Magneto-Enzymatic Microgels for Precise Hydrogel Sculpturing

The inclusion of hollow channels in tissue-engineered hydrogels is crucial for mimicking the natural physiological conditions and facilitating the delivery of nutrients and oxygen to cells. Although bio-fabrication techniques provide diverse strategies to create these channels, many require sophisti...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Advanced materials (Weinheim) 2024-10, Vol.36 (41), p.e2402988
Main Authors: Mendes, Maria C, Pereira, João A, Silva, Ana S, Mano, João F
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Actuation
Animals
Biocompatibility
Biocompatible Materials - chemistry
Biomolecules
Cell Survival - drug effects
Channels
Collagenases - chemistry
Collagenases - metabolism
Control equipment
Directional control
Gelatin
Gelatin - chemistry
Humans
Hydrogels
Hydrogels - chemistry
Magnetic Fields
Magnetic flux
Magnetite Nanoparticles - chemistry
Microgels
Microgels - chemistry
Nutrients
Tissue Engineering
Tortuosity
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Summary:The inclusion of hollow channels in tissue-engineered hydrogels is crucial for mimicking the natural physiological conditions and facilitating the delivery of nutrients and oxygen to cells. Although bio-fabrication techniques provide diverse strategies to create these channels, many require sophisticated equipment and time-consuming protocols. Herein, collagenase, a degrading agent for methacrylated gelatin hydrogels, and magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) are combined and processed into enzymatically active spherical structures using a straightforward oil bath emulsion methodology. The generated microgels are then used to microfabricate channels within biomimetic hydrogels via a novel sculpturing approach that relied on the precise coupling of protein-enzyme pairs (for controlled local degradation) and magnetic actuation (for directional control). Results show that the sculpting velocity can be tailored by adjusting the magnetic field intensity or concentration of MNPs within the microgels. Additionally, varying the magnetic field position or microgel size generated diverse trajectories and channels of different widths. This innovative technology improves the viability of encapsulated cells through enhanced medium transport, outperforming non-sculpted hydrogels and offering new perspectives for hydrogel vascularization and drug/biomolecule administration. Ultimately, this novel concept can help design fully controlled channels in hydrogels or soft materials, even those with complex tortuosity, in a single wireless top-down biocompatible step.
ISSN:0935-9648
1521-4095
1521-4095
DOI:10.1002/adma.202402988