Structuring of Hydrogels across Multiple Length Scales for Biomedical Applications

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Tissue Engineering

Background:

• Regulatory hurdles significantly limit the clinical translation of novel biomaterials.
• Repurposing existing approved materials through structural modification offers a viable alternative.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the structuring of soft materials at multiple length scales by modifying processing conditions.
• To develop self-healing networks from existing materials for diverse biomedical applications.

Main Methods:

• Applying shear to newly forming materials to induce molecular reorganization of polymer chains.
• Controlling processing conditions to create particle and ribbon-like structures.
• Utilizing weak interactions at zero shear to form a solid-like, self-healing network.

Main Results:

• Shear-induced molecular reorganization leads to the formation of distinct microstructures.
• The processed materials form self-healing networks with solid-like properties at zero shear.
• The developed materials demonstrate potential for therapeutic delivery and additive manufacturing.

Conclusions:

• Structuring approved soft materials via controlled processing is an effective strategy to overcome regulatory barriers.
• The self-healing networks created are suitable for advanced biomedical applications, including therapeutic delivery and tissue regeneration.
• This approach facilitates the development of novel materials for tissue augmentation and regenerative medicine.