1
|
Weiß MS, Trapani G, Long H, Trappmann B. Matrix Resistance Toward Proteolytic Cleavage Controls Contractility-Dependent Migration Modes During Angiogenic Sprouting. Adv Sci (Weinh) 2024:e2305947. [PMID: 38477409 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202305947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
Tissue homeostasis and disease states rely on the formation of new blood vessels through angiogenic sprouting, which is tightly regulated by the properties of the surrounding extracellular matrix. While physical cues, such as matrix stiffness or degradability, have evolved as major regulators of cell function in tissue microenvironments, it remains unknown whether and how physical cues regulate endothelial cell migration during angiogenesis. To investigate this, a biomimetic model of angiogenic sprouting inside a tunable synthetic hydrogel is created. It is shown that endothelial cells sense the resistance of the surrounding matrix toward proteolytic cleavage and respond by adjusting their migration phenotype. The resistance cells encounter is impacted by the number of covalent matrix crosslinks, crosslink degradability, and the proteolytic activity of cells. When matrix resistance is high, cells switch from a collective to an actomyosin contractility-dependent single cellular migration mode. This switch in collectivity is accompanied by a major reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton, where stress fibers are no longer visible, and F-actin aggregates in large punctate clusters. Matrix resistance is identified as a previously unknown regulator of angiogenic sprouting and, thus, provides a mechanism by which the physical properties of the matrix impact cell migration modes through cytoskeletal remodeling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martin S Weiß
- Bioactive Materials Laboratory, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, Röntgenstraße 20, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Giuseppe Trapani
- Bioactive Materials Laboratory, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, Röntgenstraße 20, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Hongyan Long
- Bioactive Materials Laboratory, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, Röntgenstraße 20, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Britta Trappmann
- Bioactive Materials Laboratory, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine, Röntgenstraße 20, 48149, Münster, Germany
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, TU Dortmund University, Otto-Hahn-Straße 6, 44227, Dortmund, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Feng W, Wang Z. Tailoring the Swelling-Shrinkable Behavior of Hydrogels for Biomedical Applications. Adv Sci (Weinh) 2023; 10:e2303326. [PMID: 37544909 PMCID: PMC10558674 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202303326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 07/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
Hydrogels with tailor-made swelling-shrinkable properties have aroused considerable interest in numerous biomedical domains. For example, as swelling is a key issue for blood and wound extrudates absorption, the transference of nutrients and metabolites, as well as drug diffusion and release, hydrogels with high swelling capacity have been widely applicated in full-thickness skin wound healing and tissue regeneration, and drug delivery. Nevertheless, in the fields of tissue adhesives and internal soft-tissue wound healing, and bioelectronics, non-swelling hydrogels play very important functions owing to their stable macroscopic dimension and physical performance in physiological environment. Moreover, the negative swelling behavior (i.e., shrinkage) of hydrogels can be exploited to drive noninvasive wound closure, and achieve resolution enhancement of hydrogel scaffolds. In addition, it can help push out the entrapped drugs, thus promote drug release. However, there still has not been a general review of the constructions and biomedical applications of hydrogels from the viewpoint of swelling-shrinkable properties. Therefore, this review summarizes the tactics employed so far in tailoring the swelling-shrinkable properties of hydrogels and their biomedical applications. And a relatively comprehensive understanding of the current progress and future challenge of the hydrogels with different swelling-shrinkable features is provided for potential clinical translations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wenjun Feng
- MOE Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and FunctionalizationDepartment of Polymer Science and EngineeringZhejiang UniversityHangzhou310058China
| | - Zhengke Wang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Macromolecular Synthesis and FunctionalizationDepartment of Polymer Science and EngineeringZhejiang UniversityHangzhou310058China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Jiang T, Tang XY, Mao Y, Zhou YQ, Wang JJ, Li RM, Xie XR, Zhang HM, Fang B, Ouyang NJ, Tang GH. Matrix mechanics regulate the polarization state of bone marrow-derived neutrophils through the JAK1/STAT3 signaling pathway. Acta Biomater 2023; 168:159-173. [PMID: 37467837 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2023.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
Matrix mechanics regulate essential cell behaviors through mechanotransduction, and as one of its most important elements, substrate stiffness was reported to regulate cell functions such as viability, communication, migration, and differentiation. Neutrophils (Neus) predominate the early inflammatory response and initiate regeneration. The activation of Neus can be regulated by physical cues; however, the functional alterations of Neus by substrate stiffness remain unknown, which is critical in determining the outcomes of engineered tissue mimics. Herein, a three-dimensional (3D) culture system made of hydrogels was developed to explore the effects of varying stiffnesses (1.5, 2.6, and 5.7 kPa) on the states of Neus. Neus showed better cell integrity and viability in the 3D system. Moreover, it was shown that the stiffer matrix tended to induce Neus toward an anti-inflammatory phenotype (N2) with less adhesion molecule expression, less reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and more anti-inflammatory cytokine secretion. Additionally, the aortic ring assay indicated that Neus cultured in a stiffer matrix significantly increased vascular sprouting. RNA sequencing showed that a stiffer matrix could significantly activate JAK1/STAT3 signaling in Neus and the inhibition of JAK1 ablated the stiffness-dependent increase in the expression of CD182 (an N2 marker). Taken together, these results demonstrate that a stiffer matrix promotes Neus to shift to the N2 phenotype, which was regulated by JAK1/STAT3 pathway. This study lays the groundwork for further research on fabricating engineered tissue mimics, which may provide more treatment options for ischemic diseases and bone defects. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ting Jiang
- Department of Orthodontics, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine; College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University; National Center for Stomatology; National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology; Shanghai Research Institute of Stomatology, Shanghai 200011, PR China; Oral Bioengineering Lab, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology & Shanghai Research Institute of Stomatology, Shanghai 200011, PR China
| | - Xin-Yue Tang
- Department of Orthodontics, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine; College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University; National Center for Stomatology; National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology; Shanghai Research Institute of Stomatology, Shanghai 200011, PR China; Oral Bioengineering Lab, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology & Shanghai Research Institute of Stomatology, Shanghai 200011, PR China
| | - Yi Mao
- Department of Oral Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine; College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University; National Center for Stomatology; National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology; Shanghai Research Institute of Stomatology, Shanghai 200011, PR China; Oral Bioengineering Lab, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology & Shanghai Research Institute of Stomatology, Shanghai 200011, PR China
| | - Yu-Qi Zhou
- Oral Bioengineering Lab, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology & Shanghai Research Institute of Stomatology, Shanghai 200011, PR China
| | - Jia-Jia Wang
- Department of Oral Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine; College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University; National Center for Stomatology; National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology; Shanghai Research Institute of Stomatology, Shanghai 200011, PR China; Oral Bioengineering Lab, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology & Shanghai Research Institute of Stomatology, Shanghai 200011, PR China
| | - Ruo-Mei Li
- Department of Orthodontics, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine; College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University; National Center for Stomatology; National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology; Shanghai Research Institute of Stomatology, Shanghai 200011, PR China; Oral Bioengineering Lab, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology & Shanghai Research Institute of Stomatology, Shanghai 200011, PR China
| | - Xin-Ru Xie
- Department of Oral Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine; College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University; National Center for Stomatology; National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology; Shanghai Research Institute of Stomatology, Shanghai 200011, PR China; Oral Bioengineering Lab, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology & Shanghai Research Institute of Stomatology, Shanghai 200011, PR China
| | - Hong-Ming Zhang
- Oral Bioengineering Lab, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology & Shanghai Research Institute of Stomatology, Shanghai 200011, PR China
| | - Bing Fang
- Department of Orthodontics, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine; College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University; National Center for Stomatology; National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology; Shanghai Research Institute of Stomatology, Shanghai 200011, PR China; Oral Bioengineering Lab, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology & Shanghai Research Institute of Stomatology, Shanghai 200011, PR China.
| | - Ning-Juan Ouyang
- Department of Orthodontics, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine; College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University; National Center for Stomatology; National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology; Shanghai Research Institute of Stomatology, Shanghai 200011, PR China.
| | - Guo-Hua Tang
- Department of Orthodontics, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine; College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University; National Center for Stomatology; National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology; Shanghai Research Institute of Stomatology, Shanghai 200011, PR China; Oral Bioengineering Lab, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology & Shanghai Research Institute of Stomatology, Shanghai 200011, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Song J, Gerecht S. Hydrogels to Recapture Extracellular Matrix Cues That Regulate Vascularization. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2023; 43:e291-e302. [PMID: 37317849 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.122.318235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The ECM (extracellular matrix) is a 3-dimensional network that supports cellular responses and maintains structural tissue integrity in healthy and pathological conditions. The interactions between ECM and cells trigger signaling cascades that lead to phenotypic changes and structural and compositional turnover of the ECM, which in turn regulates vascular cell behavior. Hydrogel biomaterials are a powerful platform for basic and translational studies and clinical applications due to their high swelling capacity and exceptional versatility in compositions and properties. This review highlights recent developments and uses of engineered natural hydrogel platforms that mimic the ECM and present defined biochemical and mechanical cues for vascularization. Specifically, we focus on modulating vascular cell stimulation and cell-ECM/cell-cell interactions in the microvasculature that are the established biomimetic microenvironment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiyeon Song
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC
| | - Sharon Gerecht
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Zhu Y, Zhang M, Sun Q, Wang X, Li X, Li Q. Advanced Mechanical Testing Technologies at the Cellular Level: The Mechanisms and Application in Tissue Engineering. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:3255. [PMID: 37571149 PMCID: PMC10422338 DOI: 10.3390/polym15153255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Mechanics, as a key physical factor which affects cell function and tissue regeneration, is attracting the attention of researchers in the fields of biomaterials, biomechanics, and tissue engineering. The macroscopic mechanical properties of tissue engineering scaffolds have been studied and optimized based on different applications. However, the mechanical properties of the overall scaffold materials are not enough to reveal the mechanical mechanism of the cell-matrix interaction. Hence, the mechanical detection of cell mechanics and cellular-scale microenvironments has become crucial for unraveling the mechanisms which underly cell activities and which are affected by physical factors. This review mainly focuses on the advanced technologies and applications of cell-scale mechanical detection. It summarizes the techniques used in micromechanical performance analysis, including atomic force microscope (AFM), optical tweezer (OT), magnetic tweezer (MT), and traction force microscope (TFM), and analyzes their testing mechanisms. In addition, the application of mechanical testing techniques to cell mechanics and tissue engineering scaffolds, such as hydrogels and porous scaffolds, is summarized and discussed. Finally, it highlights the challenges and prospects of this field. This review is believed to provide valuable insights into micromechanics in tissue engineering.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yingxuan Zhu
- School of Mechanics and Safety Engineering, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
- National Center for International Joint Research of Micro-nano Moulding Technology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Mengqi Zhang
- School of Mechanics and Safety Engineering, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
- National Center for International Joint Research of Micro-nano Moulding Technology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Qingqing Sun
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Xiaofeng Wang
- School of Mechanics and Safety Engineering, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
- National Center for International Joint Research of Micro-nano Moulding Technology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Xiaomeng Li
- School of Mechanics and Safety Engineering, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
- National Center for International Joint Research of Micro-nano Moulding Technology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Qian Li
- School of Mechanics and Safety Engineering, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
- National Center for International Joint Research of Micro-nano Moulding Technology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Abstract
Mechanical properties of extracellular matrices (ECMs) regulate essential cell behaviours, including differentiation, migration and proliferation, through mechanotransduction. Studies of cell-ECM mechanotransduction have largely focused on cells cultured in 2D, on top of elastic substrates with a range of stiffnesses. However, cells often interact with ECMs in vivo in a 3D context, and cell-ECM interactions and mechanisms of mechanotransduction in 3D can differ from those in 2D. The ECM exhibits various structural features as well as complex mechanical properties. In 3D, mechanical confinement by the surrounding ECM restricts changes in cell volume and cell shape but allows cells to generate force on the matrix by extending protrusions and regulating cell volume as well as through actomyosin-based contractility. Furthermore, cell-matrix interactions are dynamic owing to matrix remodelling. Accordingly, ECM stiffness, viscoelasticity and degradability often play a critical role in regulating cell behaviours in 3D. Mechanisms of 3D mechanotransduction include traditional integrin-mediated pathways that sense mechanical properties and more recently described mechanosensitive ion channel-mediated pathways that sense 3D confinement, with both converging on the nucleus for downstream control of transcription and phenotype. Mechanotransduction is involved in tissues from development to cancer and is being increasingly harnessed towards mechanotherapy. Here we discuss recent progress in our understanding of cell-ECM mechanotransduction in 3D.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Dhiraj Indana
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Ovijit Chaudhuri
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
- Sarafan ChEM-H, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Xiang Y, Mao H, Tong SC, Liu C, Yan R, Zhao L, Zhu L, Bao C. A Facile and Versatile Approach to Construct Photoactivated Peptide Hydrogels by Regulating Electrostatic Repulsion. ACS Nano 2023; 17:5536-5547. [PMID: 36892586 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.2c10896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Short peptides that can respond to external stimuli have been considered as the preferred building blocks to construct hydrogels for biomedical applications. In particular, photoresponsive peptides that are capable of triggering the formation of hydrogels upon light irradiation allow the properties of hydrogels to be changed remotely by precise and localized actuation. Here, we used the photochemical reaction of the 2-nitrobenzyl ester group (NB) to develop a facile and versatile strategy for constructing photoactivated peptide hydrogels. The peptides with high aggregation propensity were designed as hydrogelators, which were photocaged by a positively charged dipeptide (KK) to provide strong charge repulsion and prevent self-assembly in water. Light irradiation led to the removal of KK and triggered the self-assembly of peptides and the formation of hydrogel. Light stimulation endows spatial and temporal control, which enables the formation of hydrogel with precisely tunable structure and mechanical properties. Cell culture and behavior study indicated that the optimized photoactivated hydrogel was suitable for 2D and 3D cell culture, and its photocontrollable mechanical strength could regulate the spreading of stem cells on its surface. Therefore, our strategy provides an alternative way to construct photoactivated peptide hydrogels with wide applications in biomedical areas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yanxin Xiang
- Key Laboratory for Advanced Materials and Joint International Research Laboratory of Precision Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Feringa Nobel Prize Scientist Joint Research Center, Frontiers Science Center for Materiobiology and Dynamic Chemistry, Institute of Fine Chemicals, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Huanv Mao
- Key Laboratory for Advanced Materials and Joint International Research Laboratory of Precision Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Feringa Nobel Prize Scientist Joint Research Center, Frontiers Science Center for Materiobiology and Dynamic Chemistry, Institute of Fine Chemicals, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Si-Cheng Tong
- School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China
| | - Can Liu
- Key Laboratory for Advanced Materials and Joint International Research Laboratory of Precision Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Feringa Nobel Prize Scientist Joint Research Center, Frontiers Science Center for Materiobiology and Dynamic Chemistry, Institute of Fine Chemicals, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Rui Yan
- Key Laboratory for Advanced Materials and Joint International Research Laboratory of Precision Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Feringa Nobel Prize Scientist Joint Research Center, Frontiers Science Center for Materiobiology and Dynamic Chemistry, Institute of Fine Chemicals, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Li Zhao
- School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130012, China
| | - Linyong Zhu
- Key Laboratory for Advanced Materials and Joint International Research Laboratory of Precision Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Feringa Nobel Prize Scientist Joint Research Center, Frontiers Science Center for Materiobiology and Dynamic Chemistry, Institute of Fine Chemicals, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Chunyan Bao
- Key Laboratory for Advanced Materials and Joint International Research Laboratory of Precision Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Feringa Nobel Prize Scientist Joint Research Center, Frontiers Science Center for Materiobiology and Dynamic Chemistry, Institute of Fine Chemicals, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Nguyen KD, Dejean S, Nottelet B, Gautrot JE. Mechanical Evaluation of Hydrogel-Elastomer Interfaces Generated through Thiol-Ene Coupling. ACS Appl Polym Mater 2023; 5:1364-1373. [PMID: 36817337 PMCID: PMC9926487 DOI: 10.1021/acsapm.2c01878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The formation of hybrid hydrogel-elastomer scaffolds is an attractive strategy for the formation of tissue engineering constructs and microfabricated platforms for advanced in vitro models. The emergence of thiol-ene coupling, in particular radical-based, for the engineering of cell-instructive hydrogels and the design of elastomers raises the possibility of mechanically integrating these structures without relying on the introduction of additional chemical moieties. However, the bonding of hydrogels (thiol-ene radical or more classic acrylate/methacrylate radical-based) to thiol-ene elastomers and alkene-functional elastomers has not been characterized in detail. In this study, we quantify the tensile mechanical properties of hybrid hydrogel samples formed of two elastomers bonded to a hydrogel material. We examine the impact of radical thiol-ene coupling on the crosslinking of both elastomers (silicone or polyesters) and hydrogels (based on thiol-ene crosslinking or diacrylate chemistry) and on the mechanics and failure behavior of the resulting hybrids. This study demonstrates the strong bonding of thiol-ene hydrogels to alkene-presenting elastomers with a range of chemistries, including silicones and polyesters. Overall, thiol-ene coupling appears as an attractive tool for the generation of strong, mechanically integrated, hybrid structures for a broad range of applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Khai D.
Q. Nguyen
- Institute
of Bioengineering, Queen Mary, University
of London, Mile End Road, London E1 4NS, U.K.
- School
of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen
Mary, University of London, Mile End Road, London E1 4NS, U.K.
| | - Stéphane Dejean
- Polymers
for Health and Biomaterials, IBMM, Univ
Montpellier, CNRS, ENSCM, 34293 Montpellier, France
| | - Benjamin Nottelet
- Polymers
for Health and Biomaterials, IBMM, Univ
Montpellier, CNRS, ENSCM, 34293 Montpellier, France
| | - Julien E. Gautrot
- Institute
of Bioengineering, Queen Mary, University
of London, Mile End Road, London E1 4NS, U.K.
- School
of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen
Mary, University of London, Mile End Road, London E1 4NS, U.K.
| |
Collapse
|