In Situ-Formed Tissue-Adhesive Macroporous Scaffolds Enhance Cell Infiltration and Tissue Regeneration.

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Tissue Engineering
• Regenerative Medicine

Background:

• Macroporous hydrogels are crucial for tissue engineering but conventional fabrication is complex.
• Existing methods lack in situ customization and fabrication capabilities.
• There is a need for advanced scaffolds that promote tissue integration and healing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a translational approach for in situ formation of adhesive macroporous scaffolds.
• To enable precise control over scaffold porosity and crosslinking kinetics.
• To evaluate the efficacy of these scaffolds in promoting wound healing.

Main Methods:

• Microfluidic homogenization of gas into a self-crosslinkable gelatin and transglutaminase (TG) mixture using a double syringe system.
• In situ foaming and administration of the hydrogel precursor directly into tissue defects.
• Characterization of scaffold properties including porosity, pore size, mechanical stability, and biodegradation rate.

Main Results:

• Achieved precise control over porosity and crosslinking kinetics by adjusting foaming parameters and precursor concentrations.
• Demonstrated strong tissue adhesion and accurate defect geometry approximation.
• Observed enhanced cell infiltration, reduced fibrous capsule formation, and improved wound healing in a mouse model compared to bulk hydrogels.

Conclusions:

• The microfluidic-based in situ scaffold formation is a highly translational method for regenerative medicine.
• These adhesive macroporous scaffolds facilitate cell infiltration, tissue integration, and superior wound healing.
• The developed approach offers significant advantages over conventional bulk hydrogels for tissue repair applications.