Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Didem Aycan, Fatma Karaca, Neslihan Alemdar
Summary: A novel hyaluronic acid (HA)-based electroconductive hydrogel with enhanced mechanical properties was developed for non-enzymatic glucose detection. The hydrogel achieved electrical conductivity by incorporating reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and polyaniline (PANI) into its structure. The HA-based hydrogel sensor exhibited high sensitivity, selectivity, and stability, making it a promising potential for glucose detection and biosensing systems.
MATERIALS TODAY COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Jiaying Zhang, Fengjiao Chen, Dingle Yu, Zhenjiang Liang, Fanjia Dai, Hongze Liang, Haiyan Li, Hui Tan, Lingling Zhao
Summary: Chitosan-based injectable hydrogels with dual-reversible covalent bonds were developed for precise insulin release. These hydrogels contain glucose-sensors/responsive elements and exhibit high sensitivity and rapid responsiveness to glucose level changes. Evaluation in hyperglycemic mice showed that the hydrogel system had excellent glycemic control ability and maintained blood glucose levels in a normal range for up to 11 days after a single administration, indicating its potential application in insulin replacement therapy for diabetes mellitus.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Zhenwei Yi, Fangke Zhan, Yijia Chen, Ran Zhang, Haodong Lin, Liming Zhao
Summary: A water-soluble conductive material was synthesized by grafting polyaniline onto carboxymethyl chitosan, and dual cross-linked hydrogels with injectable, self-healing, and conductive properties were created. The hydrogel showed good biocompatibility, elastic modulus, and electrical conductivity, promoting the proliferation and migration of Schwann cells and enhancing nerve conduction velocity in sciatic nerve injury.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Malachy Kevin Maher, Jacinta F. White, Veronica Glattauer, Zhilian Yue, Timothy C. Hughes, John A. M. Ramshaw, Gordon G. Wallace
Summary: Collagen, as the most abundant protein in the extracellular matrix, has been extensively studied in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Collagen type I is commonly used in laboratory studies. The structure of the collagen fibril network affects cellular proliferation, differentiation, and the modulus of hydrogels. This study compared the network-forming properties of two forms of collagen and investigated the impact of methacrylation on the crosslinking and 3D printing suitability. The results showed that the presence of telopeptides facilitated fibril formation, but methacrylation reduced the self-assembly potential. Crosslinking improved the fibril-like network structure.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Yian Luo, Lei Fan, Can Liu, Huiquan Wen, Shihuan Wang, Pengfei Guan, Dafu Chen, Chengyun Ning, Lei Zhou, Guoxin Tan
Summary: This study developed an injectable self-healing electroconductive hydrogel for the treatment of traumatic spinal cord injury. The hydrogel showed mechanical and conductive properties similar to natural spinal cord tissues, promoting tissue repair and achieving significant locomotor function restoration in a rat model.
BIOACTIVE MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Franco Furlani, Margherita Montanari, Nicola Sangiorgi, Emanuela Saracino, Elisabetta Campodoni, Alessandra Sanson, Valentina Benfenati, Anna Tampieri, Silvia Panseri, Monica Sandri
Summary: This work presents the development of electroconductive hydrogels as injectable matrices for neural tissue regeneration. The physical-chemical properties of the hydrogels can be finely tuned by the amount of conductive polymer and natural cross-linking agent used in the formulation. The resulting hydrogels exhibit enhanced adhesion and growth of primary cortical astrocytes, indicating potential applications in neurological therapies and brain tissue repair.
BIOMATERIALS SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
SeungHyun Park, Yong Jae Kim, Sanghyun Park, Hyeonaug Hong, JiYong Lee, Seon Il Kim, KangJu Lee, WonHyoung Ryu
Summary: The study introduces a microneedle sensor system for rapid biomolecule detection, achieving a swelling ratio of approximately 600% in 30 seconds by controlling the crosslinking sequence of the material. Utilizing an electrochemical measurement method, the sensor can detect biomolecules extracted by the microneedle with excellent selectivity, allowing for rapid and accurate detection of biomolecules.
ADVANCED MATERIALS TECHNOLOGIES
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Paula Gil-Cabrerizo, Laura Saludas, Felipe Prosper, Gloria Abizanda, Miguel Echanove-Gonzalez de Anleo, Adrian Ruiz-Villalba, Elisa Garbayo, Maria J. Blanco-Prieto
Summary: In this study, a novel injectable hydrogel (HG) based on alginate and collagen was developed as a delivery vehicle for extracellular vesicles (EVs) in cardiac repair. The HG exhibited good injectability, internal gel structure, and low viscosity, allowing for long-term retention in the heart and sustained release of EVs.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Jianfei Tie, Hongbin Chai, Zhiping Mao, Linping Zhang, Yi Zhong, Xiaofeng Sui, Hong Xu
Summary: A simple method for preparing a transparent, highly conductive, and mechanically reinforced hydrogel has been proposed, with potential applications as electrical devices due to its improved mechanical properties and excellent electrical conductivity.
CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS
(2021)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Biswanath Maity, Hariharan Moorthy, Thimmaiah Govindaraju
Summary: This article presents a glucose-responsive smart hydrogel platform based on phenylboronic acid-functionalized natural silk fibroin protein for regulated insulin delivery. The platform provides controlled insulin release and restores blood glucose levels in diabetic conditions.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Xinzhong Xu, Lin Wang, Juehua Jing, Junfeng Zhan, Chungui Xu, Wukun Xie, Shuming Ye, Yao Zhao, Chi Zhang, Fei Huang
Summary: Injectable biomimetic hydrogels with high electrical conductivity and excellent mechanical properties have been developed for potential application in spinal cord injury (SCI) repair. The hydrogel promotes the proliferation and differentiation of neural stem cells, and shows promising prospects in SCI treatment.
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Ehsan Nazarzadeh Zare, Tarun Agarwal, Atefeh Zarepour, Filippo Pinelli, Ali Zarrabi, Filippo Rossi, Milad Ashrafizadeh, Aziz Maleki, Mohammad-Ali Shahbazi, Tapas Kumar Maiti, Rajender S. Varma, Franklin R. Tay, Michael R. Hamblin, Virgilio Mattoli, Pooyan Makvandi
Summary: Polypyrrole is an electrically conductive polymer with good biocompatibility, widely used in the biomedical field. Nanocomposites prepared by blending polypyrrole with other biopolymers or nanomaterials show significant improvements in performance.
APPLIED MATERIALS TODAY
(2021)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Jenny Rosenquist, Matilde Folkesson, Lisa Hoglund, Justina Pupkaite, Jo''ns Hilborn, Ayan Samanta
Summary: Injectable hydrogels based on covalently modified thiol collagen show promise in regenerative medicine. The hydrogel possesses adjustable mechanical properties, good biocompatibility with human corneal epithelial cells, and can be used as a sealant for corneal repair.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Biophysics
Deniz Atila, Dilek Keskin, Yuan-Ling Lee, Feng-Huei Lin, Vasif Hasirci, Aysen Tezcaner
Summary: Injectable hydrogels have potential in dental pulp regeneration due to their ability to fill non-uniform voids. In this study, gelatin methacrylate/thiolated pectin hydrogels carrying electrospun core/shell fibers were designed for vital pulp regeneration. The release of melatonin and Tideglusib from the fibers induced stem cell proliferation and odontoblastic differentiation. This hydrogel system holds promise for pulp tissue regeneration.
COLLOIDS AND SURFACES B-BIOINTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Debyashreeta Barik, Sharmistha Shyamal, Kapilash Das, Sarita Jena, Mamoni Dash
Summary: This study reports the development of glycoprotein mucin as a biomaterial for promoting bone regeneration. A thermosensitive hydrogel derived from modified mucin and collagen is developed, demonstrating porous structure and mechanical strength. In animal experiments, the hydrogel is shown to accelerate bone defect repair and healing, with the formation of new bone tissue, blood vessels, and nerves. This study highlights the potential of the hydrogel as a biodegradable biomaterial capable of regenerating bone tissue.
ADVANCED HEALTHCARE MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Danfeng Cao, Jose G. Martinez, Emilio Satoshi Hara, Edwin W. H. Jager
Summary: Inspired by initial bone development, bioinduced variable-stiffness actuators are fabricated, optimized, and characterized in this study. These actuators can morph in shape and change from soft to rigid, with the ability to promote mineralization for bone tissue integration.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Manav Tyagi, Maryam Fathollahzadeh, Jose G. Martinez, Wing Cheung Mak, Daniel Filippini, Edwin W. H. Jager
Summary: A new radially expanding conducting polymer microactuator is presented for use in an electrically controlled microparticle sieve. The microactuators, made of SU-8 combined with conducting polymers, function as dynamic gates that control the porosity of the filter, allowing for the filtration of specific sizes of microparticles. The design of the sieve provides user-defined channel width modulation with external stimuli and combines photolithography and electrochemical polymerizations with additive manufacturing.
SENSORS AND ACTUATORS B-CHEMICAL
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Danfeng Cao, Jose G. Martinez, Emilio Satoshi Hara, Edwin W. H. Jager
Summary: Biohybrid soft actuators that can alter their stiffness from soft to hard by creating a bone-like rigid layer were designed. The adhesion of the actuator was improved by electroplating a rough Au layer. A thicker mineral layer mimicking the collagen-apatite bone structure was formed on the actuator surface, completely suppressing its movement.
ADVANCED MATERIALS TECHNOLOGIES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Shazed Aziz, Xi Zhang, Sina Naficy, Bidita Salahuddin, Edwin W. H. Jager, Zhonghua Zhu
Summary: Helical plants have the ability to respond to natural stimuli, and scientists have replicated this capability in artificial muscles. However, these shape-mimicked actuators are not adaptive to changing environmental conditions. In this study, a unique microstructural biomimicking approach is used to create artificial muscles that can replicate the hydrotropism and thermotropism of helical plants. These self-adaptive muscle yarns have rapid movement and can autonomously close a window in wet climates.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Danfeng Cao, Jose G. Martinez, Risa Anada, Emilio Satoshi Hara, Hiroshi Kamioka, Edwin W. H. Jager
Summary: An electroactive surface was designed to mimic the initial process of trabecular bone formation by immobilizing chondrocyte-derived plasma membrane nanofragments (PMNFs) for rapid mineralization. The conducting polymer polypyrrole (PPy) enabled dynamic control of PMNF presentation via electrochemical redox switching, resulting in the formation of bone minerals with different morphologies. Different surface morphologies of bone minerals had varying effects on the differentiation of human bone marrow-derived stem cells.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY OF ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Bin Ni, Frederic Braz Ribeiro, Cedric Vancaeyzeele, Giao T. M. Nguyen, Edwin W. H. Jager, Frederic Vidal, Cedric Plesse
Summary: Artificial muscles, specifically electrochemical carbon nanotube (CNT) yarn muscles, are essential for applications such as robotics, prosthetics, and powered exoskeletons. However, these muscles face limitations like undesirable bipolar behavior and short lifetime due to drying of water-based electrolytes. This paper presents the fabrication of air-operating contractile linear artificial muscles from commercially available CNT yarns, offering outstanding performance and stable contraction stroke of 9.7% after 2000 cycles.
APPLIED MATERIALS TODAY
(2023)
Article
Electrochemistry
Jose G. Martinez, Shayan Mehraeen, Edwin W. H. Jager
Summary: This study investigates the influence of different layers in electrochemical yarn actuators using various electrochemical methods. It is found that selecting appropriate electrochemical conditions (such as an applied potential of +0.8 V) is crucial in obtaining high-quality polypyrrole. Additionally, the underlying layer of PEDOT:PSS affects the electrochemical polymerization conditions and can undergo parallel redox reactions, such as oxidation or electrochemical degradation, which impact the electropolymerized polypyrrole.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Shayan Mehraeen, Milad Asadi, Jose G. Martinez, Nils-Krister Persson, Jonas Stalhand, Edwin W. H. Jager
Summary: This study investigates the effect of inherent structural and mechanical properties of commercial yarns on the linear actuation of conducting-polymer-based yarn actuators. The yarn actuators generated an isotonic strain up to 0.99% and isometric force of 95 mN. A qualitative mechanical model is introduced to describe the actuation behavior of yarn actuators. The strain and force created by the yarn actuators make them promising candidates for wearable actuator technologies.
ADVANCED MATERIALS TECHNOLOGIES
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Sujan Dutta, Shayan Mehraeen, Jose G. Martinez, Tariq Bashir, Nils-Krister Persson, Edwin W. H. Jager
Summary: Electronic textiles (E-textiles) are made using various materials including carbon nanotubes, graphene, and graphene oxide. Among them, reduced graphene oxide (rGO) coating is applied on commercial textiles to fabricate e-textiles. rGO-based yarns are prepared as textile actuators by dip coating method and subsequent non-toxic reduction. To enhance conductivity, rGO yarns are coated with PEDOT:PSS and PPy as the electromechanically active layer. The resulting yarn actuators demonstrate high strain and can be integrated into textiles and fabrics for smart e-textiles and wearable devices.
MACROMOLECULAR MATERIALS AND ENGINEERING
(2023)
Proceedings Paper
Automation & Control Systems
Danfeng Cao, Jose G. Martinez, Emilio Satoshi Hara, Edwin W. H. Jager
Summary: This article presents a new class of variable stiffness actuators for soft robotics by utilizing biohybrid materials that undergo a soft-to-hard state change. The actuators, made of a combination of an electromechanically active polymer and a soft substrate, were functionalized with plasma membrane nanofragments to promote mineralization. They were used in robotic devices to achieve a change from a soft to stiff state, resulting in decreased or stopped actuation. Patterned actuators with programmed directional actuation motion were also prepared, showing more complex actuation. These variable stiffness actuators have the potential to expand the applications of morphing robotics with more complex structures and functions.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE 5TH INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON MANIPULATION, AUTOMATION, AND ROBOTICS AT SMALL SCALES (MARSS 2022)
(2022)