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Conformational Transition-Driven Self-Folding Hydrogel Based on Silk Fibroin and Gelatin for Tissue Engineering
Lu Wang1, Ling Yan2, Shuang Liu1
1Chongqing Key Laboratory of Nano/Micro Composite Materials and Devices, School of Metallurgy and Materials Engineering, Chongqing University of Science and Technology, Chongqing, 401331, P. R. China.
Macromolecular Bioscience
|July 27, 2022
Summary
Researchers developed a novel self-folding hydrogel from silk fibroin and gelatin. This biomaterial enables the creation of 3D tissue constructs for applications in regenerative medicine and blood vessel tissue engineering.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Tissue Engineering
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Self-folding technology offers a pathway to create complex 3D structures from flat materials.
- Limited availability of suitable materials has restricted the application of self-folding in tissue engineering.
- Hydrogels are promising biomaterials for tissue engineering due to their biocompatibility and tunable properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel self-folding hydrogel system for tissue engineering applications.
- To investigate the mechanism of self-folding driven by conformational transitions in a composite hydrogel.
- To evaluate the potential of the self-folding hydrogel for creating 3D coculture systems and its applicability in blood vessel tissue engineering.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of a photocrosslinkable silk fibroin and gelatin composite hydrogel.
- Investigation of the impact of beta-sheet (β-sheet) content on hydrogel swelling, mechanical properties, and microstructure.
- Optimization of self-folding process parameters and evaluation of diffusion through the folded tubular structure using perfusion tests.
- Assessment of the cytocompatibility of the self-folding hydrogel system and its use in a 3D coculture of endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells.
Main Results:
- The composite hydrogel demonstrated self-folding behavior driven by differential beta-sheet formation between layers, enhancing mechanical properties and stability.
- Optimized folding parameters resulted in stable, tubular structures suitable for perfusion.
- The self-folding hydrogel system proved to be cytocompatible.
- Successful construction of a 3D coculture system using endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells within the self-folded hydrogel.
Conclusions:
- A novel self-folding hydrogel based on silk fibroin and gelatin has been successfully developed.
- The hydrogel's self-folding capability, driven by beta-sheet conformational changes, offers improved mechanical properties and stability for 3D constructs.
- The cytocompatible nature and demonstrated utility in 3D coculture highlight its potential for blood vessel tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.
