Hierarchical Design of Tissue‐Mimetic Fibrillar Hydrogel Scaffolds

Abstract

Most tissues of the human body present hierarchical fibrillar extracellular matrices that have a strong influence over their physicochemical properties and biological behavior. Of great interest is the introduction of this fibrillar structure to hydrogels, particularly due to the water‐rich composition, cytocompatibility and tunable properties of this class of biomaterials. Here, the main bottom‐up fabrication strategies for the design and production of hierarchical biomimetic fibrillar hydrogels and their most representative applications in the fields of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine are reviewed. For example, the controlled assembly/arrangement of peptides, polymeric micelles, cellulose nanoparticles (NPs), and magnetically responsive nanostructures, among others, into fibrillar hydrogels is discussed, as well as their potential use as fibrillar‐like hydrogels (e.g., those from cellulose NPs) with key biofunctionalities such as electrical conductivity or remote stimulation. Finally, major remaining barriers to the clinical translation of fibrillar hydrogels and potential future directions of research in this field are discussed.This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved

Remendable Cross-Linked Alginate/Gelatin Hydrogels Incorporating Nanofibers for Wound Repair and Regeneration

“…The present study employed oxidized alginate, gelatin, and functionalized PCL/gelatin nanofiber fragments in order to fabricate an injectable, remendable, and mechanically rigid hydrogel composite wound dressing with enhanced properties. Nanofibers are advantageous materials with a high surface area-to-volume ratio and excellent physical properties, offering versatile applications depending on their composition and functional groups. , The incorporation of nanofibers into the hydrogel matrix functions to enhance its mechanical properties and reinforce its structural integrity. , The hydrogel is physically conjugated by the nanofiber, and the gelatin component within the nanofiber is broadly dispersed and participates in the Schiff-base reaction with OA, which facilitates the gelation process of the hydrogel . The incorporation of nanofibers allowed for the development of a hydrogel wound dressing that demonstrated enhanced mechanical properties while maintaining the desirable remendability of hydrogels, resulting in a composite wound dressing that possesses ideal qualities for effective wound care.…”