Nanocomposite Hydrogels as Functional Extracellular Matrices

Abstract

Over recent years, nano-engineered materials have become an important component of artificial extracellular matrices. On one hand, these materials enable static enhancement of the bulk properties of cell scaffolds, for instance, they can alter mechanical properties or electrical conductivity, in order to better mimic the in vivo cell environment. Yet, many nanomaterials also exhibit dynamic, remotely tunable optical, electrical, magnetic, or acoustic properties, and therefore, can be used to non-invasively deliver localized, dynamic stimuli to cells cultured in artificial ECMs in three dimensions. Vice versa, the same, functional nanomaterials, can also report changing environmental conditions—whether or not, as a result of a dynamically applied stimulus—and as such provide means for wireless, long-term monitoring of the cell status inside the culture. In this review article, we present an overview of the technological advances regarding the incorporation of functional nanomaterials in artificial extracellular matrices, highlighting both passive and dynamically tunable nano-engineered components.

Advancements and Applications of Injectable Hydrogel Composites in Biomedical Research and Therapy

“…Nano-engineered materials have been employed to enhance artificial extracellular matrices (ECMs) for improved cell scaffolds [156]. By modifying the mechanical properties of ECMs and providing dynamic stimuli, these materials enable wireless monitoring of cell status within cultures, leading to advancements in artificial ECMs.…”

“…The integration of nanomaterials with injectable hydrogels opens up promising possibilities for therapeutic applications [49,156]. These hybrid systems have shown therapeutic effects in various diseases and conditions, including ischemic insult, CNS diseases, cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, ophthalmic treatments, tissue engineering, myocardial infarction, dermal fillers, erectile dysfunction, and gastric perforations.…”

“…These hybrid systems have shown therapeutic effects in various diseases and conditions, including ischemic insult, CNS diseases, cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, ophthalmic treatments, tissue engineering, myocardial infarction, dermal fillers, erectile dysfunction, and gastric perforations. Nanomaterial-integrated hydrogels serve as versatile platforms for targeted drug delivery, tissue regeneration, immunotherapy, and implantable devices in biomedical contexts [49,156]. The combination of nanomaterials with injectable hydrogels enables synergistic treatment approaches, leading to improved outcomes in diagnosis, drug release, and therapeutic efficacy.…”

“…The combination of nanomaterials with injectable hydrogels enables synergistic treatment approaches, leading to improved outcomes in diagnosis, drug release, and therapeutic efficacy. The biocompatibility and biodegradability of these hydrogels make them suitable for long-term implantation or drug release without adverse effects [156,159]. Furthermore, injectable hydrogels integrated with nanomaterials hold promise for personalized therapies, tailoring treatments to individual patients and enhancing therapeutic effects against tumors [46,47].…”

Hydrogel Contact Lenses Embedded with Amine-Functionalized Large-Pore Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles with Extended Hyaluronic Acid Release

“…Many works have studied the utilization of CLs for controlled drug delivery with nanoparticles, micelles, microemulsions, and vitamin E [8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15]. In recent years, mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) have emerged as a highly regarded option owing to their exceptional chemical stability, tunable particle size, and high biocompatibility [16].…”