A Biomimetic 3D‐Self‐Forming Approach for Microvascular Scaffolds

Abstract

The development of science and technology often drew lessons from natural phenomena. Herein, inspired by drying‐driven curling of apple peels, hydrogel‐based micro‐scaled hollow tubules (MHTs) are proposed for biomimicking microvessels, which promote microcirculation and improve the survival of random skin flaps. MHTs with various pipeline structures are fabricated using hydrogel in corresponding shapes, such as Y‐branches, anastomosis rings, and triangle loops. Adjustable diameters can be achieved by altering the concentration and cross‐linking time of the hydrogel. Based on this rationale, biomimetic microvessels with diameters of 50–500 µm are cultivated in vitro by coculture of MHTs and human umbilical vein endothelial cells. In vivo studies show their excellent performance to promote microcirculation and improve the survival of random skin flaps. In conclusion, the present work proposes and validifies a biomimetic 3D self‐forming method for the fabrication of biomimetic vessels and microvascular scaffolds with high biocompatibility and stability based on hydrogel materials, such as gelatin and hyaluronic acid.

Electric‐Field‐Induced Gradient Ionogels for Highly Sensitive, Broad‐Range‐Response, and Freeze/Heat‐Resistant Ionic Fingers

“…The overall modulus of multilayer is assigned according to the data obtained in Figure 3B. [ 47 ] Different pressures 1 kPa, 10 kPa, 100 kPa, 500 kPa, and 1 MPa were then applied to the ionogels. As shown in Figure 3D, the displacement of gradient ionogels on the soft anode side was observed at a lower pressure (1 kPa).…”

Biomedical application of photo-crosslinked gelatin hydrogels

“…(5) Develop some new biomaterials with various composite functions based on GelMA, for example, temperature response, ion response, shape memory, magnetic response and develop the smart drug carrier based on GelMA via combining with other nanomaterials or micro-robots, which can realize the release of drugs at specific sites while prolonging the release time of drugs in vivo. (6) From the perspective of bionics and the natural phenomena, develop some special functional structures based on GelMA, such as the vessel structure inspired by curled apple peel [140], for further expanding the application of GelMA in the field of biomedicine.…”

Advances in tissue engineering of vasculature through three‐dimensional bioprinting

“…For example, pericytes have significant influence on ECs, as they not only physically support ECs but also modulate ECs through paracrine effects. [97][98][99] Similarly, other cells including fibroblasts 100,101 and MSCs 69,102,103 have also been demonstrated to facilitate ECs to self-assemble into a network by stabilizing ECs and secreting some pro-angiogenic growth factors. 104,105…”