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Advanced Hydrogels as Cell Supportive Matrices: Potential Applications for Musculoskeletal...
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Advanced Hydrogels as Cell Supportive Matrices: Potential Applications for Musculoskeletal Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine

A special issue of Gels (ISSN 2310-2861). This special issue belongs to the section "Gel Applications".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 August 2024 | Viewed by 7067

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Chao Wan

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
Interests: skeletal regeneration; hydrogels; cell based therapy; tissue engineering
Dr. Jonathan I. Dawson

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Centre for Human Development, Stem Cells and Regeneration, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ, UK
Interests: bone regeneration; hydrogels; nanosilicates; skeletal stem cells
Dr. Fei Sun

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Hong Kong, China
Interests: protein engineering; hydrogels; materials synthetic biology; tissue engineering
Dr. Hon Fai Chan

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Institute for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
Interests: tissue engineering; stem cells; biomaterials; microfluidics
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Bo Zheng

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen 518118, China
Interests: bioanalytical chemistry; microfluidics; synthetic biology

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

As a result of population aging, degenerative musculoskeletal diseases such as sarcopenia, osteoporosis, osteoarthritis and enthesopathy have become important public health issues, and development or discovery of novel regenerative therapies to facilitate musculoskeletal repair or regeneration has significant clinical demand. Tissue engineering has been considered as a promising approach to generate functional tissue constructs that restore, replace, maintain or improve damaged musculoskeletal tissues. Fabrication of engineered tissue constructs involves the process of integrating functional cells (stem/progenitor cells or differentiated cells) and specific biological signals within a supportive biomaterial matrix. Hydrogels are a category of biomaterials that are widely used as cell-supportive matrices to generate functional engineered musculoskeletal tissues.

This Special Issue on “Advanced Hydrogels as Cell Supportive Matrices for Musculoskeletal Tissue engineering and Regenerative Medicine” is dedicated to recent progress in the development of novel hydrogels that can serve as cell-supportive matrices to generate functional engineered musculoskeletal tissues, organoid or biochips. These engineered musculoskeletal tissues or structures could potentially be used as medical products for musculoskeletal tissue repair or regeneration, or as an experimental platform for musculoskeletal disease modelling, drug screening or toxicity testing.

We welcome the submission of new concepts and results of advanced hydrogels focusing on, but not limited to, hydrogel strategy and synthesis, physical–chemical and mechanical characterisation of hydrogels, stem and immune cell-hydrogel interactions and modulation, and engineered tissue construct-host tissue integration or functional engraftment in pre-clinical or clinical settings related to musculoskeletal tissue repair or regeneration. This Special Issue will stimulate new research and discoveries in the field of hydrogels to facilitate the discovery of novel approaches for musculoskeletal tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.

Dr. Chao Wan
Dr. Jonathan Dawson
Dr. Fei Sun
Dr. Hon Fai Chan
Dr. Bo Zheng
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Gels is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • Hydrogels
  • Tissue Engineering
  • Muscle
  • Bone
  • Cartilage

Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

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19 pages, 5135 KiB  
Article
Mechano-Chemical Effect of Gelatin- and HA-Based Hydrogels on Human Retinal Progenitor Cells
by Pierre C. Dromel, Deepti Singh, Alfredo Alexander-Katz, Motoichi Kurisawa, Myron Spector and Michael Young
Gels 2023, 9(1), 58; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels9010058 - 11 Jan 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1511
Abstract
Engineering matrices for cell therapy requires design criteria that include the ability of these materials to support, protect and enhance cellular behavior in vivo. The chemical and mechanical formulation of the biomaterials can influence not only target cell phenotype but also cellular differentiation. [...] Read more.
Engineering matrices for cell therapy requires design criteria that include the ability of these materials to support, protect and enhance cellular behavior in vivo. The chemical and mechanical formulation of the biomaterials can influence not only target cell phenotype but also cellular differentiation. In this study, we have demonstrated the effect of a gelatin (Gtn)—hyaluronic acid (HA) hydrogel on human retinal progenitor cells (hRPCs) and show that by altering the mechanical properties of the materials, cellular behavior is altered as well. We have created an interpenetrating network polymer capable of encapsulating hRPCs. By manipulating the stiffness of the hydrogel, the differentiation potential of the hRPCs was controlled. Interpenetrating network 75 (IPN 75; 75% HA) allowed higher expression of rod photoreceptor markers, whereas cone photoreceptor marker expression was found to be higher in IPN 50. In vivo testing of these living matrices performed in Long–Evans rats showed higher levels of rod photoreceptor marker expression when IPN 75 was injected versus IPN 50. These biomaterials mimic biological cues that are required to simulate the dynamic complexity of natural retinal ECM. These hydrogels can be used as a vehicle for cell delivery in vivo as well as for expansion and differentiation in an in vitro 3D system in a highly reproducible manner. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Hydrogels as Cell Supportive Matrices: Potential Applications for Musculoskeletal Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine)
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Review

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23 pages, 5473 KiB  
Review
Beyond Traditional Medicine: EVs-Loaded Hydrogels as a Game Changer in Disease Therapeutics
by Shutong Du, Xiaohu Zhou and Bo Zheng
Gels 2024, 10(3), 162; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels10030162 - 21 Feb 2024
Viewed by 1247
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs), especially exosomes, have shown great therapeutic potential in the treatment of diseases, as they can target cells or tissues. However, the therapeutic effect of EVs is limited due to the susceptibility of EVs to immune system clearance during transport in [...] Read more.
Extracellular vesicles (EVs), especially exosomes, have shown great therapeutic potential in the treatment of diseases, as they can target cells or tissues. However, the therapeutic effect of EVs is limited due to the susceptibility of EVs to immune system clearance during transport in vivo. Hydrogels have become an ideal delivery platform for EVs due to their good biocompatibility and porous structure. This article reviews the preparation and application of EVs-loaded hydrogels as a cell-free therapy strategy in the treatment of diseases. The article also discusses the challenges and future outlook of EVs-loaded hydrogels. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Hydrogels as Cell Supportive Matrices: Potential Applications for Musculoskeletal Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine)
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18 pages, 1920 KiB  
Review
Platelet-Rich Plasma Power-Mix Gel (ppm)—An Orthobiologic Optimization Protocol Rich in Growth Factors and Fibrin
by José Fábio Lana, Joseph Purita, Peter Albert Everts, Palmerindo Antonio Tavares De Mendonça Neto, Daniel de Moraes Ferreira Jorge, Tomas Mosaner, Stephany Cares Huber, Gabriel Ohana Marques Azzini, Lucas Furtado da Fonseca, Madhan Jeyaraman, Ignacio Dallo and Gabriel Silva Santos
Gels 2023, 9(7), 553; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels9070553 - 07 Jul 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2454
Abstract
Platelet- and fibrin-rich orthobiologic products, such as autologous platelet concentrates, have been extensively studied and appreciated for their beneficial effects on multiple conditions. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and its derivatives, including platelet-rich fibrin (PRF), have demonstrated encouraging outcomes in clinical and laboratory settings, particularly [...] Read more.
Platelet- and fibrin-rich orthobiologic products, such as autologous platelet concentrates, have been extensively studied and appreciated for their beneficial effects on multiple conditions. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and its derivatives, including platelet-rich fibrin (PRF), have demonstrated encouraging outcomes in clinical and laboratory settings, particularly in the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders such as osteoarthritis (OA). Although PRP and PRF have distinct characteristics, they share similar properties. The relative abundance of platelets, peripheral blood cells, and molecular components in these orthobiologic products stimulates numerous biological pathways. These include inflammatory modulation, augmented neovascularization, and the delivery of pro-anabolic stimuli that regulate cell recruitment, proliferation, and differentiation. Furthermore, the fibrinolytic system, which is sometimes overlooked, plays a crucial role in musculoskeletal regenerative medicine by regulating proteolytic activity and promoting the recruitment of inflammatory cells and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in areas of tissue regeneration, such as bone, cartilage, and muscle. PRP acts as a potent signaling agent; however, it diffuses easily, while the fibrin from PRF offers a durable scaffolding effect that promotes cell activity. The combination of fibrin with hyaluronic acid (HA), another well-studied orthobiologic product, has been shown to improve its scaffolding properties, leading to more robust fibrin polymerization. This supports cell survival, attachment, migration, and proliferation. Therefore, the administration of the “power mix” containing HA and autologous PRP + PRF may prove to be a safe and cost-effective approach in regenerative medicine. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Hydrogels as Cell Supportive Matrices: Potential Applications for Musculoskeletal Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine)
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Other

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30 pages, 3177 KiB  
Systematic Review
A Systematic Review on Organ-on-a-Chip in PDMS or Hydrogel in Dentistry: An Update of the Literature
by Tania Vanessa Pierfelice, Emira D’Amico, Morena Petrini, Mario Romano, Camillo D’Arcangelo, Ludovico Sbordone, Antonio Barone, Roberto Plebani and Giovanna Iezzi
Gels 2024, 10(2), 102; https://doi.org/10.3390/gels10020102 - 27 Jan 2024
Viewed by 1207
Abstract
Organs-on-a-chip (OoCs) are microfluidic devices constituted by PDMS or hydrogel in which different layers of cells are separated by a semipermeable membrane. This technology can set many parameters, like fluid shear stress, chemical concentration gradient, tissue–organ interface, and cell interaction. The use of [...] Read more.
Organs-on-a-chip (OoCs) are microfluidic devices constituted by PDMS or hydrogel in which different layers of cells are separated by a semipermeable membrane. This technology can set many parameters, like fluid shear stress, chemical concentration gradient, tissue–organ interface, and cell interaction. The use of these devices in medical research permits the investigation of cell patterning, tissue–material interface, and organ–organ interaction, mimicking the complex structures and microenvironment of human and animal bodies. This technology allows us to reconstitute in vitro complex conditions that recapitulate in vivo environments. One of the main advantages of these systems is that they represent a very realistic model that, in many cases, can replace animal experimentation, eliminating costs and related ethical issues. Organ-on-a-chip can also contain bacteria or cancer cells. This technology could be beneficial in dentistry for testing novel antibacterial substances and biomaterials, performing studies on inflammatory disease, or planning preclinical studies. A significant number of publications and reviews have been published on this topic. Still, to our knowledge, they mainly focus on the materials used for fabrication and the different patterns of the chip applied to the experimentations. This review presents the most recent applications of organ-on-a-chip models in dentistry, starting from the reconstituted dental tissues to their clinical applications and future perspectives. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Hydrogels as Cell Supportive Matrices: Potential Applications for Musculoskeletal Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine)
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