Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Quanjing Mei, Ho-Yin Yuen, Xin Zhao
Summary: This study synthesized biomimicking hydrogels for three-dimensional neural cell culture and investigated the effect of mechanical stretching on neural cell behaviors. The results demonstrated that these hydrogels had high biocompatibility and could promote neural cell growth, proliferation, and differentiation. Mechanical stretching was found to enhance neurite extension.
BIO-DESIGN AND MANUFACTURING
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Francesca Cadamuro, Francesco Nicotra, Laura Russo
Summary: Manufacturing technologies such as 3D printing and bio-printing are valuable tools for developing new advanced constructs resembling the structural and functional properties of human organs and tissues. This review focuses on the morphological and biochemical properties of extracellular matrices (ECM) and describes how 3D printing and bioprinting can be used to generate ECM mimics with desired properties.
JOURNAL OF CONTROLLED RELEASE
(2023)
Review
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Jungbin Yoon, Hohyeon Han, Jinah Jang
Summary: This review focuses on the advancements in fabricating engineered tissues and monitoring systems using nanobioinks and nanomaterials through 3D bioprinting technology. The synergistic benefits of combining nanomaterials with ECM hydrogels and applying geometrical effects through 3D bioprinting are highlighted. Critical issues, such as the uneven dispersion of nanomaterials and practical challenges in fabricating complex 3D structures, are also discussed.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Francesca Cadamuro, Susanna Sampaolesi, Giulia Bertolini, Luca Roz, Francesco Nicotra, Laura Russo
Summary: This study presents the generation of 3D-bioprintable and biocompatible hydrogels based on elastin and hyaluronic acid. The hydrogels were crosslinked using a biocompatible click reaction between maleimide and thiol, allowing for the use of living cells. The hydrogels were tested for their biocompatibility, swelling capacity, and printability, and were found to support the growth and proliferation of lung fibroblasts, bronchial epithelial cells, and endothelial cells.
Review
Engineering, Biomedical
Yu Zhao, Zhi Shou Zhu, Juan Guan, Su Jun Wu
Summary: Hydrogels are versatile materials in biomedical engineering with applications similar to wet tissues. Silk fibroin (SF) is a natural polymer with biocompatibility and tunable biodegradation, but its poor mechanical performance hinders its structural applications. Researchers are exploring strategies to enhance the strength of SF-based hydrogels for biomedical uses.
ACTA BIOMATERIALIA
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Liling Chen, Run Meng, Rui Qing, Wenfeng Li, Ziwei Wang, Yao Hou, Jia Deng, Wei Pu, Zibin Gao, Bochu Wang, Shilei Hao
Summary: We have successfully developed robust keratin hydrogels based on mechanism study through recombinant proteins, which outperform combinations of native proteins in mechanical properties and in biomedical applications.
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Eunji Shin, Tae Yoon Kwon, Youngbin Cho, Youngjin Kim, Jennifer H. Shin, Yong-Mahn Han
Summary: Changes in the extracellular matrix (ECM) influence stem cell fate. Differentiation of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) on Matrigel coated onto PDMS (Matrigel_PDMS) resulted in an increase in focal adhesion and YAP/TEF1 activation, promoting pancreatic endoderm (PE)-associated gene transcription. YAP activation in PE cells was mediated by integrin alpha 3-FAK-CDC42-PP1A signaling, and pancreatic islet-like organoids (PIOs) generated on Matrigel_PDMS secreted more insulin than those on Matrigel_TCPS. The unique mucus-like network structure of Matrigel_PDMS directly upregulated focal adhesion, leading to better maturation of hESCs' pancreatic development in vitro.
ACS BIOMATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Franziska Linke, Macha Aldighieri, Anbarasu Lourdusamy, Anna M. Grabowska, Snow Stolnik, Ian D. Kerr, Catherine L. R. Merry, Beth Coyle
Summary: Medulloblastoma (MB) can be subdivided into four subgroups with different metastasis patterns and prognosis rates. 3D models of the cerebellum are necessary to investigate subgroup-specific functional differences and their role in metastasis and chemoresistance. Specific ECM factors play a prognostic and pathological role in MB and enable preclinical development of subgroup-specific therapies.
JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Maria Grazia Tupone, Michele d'Angelo, Vanessa Castelli, Mariano Catanesi, Elisabetta Benedetti, Annamaria Cimini
Summary: Exploring and developing multifunctional intelligent biomaterials is crucial for improving next-generation therapies in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. These biomaterials can mimic the in situ microenvironment and provide specialized bioactive signals to regulate the surrounding biological habitat, contributing to wound healing and biomaterial integration. The connection between stem cells and biomaterials can stimulate specific modifications in cell properties and fate, influencing processes such as self-renewal, adhesion, and differentiation.
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Heng Li, Chengwei Wu, Xiaogang Yu, Wei Zhang
Summary: Articular cartilage is essential for knee joint motion, acting as a connective tissue to distribute loads and withstand high-stress loadings. However, its self-repair capacity is limited due to the absence of vascular, neural, and lymphatic tissues. Therefore, the development of new approaches and materials for cartilage repair is crucial.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY-JMR&T
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Yongliang Wang, Yaxin Xu, Yunfei Wang, Baoqiang Li, Chunfeng Wang, Zhidong Han, Ling Weng
Summary: In this study, layered chitosan hydrogel and layered magnetic chitosan hydrogel were successfully constructed by improving the reaction-diffusion process. These tailored hydrogels possessed ordered layered structures and enhanced mechanical properties, especially toughness. The yield strength of magnetic chitosan hydrogel was significantly improved with the addition of magnetite nanoparticles.
Review
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Peng Bing, Lilong Du, Tongxing Zhang, Jiangping Chen, Baoshan Xu
Summary: "Research on the Use of Hydrogel Biomaterials for the Treatment of Intervertebral Disc Degeneration" summarizes the progress in using hydrogel biomaterials for the treatment of IDD. The study highlights the potential of hydrogels in inducing stem cell differentiation, restoring disc height, and releasing exosomes. However, challenges and problems still exist, requiring further exploration for solutions.
BIOMATERIALS SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Mohammad Hakim Khalili, Craig J. Williams, Christian Micallef, Fabian Duarte-Martinez, Ashfaq Afsar, Rujing Zhang, Sandra Wilson, Eleftheria Dossi, Susan A. Impey, Saurav Goel, Adrianus Indrat Aria
Summary: This study examined the nanomechanical properties of monolithic and multilayered PEGDA hydrogels using different fabrication methods. The results showed that increasing the number of layers or reducing the layer thickness resulted in a decrease in the elastic modulus. Decreasing the number of layers also led to a lower creep index in 3D printed PEGDA hydrogels. The elastic modulus and creep behavior of hydrogels were influenced by the degree of cross-linking and defect density of the layers and interfaces.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Kunjie Wu, Bin Wang, Yutao Niu, Wenjing Wang, Cao Wu, Tao Zhou, Li Chen, Xianghe Zhan, Ziyao Wan, Shan Wang, Zhengpeng Yang, Yichi Zhang, Liwen Zhang, Yongyi Zhang, Zhenzhong Yong, Muqiang Jian, Qingwen Li
Summary: By using chlorosulfonic acid-assisted wet stretching and mechanical rolling, high alignment and dense packing of carbon nanotube fibers (CNTFs) were achieved, resulting in significant enhancement of mechanical and electrical properties.
Review
Polymer Science
Sangeeth Pillai, Jose G. Munguia-Lopez, Simon D. Tran
Summary: Mimicking the complex structure of salivary glands outside their natural environment is challenging. However, significant progress has been made in using hydrogels to culture salivary gland cells, build artificial glands, and facilitate transplantation. Both natural and synthetic hydrogels have been widely used in salivary gland tissue engineering applications, supporting cell proliferation and polarization.