Supramolecular assembly of multi-purpose tissue engineering platforms from human extracellular matrix

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Tissue Engineering
• Regenerative Medicine

Background:

• Replicating the extracellular matrix (ECM) complexity is crucial for tissue engineering.
• Decellularized ECM hydrogels offer native bioactivity but lack stability.
• Supramolecular materials mimic ECM biophysical properties but may lack native cues.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a stable, injectable hydrogel system that recapitulates native ECM properties.
• To combine decellularized ECM with supramolecular assembly for enhanced biomaterials.
• To investigate cell-matrix interactions within the novel hydrogel system.

Main Methods:

• Supramolecular assembly of decellularized human amniotic membrane (hAM) proteins using host-guest interactions with acryloyl-β-cyclodextrin (AcβCD).
• Photopolymerization to form tunable soft hydrogels with controlled mechanical properties (stress relaxation, strain-stiffening).
• Assessment of injectability, self-reconstitution, cell delivery, neovascularization, and cell-matrix interplay.

Main Results:

• Formation of soft hydrogels with tunable mechanical properties via photopolymerization.
• Development of an injectable granular material that self-reconstitutes into shape-adaptable hydrogels.
• Demonstration of successful cell delivery, promotion of neovascularization, and favorable cell-matrix interactions within the hydrogels.
• Evidence of encapsulated cells sensing and responding to the hydrogel's biophysical properties, favoring cell spreading in more stress-susceptible matrices.

Conclusions:

• The developed hAM-based supramolecular hydrogel system effectively mimics native ECM biophysical and biochemical properties.
• The injectable and self-reconstituting nature of the material facilitates cell delivery and tissue regeneration.
• This novel biomaterial shows significant promise as a substitute for native ECM in tissue repair and in vitro modeling.