Spatially Controlled Templated Hydrogels for Orthopedic Interfacial Tissue Regeneration

Abstract

Scaffolds that recapitulate the spatial complexity of orthopedic interfacial tissues are essential to their regeneration. This requires a method to readily and flexibly produce scaffolds with spatial control over physical and chemical properties, without resulting in hard interfaces. Herein, we produced hydrogel scaffolds with spatially tunable arrangements and chemistries (SSTACs). Using solvent-induced phase separation/fused salt templating (SIPS/salt), scaffold elements are initially prepared with a tunable pore size and with one or more UV-reactive macromers. After trimming to the desired dimensions, these are physically configured and fused together to form the SSTACs. Using this method, three SSTAC designs were prepared, including one that mimicked the osteochondral interface. Bright-field/fluorescent microscopy revealed spatial control of pore size and chemical composition across a relatively smooth and integrated interface, regardless of layer composition. An interface formed by a SSTAC was determined to withstand a similar shear force to an analogous scaffold with no interface.

“Indanonalkene” Photoluminescence Platform: Application in Real-Time Tracking the Synthesis, Remodeling, and Degradation of Soft Materials

“…We then purified and characterized the product 4 using NMR and HRMS (see the Supporting Information). The photophysical properties, prominent mechanical performances, and degradation rendered the PEG hydrogel as a potential biomaterial in tissue engineering such as skin, muscles, , brains, or spinal cords. , …”

“…The photophysical properties, prominent mechanical performances, and degradation rendered the PEG hydrogel as a potential biomaterial in tissue engineering such as skin, 39 muscles, 40,41 brains, or spinal cords. 42,43 Real-Time Tracking of Macromolecule Remodeling. On the basis of the amine−thiol substitution as above, we conjectured that this reaction would be used for the dynamic conversion between different soft materials through covalent bonding exchanges.…”

“…On the basis of the amine−thiol substitution as above, we conjectured that this reaction would be used for the dynamic conversion between different soft materials through covalent bonding exchanges. 42 Meanwhile, this transformation made through a photochemical reaction can lead to optical signal changes; thus it becomes possible to real-time track the morphological changes.…”

Shape Memory Poly(β-hydroxythioether) Foams for Oil Remediation in Aquatic Environments

“…Shape memory polymer (SMP) foams have been touted as offering a variety of different fields access to low-density, stimuli-responsive materials capable of changing their respective industries, and may be of great interest for oil remediation strategies moving forward. − Many different species of SMPs have been developed and examined as porous media, including polyurethanes, polyureas, polyesters, polyethers (derived from epoxides as well as those from other sources), polyamides, polycarbonates, and others. ,− Foams have been produced from many of these materials, with a huge range of morphologies, pore/cell sizes, strut thicknesses and geometries, densities, and physical properties. However, in fields such as biomedical engineering, these materials have been limited by their final material properties compared with the design criteria of the application.…”

Anisotropic Silk-Inspired Nerve Conduit with Peptides Improved the Microenvironment for Long-Distance Peripheral Nerve Regeneration

“…Based on superior spatial and temporal precision of light, the phototriggered gelation system has been regarded as a powerful tool for introducing biochemical signals to scaffolds in a noninvasive and highly controllable manner for directing cell fate. − Significantly, due to the high efficiency of rapid photochemistry upon simple irradiation, photo-cross-linking reactions provide a multifunctional strategy not only to incorporate biomolecules but also to spatially create robust physical microenvironments within biomaterials, such as surface topographic structure and stiffening and softening regions. , Currently, introducing anisotropic topography, a key physical factor of biomedical materials has shown success in promoting axon regeneration. , Specifically, the microgrooved surface structure has been reported to facilitate the cell growth and development of SCs and achieve aligned axon growth, which reduces the wrong target reinnervation. , …”