Hydrogel-Based Fiber Biofabrication Techniques for Skeletal Muscle Tissue Engineering

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Regenerative Medicine
• Tissue Engineering

Background:

• Skeletal muscle function depends on aligned myotubes; loss leads to impaired function due to scarring.
• Skeletal muscle tissue engineering (SMTE) aims to create in vitro constructs to aid muscle regeneration.
• Hydrogel microfibers offer biomimetic properties and topographical cues for improved myoblast alignment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review hydrogels and fiber-based techniques in SMTE.
• To discuss hydrogel engineering for myoblast orientation.
• To explore external stimulation and complex tissue interface recapitulation.

Main Methods:

• Summarizing hydrogel properties and engineering approaches for myoblast guidance.
• Detailing hydrogel fiber fabrication techniques: molding, electrospinning, 3D bioprinting, extrusion, microfluidic spinning.
• Describing the impact of mechanical and electrical stimulation on constructs.

Main Results:

• Hydrogels provide biomimetic environments; fiber morphology guides myoblast alignment.
• Various techniques exist for fabricating hydrogel microfibers for SMTE.
• External stimuli and advanced methods can recapitulate complex muscle tissue interfaces.

Conclusions:

• Hydrogel microfibers are promising for advanced skeletal muscle constructs in SMTE.
• Fiber-based strategies and external stimulation are key for functional muscle tissue regeneration.
• Future developments will focus on refining hydrogel microfiber applications in SMTE.