Composition and Mechanism of Three-Dimensional Hydrogel System in Regulating Stem Cell Fate

Abstract

Three-dimensional (3D) hydrogel systems integrating different types of stem cells and scaffolding biomaterials have an important application in tissue engineering. The biomimetic hydrogels that pattern cell suspensions within 3D configurations of biomaterial networks allow for the transport of bioactive factors and mimic the stem cell niche in vivo, thereby supporting the proliferation and differentiation of stem cells. The composition of a 3D hydrogel system determines the physical and chemical characteristics that regulate stem cell function through a biological mechanism. Here, we discuss the natural and synthetic hydrogel compositions that have been employed in 3D scaffolding, focusing on their characteristics, fabrication, biocompatibility, and regulatory effects on stem cell proliferation and differentiation. We also discuss the regulatory mechanisms of cell-matrix interaction and cell-cell interaction in stem cell activities in various types of 3D hydrogel systems. Understanding hydrogel compositions and their cellular mechanisms can yield insights into how scaffolding biomaterials and stem cells interact and can lead to the development of novel hydrogel systems of stem cells in tissue engineering and stem cell-based regenerative medicine.

Recent Advances in Cardiac Tissue Engineering for the Management of Myocardium Infarction

“…The gels had varied concentrations of fibroblast growth factors, and larger concentrations were more effective for heart regeneration [120]. Slow gelation and rapid breakdown are disadvantages of ECM-derived hydrogels [121,122]. Jefford et al employed genipin for crosslinking porcine ECM hydrogels.…”

“…Scientists have been able to identify essential ECM components as well as the mechanisms by which ECM regulates normal cellular activities like migration and differentiation, as well as pathological events like cancer [119,121,126], fibrosis [127,128], and wound healing [78]. There is mounting evidence that changes in ECM mechanical properties significantly impact on cell structure and function.…”

Induction and Maturation of Hepatocyte-Like Cells In Vitro: Focus on Technological Advances and Challenges

“…Hydrogels are classified into natural and synthetic polymer hydrogels, depending on their source. Natural hydrogels include alginate, collagen, and gelatin, while synthetic polymers include polyacrylamide (Toivonen et al, 2016;Luo et al, 2018;Ma and Huang, 2020).…”

Macroporous Aligned Hydrogel Microstrands for 3D Cell Guidance

“…Biochemical cues such as adhesion peptides, small molecules, and growth factors have been bound to hydrogel-forming polymers in various ways and used extensively to enhance the bioactivity and cell-interactive properties of hydrogel systems. − They are reported to influence cell attachment, proliferation, and differentiation into the desired tissue type . In the past 20 years, the study of the effect of bioactive signals on cell fate and behavior in 3D matrices has also been made possible with fine spatiotemporal control using sophisticated light-based techniques such as two-photon patterning. − Growth factors and small molecules have proved extremely valuable since they can recapitulate the biosignaling milieu of the developing tissue and act directly on cell migration, proliferation, and tissue maturation. − For example, adhesion peptides such as Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) are widely used to mimic the presence of the extracellular matrix, thus favoring integrin-mediated cell adhesion. , Although some bioinert polymers need the incorporation of such small molecules to create anchor points for cells to better spread and migrate, other natural-derived polymers such as collagens or gelatin already possess such adhesion cues. − …”