Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Tyler R. Priddy-Arrington, Reagan E. Edwards, Claire E. Colley, Marissa M. Nguyen, Tess Hamilton-Adaire, Mary E. Caldorera-Moore
Summary: Recently, there has been a growing interest in injectable, in situ crosslinking hydrogels that can conform to their environment with minimal invasion. Current in situ crosslinking chitosan hydrogels either lack biocompatibility and degrade slowly due to toxic crosslinking agents, or are mechanically weak and degrade rapidly due to insufficient crosslinking. In this study, the authors developed a thermally-driven, injectable chitosan-genipin hydrogel that can be crosslinked at 37 degrees C, which demonstrates mechanical strength, biodegradability, and high biocompatibility. The natural crosslinker used is genipin, which is non-toxic and activated by temperature. The characteristics of the chitosan-genipin hydrogel, such as crosslinking kinetics, injectability, viscoelasticity, swelling and pH response, and biocompatibility with keratinocyte cells, were analyzed. The results showed that the hydrogel can be successfully crosslinked at 37 degrees C, and it remains mechanically stable while being biodegradable. Long-term cell viability tests demonstrated excellent biocompatibility of the chitosan-genipin hydrogel, even during the crosslinking phase. Overall, these findings support the development of an injectable, in situ crosslinking chitosan-genipin hydrogel for minimally invasive biomedical applications.
MACROMOLECULAR BIOSCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Chengkun Liu, Chang Liu, Zhiyuan Liu, Zhuang Shi, Shihai Liu, Xiaojuan Wang, Xiaoqiang Wang, Fang Huang
Summary: A thermogelling chitosan/glycerophosphate formulation was developed by incorporating dihydrocaffeic acid (DHCA), which significantly enhanced gel-forming capacity and tissue adherence. The thermosensitive hydrogels showed improved hemostasis and reduced blood loss in both in vitro and in vivo models. The results demonstrated the potential of enhancing thermogelling and bioadhesion of chitosan-based hydrogels through noncovalent supramolecular mechanisms.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Lukas Hahn, Matthias Beudert, Marcus Gutmann, Larissa Kessler, Philipp Stahlhut, Lena Fischer, Emine Karakaya, Thomas Lorson, Ingo Thievessen, Rainer Detsch, Tessa Luehmann, Robert Luxenhofer
Summary: In this study, a Diels-Alder click chemistry approach was introduced into thermogelling diblock copolymers to achieve printability and cell-friendliness, while functional modifications were made through acid/amine coupling and thiol-maleimide chemistry to facilitate cell adhesion. Testing showed good biocompatibility of the bioink formulations, which combined physical precursor gelation with additional chemical stabilization for versatile biomechanical adaptation.
MACROMOLECULAR BIOSCIENCE
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Wenlin Chu, Mingxi Nie, Xiang Ke, Jun Luo, Jianshu Li
Summary: Injectable dual crosslinking hydrogels show great promise in improving therapeutic efficacy in minimally invasive surgery, with accurate implantation into deeply enclosed sites and repair of irregular lesions. Current fabrication considerations and application progress are important for their further development and transformation in the biomedical field.
MACROMOLECULAR BIOSCIENCE
(2021)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Gi Ru Shin, Hee Eun Kim, Jae Ho Kim, Sangdun Choi, Moon Suk Kim
Summary: This review discusses the use of injectable in situ-forming hydrogels in intratumoral injection for cancer treatment, highlighting their potential for improving drug bioavailability and minimizing side effects. The antitumor effects of drug-loaded hydrogels through intratumoral injection are also explored, with a focus on future applications and challenges of this drug delivery technology.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Marzieh Mohammadi, Malihe Karimi, Bizhan Malaekeh-Nikouei, Mohammad Torkashvand, Mona Alibolandi
Summary: Injectable in situ forming hydrogels are efficient local drug delivery systems for cancer therapy. They can provide sustained release of chemotherapeutics and potentially prevent post-surgical cancer recurrence. Various materials and crosslinking chemistry can be used to fabricate hybrid hydrogels with different characteristics, such as stimuli-sensitive platforms or multifunctional systems.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICS
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Kristin Oskarsdotter, Catherine T. Nordgard, Peter Apelgren, Karin Saljo, Anita A. Solbu, Edwin Eliasson, Sanna Samfors, Henriette E. M. Saetrang, Lise Cathrine Asdahl, Eric M. Thompson, Christofer Troedsson, Stina Simonsson, Berit L. Strand, Paul Gatenholm, Lars Kolby
Summary: This study aimed to compare the effects of different crosslinking methods on autologous fat grafting. It was found that ex situ crosslinking using 3D bioprinting was more effective in maintaining the shape stability of the grafts, while in situ crosslinking, although improving fat cell distribution and survival, had poorer shape retention.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Pablo Sanchez-Cid, Gabriel Gonzalez-Ulloa, Maria Alonso-Gonzalez, Mercedes Jimenez-Rosado, Mohammed Rafii-El-Idrissi Benhnia, Alberto Romero, Francisco J. Ostos, Victor M. Perez-Puyana
Summary: In this study, chitosan-based hydrogels were crosslinked using natural crosslinkers D-fructose and genipin, and characterized through various tests. The results showed that genipin crosslinking resulted in hydrogels with more compact structures and better rheological performance compared to D-fructose crosslinking. Additionally, the genipin-crosslinked hydrogels exhibited excellent biological performance in vitro.
MACROMOLECULAR MATERIALS AND ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Xingge Yu, Xiuhui Wang, Dejian Li, Ruilong Sheng, Yifeng Qian, Rui Zhu, Xudong Wang, Kaili Lin
Summary: This study developed an injectable organic-inorganic nanocomposite GelMA/Sr-CSH hydrogel system, which improved the mechanical properties of GelMA hydrogels by incorporating Sr-CSH nanofibers. In vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrated that GelMA/Sr-CSH hydrogels facilitated cell adhesion, proliferation, and expression of osteogenic genes, accelerating bone regeneration. This research is of great significance for in-situ bone regeneration.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Ruosen Xie, Yu-Chung Chen, Yi Zhao, Nisakorn Yodsanit, Yuyuan Wang, Naoaki Yamamoto, Dai Yamanouchi, Shaoqin Gong
Summary: The injectable hydrogel reported in this study undergoes in situ covalent crosslinking to form a dual-crosslinking network (DCN) hydrogel, which provides a safe, consistent, and controlled embolization. It is mechanically stable, visible under X-ray imaging, and capable of achieving immediate embolization with long-term occlusion in vivo tests. The DCN hydrogel offers a viable, biocompatible, and cost-effective alternative to current embolic materials for endovascular embolization.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Xi Chen, Deyan Du, Zhuying Zhang, Chang Shi, Zhen Hua, Jinghua Chen, Dongjian Shi
Summary: In this study, injectable hydrogel adhesives with improved cohesion and adhesion were prepared by in situ mixing dopamine with polysaccharides without covalent modification. Multi-cross-linked hydrogels were further prepared and showed good tissue adhesion. The adhesives also exhibited good biodegradability and biocompatibility.
ACS BIOMATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Saud Almawash, Shaaban K. Osman, Gulam Mustafa, Mohamed A. El Hamd
Summary: Injectable hydrogels are smart biomaterials with great potential. In this review, the current development of several important types of injectable hydrogels, as well as their structural chemistry, synthesis, and release, are comprehensively analyzed. The future prospects and challenges of injectable hydrogels are also reviewed.
Article
Polymer Science
Ying Chen, Xiaomin Wang, Yudong Huang, Peipei Kuang, Yushu Wang, Yong Liu, Weihan Yin, Jiahui Zan, Yupeng Liu, Chao Yin, Quli Fan
Summary: Injectable hydrogels formed in situ by external stimuli offer advantages of easy handling and minimal invasiveness, enhancing patient compliance and reducing the need for surgical procedures. A novel injectable cellulose/albumin-based hydrogel responsive to body temperature was designed, which effectively addressed the issue of poor mechanical properties and demonstrated higher antitumor efficacy for localized therapy.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Tao Yu, Yunpin Hu, Wenbao He, Yong Xu, Anqi Zhan, Kai Chen, Mingxiang Liu, Xiufeng Xiao, Xiangyang Xu, Qian Feng, Liangfu Jiang
Summary: Although hydrogels have been widely studied for their biocompatibility and plasticity, they have limitations in bone tissue engineering due to their inadequate mechanical properties and lack of osteogenic activity. To overcome these limitations, a new alendronate (ALN)-Ca2+/Mg2+ doped hydrogel was developed based on a mechanically resilient host-guest macromer (HGM) hydrogel. The upgraded CMS hydrogel exhibited improved mechanical properties and promoted bone cell proliferation and differentiation. In vivo experiments demonstrated that the CMS hydrogel had better bone regeneration ability compared to the HGM hydrogel. The updated CMS hydrogel shows significant potential for bone tissue engineering applications.
MATERIALS TODAY BIO
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Victoria G. Muir, Taimoor H. Qazi, Shoshana Weintraub, Bryan O. Torres Maldonado, Paulo E. Arratia, Jason A. Burdick
Summary: By using dynamic covalent inter-particle crosslinking, the mechanical strength and shape stability of injectable granular hydrogels have been improved while maintaining injectability. This research also has potential applications in 3D printing and cell invasion.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Marta Quintanilla, Eva Hemmer, Jose Marques-Hueso, Shadi Rohani, Giacomo Lucchini, Miao Wang, Reza R. Zamani, Vladimir Roddatis, Adolfo Speghini, Bryce S. Richards, Fiorenzo Vetrone
Summary: The size and shape of nanoparticles have a significant impact on their photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY). This study found that the distortion of the crystal lattice in nanoparticles smaller than 20 nm led to an increase in PLQY. Additionally, the shape of nanoparticles within the range of 20-60 nm was found to be particularly relevant for PLQY.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Shannon Tansley, Sonali Uttam, Alba Urena Guzman, Moein Yaqubi, Alain Pacis, Marc Parisien, Haley Deamond, Calvin Wong, Oded Rabau, Nicole Brown, Lisbet Haglund, Jean Ouellet, Carlo Santaguida, Alfredo Ribeiro-da-Silva, Soroush Tahmasebi, Masha Prager-Khoutorsky, Jiannis Ragoussis, Ji Zhang, Michael W. Salter, Luda Diatchenko, Luke M. Healy, Jeffrey S. Mogil, Arkady Khoutorsky
Summary: In this study, the researchers used single-cell RNA sequencing to investigate the role of microglia in the development of chronic pain after peripheral nerve injury. They found that the injury induced the generation of a specific inflammatory microglia subtype in male mice, and there was increased proliferation of microglia in male as compared to female mice. They also observed time- and sex-specific transcriptional changes in different microglial subpopulations following the injury. Furthermore, they identified the apolipoprotein E (ApoE) gene as the top upregulated gene in mouse microglia at chronic time points after peripheral nerve injury, and polymorphisms in APOE gene in humans were associated with chronic pain. Analysis of human spinal cord microglia revealed a subpopulation with a disease-related transcriptional signature. These findings provide valuable insights into the role of microglia in pain and establish a link between ApoE and chronic pain.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Vaidas Klimkevicius, Evelina Voronovic, Greta Jarockyte, Artiom Skripka, Fiorenzo Vetrone, Ricardas Rotomskis, Arturas Katelnikovas, Vitalijus Karabanovas
Summary: Upconverting nanoparticles (UCNPs) have great potential for biomedical applications by converting NIR radiation to visible and UV radiation. Coating UCNPs with custom-made hydrophilic polyelectrolytes enhances their emission intensity and photoluminescence lifetime, making them more efficient for cancer cell labeling. Proper polymer coating improves the stability, cellular uptake, and quality of cellular labeling of UCNPs.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY B
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hosni Cherif, Matthew Mannarino, Alain Sarabia Pacis, Jiannis Ragoussis, Oded Rabau, Jean A. Ouellet, Lisbet Haglund
Summary: In this study, single-cell transcriptomic analysis was used to identify new biomarkers for nucleus pulposus (NP) and inner annulus fibrosis (iAF) cells in intervertebral discs (IVD). The analysis also provided insights into the cell populations within non-degenerating and degenerating IVD. The findings suggest potential functional differences linked to degeneration and among NP and iAF subpopulations, and also propose specific cell type and predictive IVD degeneration genes.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Dhanalakshmi Jeyachandran, Li Li, Rayan Fairag, Lisbet Haglund, Marta Cerruti
Summary: Scaffold porosity is crucial in bone tissue engineering, and this study proposes a simple technique to create dual-porosity scaffolds by introducing micropores into the PLGA matrix. The microporous scaffolds exhibit enhanced bioactivity, protein adsorption, and matrix deposition, indicating their potential for fast bone integration.
MACROMOLECULAR MATERIALS AND ENGINEERING
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Marija Matulionyte, Artiom Skripka, Alma Ramos-Guerra, Antonio Benayas, Fiorenzo Vetrone
Summary: Rare earth (RE3+) doped nanoparticles (RENPs) have been extensively studied as luminescent nanostructures. The development of RENPs in the biomedical framework is shifting towards the 800 nm excitation pathway, which allows for better penetration in tissues. This review focuses on Nd3+-RENPs, discussing their optical properties, successful architectures, and various applications, while also addressing the challenges and future research pathways in this field.
Article
Orthopedics
D. G. Bisson, K. Sheng, S. Kocabas, D. D. Ocay, C. E. Ferland, N. Saran, J. A. Ouellet, L. Haglund
Summary: This study evaluated the association between facet joint cartilage and subchondral bone homeostasis, perceived back pain, and 3-dimensional spinal deformity in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). The results showed that facet joint cartilage degeneration was associated with decreased subchondral bone volume and quality, and strongly correlated to intervertebral axial rotation, kyphotic intervertebral angle, and back pain intensity. These findings suggest that facet joint degeneration is important for rotational instability, disease progression, and perceived back pain in AIS.
OSTEOARTHRITIS AND CARTILAGE
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Matthew Mannarino, Oliver Wu-Martinez, Kai Sheng, Li Li, Rodrigo Navarro-Ramirez, Peter Jarzem, Jean A. Ouellet, Hosni Cherif, Lisbet Haglund
Summary: This study aimed to determine if combining o-Vanillin and RG-7112 could more efficiently remove senescent cells and reduce inflammatory factors and pain mediators in degenerating intervertebral disc (IVD) cells. The results showed that the combination of these two senolytic drugs significantly reduced the amount of senescent IVD cells, proinflammatory cytokines, and neurotrophic factors. These findings support the potential of senolytics as a promising treatment for IVD-related low back pain.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Xuan Li, Yin Liu, Shiyu Liu, Nicole Y. K. Li-Jessen, Lisbet Haglund, Baolin Huang, Jianyu Li
Summary: Tissue loss due to injury, surgery, and disease drives the development of new biomaterials for tissue repair and regeneration. A new generation of regenerative bioadhesives, with dual functions of seamless tissue adhesion and effective tissue repair, emerges at the intersection of bioadhesives and regenerative medicine. This perspective discusses the design principles of regenerative bioadhesives, considering both mechanical and biological aspects, and presents case studies of their application in load-bearing organs such as skin, tendon, and intervertebral discs. The article concludes with immediate opportunities and future perspectives for advancing the field of regenerative bioadhesives.
ADVANCED THERAPEUTICS
(2023)
Proceedings Paper
Optics
Xianglei Liu, Artiom Skripka, Yingming Lai, Cheng Jiang, Jingdan Liu, Fiorenzo Vetrone, Jinyang Liang
Summary: Scientists have developed a new method called SPLIT that uses upconverting nanoparticles as temperature indicators to achieve wide-field temperature sensing in a single exposure. This method has been successfully applied to temperature mapping of dynamic biological samples at video rate.
2022 PHOTONICS NORTH (PN)
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Micah Raab, Artiom Skripka, Julia Bulmahn, Artem Pliss, Andrey Kuzmin, Fiorenzo Vetrone, Paras Prasad
Summary: In this study, we synthesized multi-shell rare-earth doped nanoparticles and achieved independent control in NIR imaging and therapeutic action by using different excitation wavelengths. By generating downshifting emission upon 800 nm excitation and upconversion emission upon 980 nm irradiation, high-contrast NIR imaging in NIR-IIb of optical transparency and selective activation of the surface-bound photosensitizer RB for safer and more specific therapy were achieved.
ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS
(2022)
Meeting Abstract
Cell & Tissue Engineering
Christine Le Maitre, Joseph Snuggs, L. Beckman, Hosni Cherif, Simon Partridge, Lee Breakwell, Ashley Cole, Neil Chiverton, Chris Sammon, Lisbet Haglund
TISSUE ENGINEERING PART A
(2022)
Proceedings Paper
Engineering, Biomedical
Junliang Dong, Holger Breitenborn, Riccardo Piccoli, Lucas Besteiro, Pei You, Diego Caraffini, Zhiming M. Wang, Alexander O. Govorov, Rafik Naccache, Fiorenzo Vetrone, Luca Razzari, Roberto Morandotti
Summary: Nanoparticle-assisted laser tissue soldering is an appealing concept in surgical medicine for facilitating wound healing and avoiding sutures. However, the rapid temperature elevation can cause tissue damage. To monitor tissue temperature and achieve satisfactory healing results, we propose a non-invasive and non-contact method using terahertz radiation to visualize the localized photothermal damage.
ADVANCES IN TERAHERTZ BIOMEDICAL IMAGING AND SPECTROSCOPY
(2022)
Meeting Abstract
Cell & Tissue Engineering
Megan Cooke, Samantha Ozere, Thierry Pauyo, Lisbet Haglund, Derek Rosenzweig
TISSUE ENGINEERING PART A
(2022)
Meeting Abstract
Clinical Neurology
Seunghwan Lee, Yuya Kawarai, Jean Ouellet, Lisbet Haglund, Moshe Szyf, Laura S. Stone
