Anisotropic liquid crystalline hydrogels direct 2D and 3D myoblast alignment

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Tissue Engineering
• Polymer Chemistry

Background:

• Tissue development relies on complex cellular interactions and mechanical cues.
• Synthetic biomaterials are crucial for regenerative medicine, but existing options often lack appropriate mechanical properties.
• Liquid crystalline polymer networks (LCNs) show promise for directed cell alignment but are too stiff for soft tissues.

Purpose of the Study:

• To create soft, mechanically anisotropic biomaterials for tissue engineering.
• To combine the properties of liquid crystalline polymers with the biocompatibility of hydrogels.
• To develop 3D-printable scaffolds that can guide cell behavior.

Main Methods:

• Synthesized liquid crystalline hydrogels (LCHs) using liquid crystalline monomers and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)-dithiol.
• Utilized rheological alignment and direct ink write 3D printing to create anisotropic LCH structures.
• Cultured and encapsulated C2C12 myoblasts on and within the LCH scaffolds.

Main Results:

• Achieved mechanically anisotropic LCHs with soft, tunable mechanics.
• Demonstrated directed alignment of C2C12 myoblasts on the surface of anisotropic LCHs.
• Showed that encapsulated C2C12 myoblasts polarize in 3D according to the LCH's mechanical anisotropy.

Conclusions:

• Liquid crystalline hydrogels (LCHs) offer a promising platform for creating anisotropic scaffolds for tissue engineering.
• These soft, 3D-printable materials can effectively guide cell alignment and polarization in vitro.
• LCHs represent a significant advancement in developing biomaterials that mimic native tissue mechanics and guide cellular behavior.