Abstract
The main task of tissue engineering (TE) is to reproduce, replicate, and mimic all kinds of tissues in the human body. Nowadays, it has been proven useful in TE to mimic the natural extracellular matrix (ECM) by an artificial ECM (scaffold) based on synthetic or natural biomaterials to regenerate the physiological tissue/organ architecture and function. Hydrogels have gained interest in the TE community because of their ability to absorb water similar to physiological tissues, thus mechanically simulating the ECM. In this work, we present a novel hydrogel platform based on poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline)s, which can be processed to 3D microstructures via two-photon polymerization (2PP) with tunable mechanical properties using monomers and crosslinker with different degrees of polymerization (DP) for future applications in TE. The ideal parameters (laser power and writing speed) for optimal polymerization via 2PP were obtained using a specially developed evaluation method in which the obtained structures were binarized and compared to the computer-aided design (CAD) model. This evaluation was performed for each composition. We found that it was possible to tune the mechanical properties not only by application of different laser parameters but also by mixing poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline)s with different chain lengths and variation of the crosslink density. In addition, the swelling behavior of different fabricated hydrogels were investigated. To gain more insight into the viscoelastic behavior of different fabricated materials, stress relaxation tests via nanoindentation experiments were performed. These new hydrogels can be processed to 3D microstructures with high structural integrity using optimal laser parameter settings, opening a wide range of application properties in TE for this material platform.
Highlights
Biomaterials are nonliving materials used for applications in contact with living tissue, organisms, or microorganisms [1]
We present a new hydrogel platform based on newly synthesized PEtOx di- and monoacrylate copolymers with variable mechanical properties and a great application potential in the field of matrix engineering for tissue engineering (TE) and tumor tissue engineering (TTE)
Successful preparation of hydrogels based on poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline)s with different mechanical properties was carried out via two-photon polymerization
Summary
Biomaterials are nonliving materials used for applications in contact with living tissue, organisms, or microorganisms [1]. They are routinely used to mimic, repair, or replace biological materials, such as bone, cartilage, or other tissues. It is important to note that biomaterials fulfill some crucial requirements to make them suitable for application in contact with cells and tissues. All biomaterials should be biocompatible, noncytotoxic, and without inflammatory effect when they are intended to be used in biomedicine or regenerative medicine. Depending on their field of use, various requirements are necessary. It is important that the material can be shaped or processed precisely and individually for site-specific therapeutic interventions
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