Minimally‐Invasive and In‐Vivo Hydrogel Patterning Method for In Situ Fabrication of Implantable Hydrogel Devices

• Published in: Small methods 2023-09, Vol.7 (9), p.e2300032-n/a
• Main Authors: Cha, Gi Doo, Kim, Minjeong, Park, Ok Kyu, Sunwoo, Sung‐Hyuk, Kang, Taegyu, Lee, Wang Hee, Nam, Seonghyeon, Hyeon, Taeghwan, Choi, Seung Hong, Kim, Dae‐Hyeong
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: hydrogel nanocomposites; implantable devices; in situ patterning; in vivo applications; minimally‐invasive methods
• ISSN: 2366-9608; 2366-9608
• DOI: 10.1002/smtd.202300032

Despite advances in a wide range of device applications of hydrogels, including implantable ones, a method for deploying patterned hydrogel devices into the body in a minimally‐invasive manner is not available yet. However, in situ patterning of the hydrogel in vivo has an obvious advantage, by which incision surgery for implantation of the hydrogel device can be avoided. Here, a minimally‐invasive and in vivo hydrogel patterning method for in situ fabrication of implantable hydrogel devices is presented. The sequential application of injectable hydrogels and enzymes, with assistance of minimally‐invasive surgical instruments, enables the in vivo and in situ hydrogel patterning. This patterning method can be achieved by adopting an appropriate combination of the sacrificial mold hydrogel and the frame hydrogel, in consideration of unique material properties of the hydrogels such as high softness, facile mass transfer, biocompatibility, and diverse crosslinking mechanisms. In vivo and in situ patterning of the hydrogels functionalized with nanomaterials is also demonstrated to fabricate the wireless heater and tissue scaffold, showcasing broad applicability of the patterning method. The minimally‐invasive and in vivo hydrogel patterning method for in situ fabrication of implantable hydrogel devices is developed. The patterning method is realized by appropriate combination of the injectable hydrogels and minimally‐invasive apparatus, which are all biocompatible and clinically applicable. The patterning of the hydrogels that contain nanomaterials is also demonstrated in vivo, as wireless heaters and tissue scaffolds.