Fibroblast-Mimetic Lignin Polymersomes for Logic-Gated Synthesis of Mechanically Reconfigurable Bioskins

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Tissue Engineering

Background:

• Aging leads to skin elasticity loss, with fibroblasts regulating skin mechanics via membrane-bound ligands.
• Mimicking fibroblast function with synthetic assemblies is a significant challenge in biomaterials.
• Developing materials that emulate skin across different physiological stages is crucial for regenerative medicine.

Purpose of the Study:

• To create fibroblast-mimicking polymersomes using lignin and divinyl ligands.
• To enable precise programming of bulk materials for emulating human skin.
• To develop a platform for high-resolution 3D printing of bioskin architectures.

Main Methods:

• Co-assembly of lignin with divinyl ligands to form fibroblast-mimicking polymersomes.
• Utilizing π-π stacking interactions for ligand intercalation and tunable interfacial distribution.
• Programming polymersomes using Boolean logic gates (OR, AND, NOT) to synthesize skin-mimetic gels.

Main Results:

• Successfully generated lignin polymersomes that mimic fibroblast behavior and skin mechanics.
• Demonstrated precise control over material properties through molecular engineering of ligands.
• Achieved on-demand, high-resolution 3D printing of complex bioskin architectures.

Conclusions:

• The developed lignin polymersomes offer a biomimetic paradigm for precise control over material assembly.
• This strategy allows for the synthesis of skin-mimetic gels with tailored mechanical properties.
• The platform holds potential for advanced applications in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.