels for diagnostics, therapeutics, and theragnostics of various cancers. NANOSCALE 2023. [PMID: 37337663 DOI: 10.1039/d3nr00425b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
Abstract
As an efficient class of hydrogel-based therapeutic drug delivery systems, deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) hydrogels (particularly DNA nanogels) have attracted massive attention in the last five years. The main contributor to this is the programmability of these 3-dimensional (3D) scaffolds that creates fundamental effects, especially in treating cancer diseases. Like other active biological ingredients (ABIs), DNA hydrogels can be functionalized with other active agents that play a role in targeting drug delivery and modifying the half-life of the therapeutic cargoes in the body's internal environment. Considering the brilliant advantages of DNA hydrogels, in this survey, we intend to submit an informative collection of feasible methods for the design and preparation of DNA hydrogels and nanogels, and the responsivity of the immune system to these therapeutic cargoes. Moreover, the interactions of DNA hydrogels with cancer biomarkers are discussed in this account. Theragnostic DNA nanogels as an advanced species for both detection and therapeutic purposes are also briefly reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iman Zare
- Research and Development Department, Sina Medical Biochemistry Technologies Co. Ltd., Shiraz 7178795844, Iran
| | - Reza Taheri-Ledari
- Catalysts and Organic Synthesis Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Iran University of Science and Technology, Tehran, 16846-13114, Iran
| | - Farhad Esmailzadeh
- Catalysts and Organic Synthesis Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Iran University of Science and Technology, Tehran, 16846-13114, Iran
| | - Mohammad Mehdi Salehi
- Catalysts and Organic Synthesis Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Iran University of Science and Technology, Tehran, 16846-13114, Iran
| | - Adibeh Mohammadi
- Catalysts and Organic Synthesis Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Iran University of Science and Technology, Tehran, 16846-13114, Iran
| | - Ali Maleki
- Catalysts and Organic Synthesis Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Iran University of Science and Technology, Tehran, 16846-13114, Iran
| | - Ebrahim Mostafavi
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.
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Farasati Far B, Isfahani AA, Nasiriyan E, Pourmolaei A, Mahmoudvand G, Karimi Rouzbahani A, Namiq Amin M, Naimi-Jamal MR. An Updated Review on Advances in Hydrogel-Based Nanoparticles for Liver Cancer Treatment. LIVERS 2023. [DOI: 10.3390/livers3020012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
More than 90% of all liver malignancies are hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs), for which chemotherapy and immunotherapy are the ideal therapeutic choices. Hepatocellular carcinoma is descended from other liver diseases, such as viral hepatitis, alcoholism, and metabolic syndrome. Normal cells and tissues may suffer damage from common forms of chemotherapy. In contrast to systemic chemotherapy, localized chemotherapy can reduce side effects by delivering a steady stream of chemotherapeutic drugs directly to the tumor site. This highlights the significance of controlled-release biodegradable hydrogels as drug delivery methods for chemotherapeutics. This review discusses using hydrogels as drug delivery systems for HCC and covers thermosensitive, pH-sensitive, photosensitive, dual-sensitive, and glutathione-responsive hydrogels. Compared to conventional systemic chemotherapy, hydrogel-based drug delivery methods are more effective in treating cancer.
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Polymeric DNA Hydrogels and Their Applications in Drug Delivery for Cancer Therapy. Gels 2023; 9:gels9030239. [PMID: 36975688 PMCID: PMC10048489 DOI: 10.3390/gels9030239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The biomolecule deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), which acts as the carrier of genetic information, is also regarded as a block copolymer for the construction of biomaterials. DNA hydrogels, composed of three-dimensional networks of DNA chains, have received considerable attention as a promising biomaterial due to their good biocompatibility and biodegradability. DNA hydrogels with specific functions can be prepared via assembly of various functional sequences containing DNA modules. In recent years, DNA hydrogels have been widely used for drug delivery, particularly in cancer therapy. Benefiting from the sequence programmability and molecular recognition ability of DNA molecules, DNA hydrogels prepared using functional DNA modules can achieve efficient loading of anti-cancer drugs and integration of specific DNA sequences with cancer therapeutic effects, thus achieving targeted drug delivery and controlled drug release, which are conducive to cancer therapy. In this review, we summarized the assembly strategies for the preparation of DNA hydrogels on the basis of branched DNA modules, hybrid chain reaction (HCR)-synthesized DNA networks and rolling circle amplification (RCA)-produced DNA chains, respectively. The application of DNA hydrogels as drug delivery carriers in cancer therapy has been discussed. Finally, the future development directions of DNA hydrogels in cancer therapy are prospected.
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Chen H, Qiu X, Xia T, Li Q, Wen Z, Huang B, Li Y. Mesoporous Materials Make Hydrogels More Powerful in Biomedicine. Gels 2023; 9:gels9030207. [PMID: 36975656 PMCID: PMC10048667 DOI: 10.3390/gels9030207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Scientists have been attempting to improve the properties of mesoporous materials and expand their application since the 1990s, and the combination with hydrogels, macromolecular biological materials, is one of the research focuses currently. Uniform mesoporous structure, high specific surface area, good biocompatibility, and biodegradability make the combined use of mesoporous materials more suitable for the sustained release of loaded drugs than single hydrogels. As a joint result, they can achieve tumor targeting, tumor environment stimulation responsiveness, and multiple therapeutic platforms such as photothermal therapy and photodynamic therapy. Due to the photothermal conversion ability, mesoporous materials can significantly improve the antibacterial ability of hydrogels and offer a novel photocatalytic antibacterial mode. In bone repair systems, mesoporous materials remarkably strengthen the mineralization and mechanical properties of hydrogels, aside from being used as drug carriers to load and release various bioactivators to promote osteogenesis. In hemostasis, mesoporous materials greatly elevate the water absorption rate of hydrogels, enhance the mechanical strength of the blood clot, and dramatically shorten the bleeding time. As for wound healing and tissue regeneration, incorporating mesoporous materials can be promising for enhancing vessel formation and cell proliferation of hydrogels. In this paper, we introduce the classification and preparation methods of mesoporous material-loaded composite hydrogels and highlight the applications of composite hydrogels in drug delivery, tumor therapy, antibacterial treatment, osteogenesis, hemostasis, and wound healing. We also summarize the latest research progress and point out future research directions. After searching, no research reporting these contents was found.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huangqin Chen
- Department of Stomatology, School of Stomatology and Ophthalmology, Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning 437100, China
| | - Xin Qiu
- Department of Stomatology, School of Stomatology and Ophthalmology, Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning 437100, China
| | - Tian Xia
- Department of Stomatology, School of Stomatology and Ophthalmology, Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning 437100, China
| | - Qing Li
- Department of Stomatology, School of Stomatology and Ophthalmology, Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning 437100, China
| | - Zhehan Wen
- Department of Stomatology, School of Stomatology and Ophthalmology, Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning 437100, China
| | - Bin Huang
- Department of Stomatology, School of Stomatology and Ophthalmology, Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning 437100, China
- Correspondence: (B.H.); (Y.L.)
| | - Yuesheng Li
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Radiation Chemistry and Functional Materials, Non-Power Nuclear Technology Collaborative Innovation Center, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning 437100, China
- Correspondence: (B.H.); (Y.L.)
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A temperature-sensitive DNA-PNIPAAm hydrogel prepared by base pairing. Colloid Polym Sci 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/s00396-023-05071-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/23/2023]
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11
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Zhang G, Qiu H, Elkhodary KI, Tang S, Peng D. Modeling Tunable Fracture in Hydrogel Shell Structures for Biomedical Applications. Gels 2022; 8:gels8080515. [PMID: 36005116 PMCID: PMC9407534 DOI: 10.3390/gels8080515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2022] [Revised: 07/31/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Hydrogels are nowadays widely used in various biomedical applications, and show great potential for the making of devices such as biosensors, drug- delivery vectors, carriers, or matrices for cell cultures in tissue engineering, etc. In these applications, due to the irregular complex surface of the human body or its organs/structures, the devices are often designed with a small thickness, and are required to be flexible when attached to biological surfaces. The devices will deform as driven by human motion and under external loading. In terms of mechanical modeling, most of these devices can be abstracted as shells. In this paper, we propose a mixed graph-finite element method (FEM) phase field approach to model the fracture of curved shells composed of hydrogels, for biomedical applications. We present herein examples for the fracture of a wearable biosensor, a membrane-coated drug, and a matrix for a cell culture, each made of a hydrogel. Used in combination with experimental material testing, our method opens a new pathway to the efficient modeling of fracture in biomedical devices with surfaces of arbitrary curvature, helping in the design of devices with tunable fracture properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gang Zhang
- Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Chemical Equipment Intensification and Intrinsic Safety, Wuhan 430205, China
- School of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Wuhan Institute of Technology, Wuhan 430200, China
| | - Hai Qiu
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang 212003, China
| | - Khalil I. Elkhodary
- The Department of Mechanical Engineering, The American University in Cairo, New Cairo 11835, Egypt
| | - Shan Tang
- Department of Engineering Mechanics, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
- State Key Laboratory of Structural Analysis for Industrial Equipment, International Research Center for Computational Mechanics, Department of Engineering Mechanics, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, China
- Correspondence: (S.T.); (D.P.)
| | - Dan Peng
- Department of Neurology, The Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116023, China
- Correspondence: (S.T.); (D.P.)
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