Nikolaos Pipis, Senthilkumar Duraivel, Vignesh Subramaniam, Kevin A Stewart, Thomas E Angelini, Josephine B Allen
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Purpose: Nucleic acid-collagen complexes (NACCs) are unique biomaterials formed by binding short, monodisperse single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) with type I collagen. These complexes spontaneously generate microfibers and nanoparticles of varying sizes, offering a versatile platform with potential applications in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. However, the detailed mechanisms behind the nucleic acid-driven assembly of collagen fibers still need to be established. We aim to understand the relationship between microscopic structure and bulk material properties and demonstrate that NACCs can be engineered as mechanically tunable systems.
Methods: We present a study to test NACCs with varying molar ratios of collagen to random ssDNA oligonucleotides. Our methods encompass the assessment of molecular interactions through infrared spectroscopy and the characterization of gelation and rheological behavior. We also include phase contrast, confocal reflectance, and transmission electron microscopy to provide complementary information on the 3D structural organization of the hydrogels.
Results: We report that adding DNA oligonucleotides within collagen robustly reinforces and rearranges the hydrogel network and accelerates gelation by triggering rapid fiber formation and spontaneous self-assembly. The elasticity of NACC hydrogels can be tailored according to the collagen-to-DNA molar ratio, ssDNA length, and collagen species.
Conclusion: Our findings hold significant implications for the design of mechanically tunable DNA-based hydrogel systems. The ability to manipulate hydrogel stiffness by tailoring DNA content and collagen concentration offers new avenues for fine tuning material properties, enhancing the versatility of bioactive hydrogels in diverse biomedical applications.
Lay summary: This work is an example of forming fibers and gels with tunable elasticity that stems from the complexation of short-length nucleic acids (on the order of size of aptamers) and collagen, which can be potentially extended to a variety of functionalized hydrogel designs and tailored biomedical applications. Incorporating DNA induces mechanical changes in NACCs.
期刊介绍:
Regenerative Engineering is an international journal covering convergence of the disciplines of tissue engineering, advanced materials science, stem cell research, the physical sciences, and areas of developmental biology. This convergence brings exciting opportunities to translate bench-top research into bedside methods, allowing the possibility of moving beyond maintaining or repairing tissues to regenerating them. The journal encourages both top-down engineering approaches and bottom-up strategies integrating materials science with stem cell research and developmental biology. Convergence papers on instructive biomaterials, stimuli-responsive biomaterials, micro- and nano-patterning for regenerative engineering, elastomeric biomaterials, hydrogels for tissue engineering, and rapid prototyping and bioprinting approaches are particularly welcome.
The journal provides a premier, single-blind peer-reviewed forum for the publication of original papers, authoritative reviews, rapid communications, news and views, and opinion papers addressing the most important issues and efforts toward successfully regenerating complex human tissues and organs. All research articles feature a lay abstract highlighting the relevance and future impact for patients, government and other health officials, and members of the general public. Bridging the gap between the lab and the clinic, the journal also serves as a dedicated platform for showcasing translational research that brings basic scientific research and discoveries into clinical methods and therapies, contributing to the improvement of human health care.
Topics covered in Regenerative Engineering and Translational Medicine include:
Advanced materials science for regenerative and biomedical applicationsStem cells for tissue regenerationDrug delivery for tissue regenerationNanomaterials and nanobiotechnology for tissue regenerationStudies combining tissue engineering/regeneration with developmental biologyConvergence research in pre-clinical and clinical phases