Self-Foldable Three-Dimensional Biointerfaces by Strain Engineering of Two-Dimensional Layered Materials on Polymers.

Area of Science:

• Bioelectronics
• Materials Science
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Two-dimensional layered materials (2DLMs) possess advantageous electrical, optical, and mechanical properties for bioelectronic applications.
• Transforming 2DLMs into 3D structures is crucial for developing conformal biointerfaces and tissue scaffolds for integrated bioelectronic monitoring.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate a facile method for creating predetermined 3D microstructures of 2DLMs with controllable curvatures.
• To utilize these 3D microstructures as scaffolds for organizing and culturing human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes.
• To explore the potential of combining diverse 2DLMs in 3D structures for advanced bioelectronic devices.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of strain-engineered self-foldable bilayers.
• Formation of 2DLM microrolls (graphene, hexagonal boron nitride, molybdenum disulfide).
• Encapsulation of cardiomyocytes within porous 2DLM microrolls to form tubular aggregates.

Main Results:

• Successful formation of 3D microrolls with controllable curvatures from various 2DLMs.
• Demonstration of microrolls as effective scaffolds for organizing cardiomyocytes into functional cardiac tissues.
• Enabled real-time microscopic observation and precise shaping of engineered cardiac tissues.

Conclusions:

• The self-folding strategy offers a versatile approach for creating complex 3D 2DLM microstructures.
• These 3D 2DLM scaffolds are promising for engineering functional tissues and developing seamless bioelectronic interfaces.
• The technology holds potential for creating flexible, ultrathin bioelectronic devices for noninvasive monitoring of engineered tissues and organoids.