Stable Protein-Based G-Quadruplex-Derived Supramolecular Bioinks as Tunable ECM-Mimetic Constructs Assembled by...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Tissue Engineering
• Biotechnology

Background:

• G-quadruplex hydrogels offer potential for biofabrication due to their dynamic supramolecular properties.
• Their instability under physiological conditions limits practical applications in tissue engineering.

Purpose of the Study:

• To create stable, protein-based G-quadruplex-derived hydrogels for advanced biofabrication.
• To overcome the inherent instability of G-quadruplex hydrogels under physiological conditions.

Main Methods:

• Employed a bioinspired strategy combining supramolecular self-assembly under macromolecular crowding with enzymatic covalent crosslinking.
• Utilized Ficoll to enhance G-quadruplex stability and tune rheological behavior.
• Incorporated transglutaminase-mediated crosslinking to reinforce the hydrogel network.

Main Results:

• Developed printable bioinks with optimal viscosity, yield stress, and shear-thinning properties.
• Fabricated complex, multilayered 3D constructs supporting enhanced cell viability and proliferation.
• Demonstrated control over cellular responses by modulating crosslinking density.

Conclusions:

• Established a new class of hybrid G-quadruplex hydrogel bioinks with unprecedented stability under physiological conditions.
• The developed hydrogels offer biofunctionality and off-the-shelf availability for tissue engineering.
• This versatile platform enables tailoring the biomechanical microenvironment for regenerative medicine strategies.