Mechanochemical Patternable ECM-Mimetic Hydrogels for Programmed Cell Orientation.

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Tissue Engineering
• Biopolymer Chemistry

Background:

• Native tissues rely on a dynamic extracellular matrix (ECM) for structural support and mechanical adaptation.
• Current hydrogel designs are evolving towards adaptable networks to better mimic natural ECM biofunctionality.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design hybrid polysaccharide-polypeptide networks that mimic natural ECM crosslinking processes using dynamic covalent assembly.
• To create adaptable hydrogels with tunable properties and the ability to imprint surface topography for cell guidance.

Main Methods:

• Synthesized an amine-reactive oxidized-laminarin biopolymer and crosslinked it with gelatin (oxLAM-Gelatin).
• Controlled hydrogel properties by varying aldehyde-to-amine ratios, influencing crosslinking kinetics, viscoelasticity, and degradability.
• Utilized mechanochemical features for imprinting nano- and microtopography onto the hydrogel surfaces under physiological conditions.

Main Results:

• OxLAM-Gelatin hydrogels exhibited tunable crosslinking, viscoelasticity, and degradation rates.
• Successfully imprinted various nano- and microtopographies onto hydrogel surfaces, which were stable over time.
• Human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells aligned with the imprinted nanotopography, demonstrating responsiveness to surface features.

Conclusions:

• Covalently adaptable hydrogels can effectively combine surface topography and cell-adhesive motifs, mimicking natural ECM.
• This approach offers a versatile platform for developing advanced biomaterials for regenerative medicine and tissue engineering applications.