Mechanically Robust and Bioadhesive Collagen and Photocrosslinkable Hyaluronic Acid Semi-Interpenetrating Networks

Abstract

In this work, we present a class of hydrogels that leverage the favorable properties of the photocrosslinkable hyaluronic acid (HA) and semi-interpenetrating collagen components. The mechanical properties of the semi-interpenetrating network (semi-IPN) hydrogels far surpass those achievable with collagen gels or collagen gel based semi-IPNs. Furthermore, the inclusion of the semi-interpenetrating collagen chains provides a synergistic mechanical improvement in comparison to unmodified HA hydrogels. Collagen-HA semi-IPNs supported fibroblast adhesion and proliferation and were shown to be suitable for cell encapsulation at high levels of cell viability. To demonstrate the utility of the semi-IPNs as a microscale tissue engineering material, cell laden microstructures and microchannels were fabricated via soft lithographic techniques. Given their enhanced mechanical and biomimetic properties, we anticipate that these materials will be of value in tissue engineering and 3D cell culture applications.

Synthesis and Characterization of Tunable Poly(Ethylene Glycol): Gelatin Methacrylate Composite Hydrogels

“…[8][9][10] This has resulted in a wide variety of hydrogels developed from both synthetic and naturally derived polymers. 6,[11][12][13] Interestingly, both cell fate and cell function can be influenced by the hydrogel microenvironment. [14][15][16] Thus, ideally the hydrogel microenvironment should mimic the mechanical and biological demands and requirements of the tissues being replicated.…”

Controlling the Porosity and Microarchitecture of Hydrogels for Tissue Engineering

“…Although hydrogels often have a high degree of hydration with diffusion properties similar to that in the bulk surrounding fluid, microchannels have been shown to be effective in further improving the mass transport capabilities of hydrogels. 22,93 A common method for producing microfluidic channels within hydrogels is the use of soft lithography micromolding. 94 Briefly, a photomask containing the desired pattern is printed and used in combination with an SU-8 photoresist-coated silicon wafer to create a template.…”

A Review of Polymeric Refabrication Techniques to Modify Polymer Properties for Biomedical and Drug Delivery Applications

“…There are different ways of achieving the same output One use of IPNs in the medical discipline is to fashion more beneficial hydrogels (2,78,83). Hydrogels are exceptionally biocompatible, have a high water content, and are 3D in nature appropriately allowing for the construction of a material that can potentially form scaffolds for tissue engineering because of its similarities with natural tissue and as such it could be employed as artificial ligaments and cartilage where needed (2,84,85). However, one comprehensive limitation of many hydrogels is that they are mechanically delicate consequently demarcating their employment in biological and biomedical applications as they cannot withstand long periods of time and loose shape with use (2,20,84).…”