Poly(ethylene Glycol) Diacrylate Research Articles

Extraction of type I collagen and development of collagen methacryloyl (ColMA)/PEGDA ink for digital light processing printing

The fabrication of three-dimensional (3D) biostructures through additive manufacturing relies on the critical role of ink development. With the growing demand for high-resolution manufacturing, digital light processing (DLP) technology has emerged as a promising technique requiring specialised photosensitive inks. Although gelatine methacryloyl (GelMA) has been the primary option for DLP, its mechanical properties, biocompatibility, and low stability still present limitations. The development of collagen-based ink is thus in high demand for a wider stiffness adjustment range, native bioactivities, and versatility in biomedical engineering applications. In this paper, we report a rapid and low-cost protocol for collagen methacryloyl (ColMA)/poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA) ink for DLP printing. The ink demonstrated the highest printing resolution of ~50 μm by using 405 nm visible light. The printability, mechanical properties and cell viability of the DLP-printed ColMA/PEGDA structures were comprehensively evaluated. The printed ColMA/PEGDA structures reached a compressive modulus over 100 kPa with 0.6 wt% collagen. The printed ColMA/PEGDA scaffolds promoted the attachment and proliferation of 3 T3 fibroblasts, demonstrating their potential in future applications in biomedical engineering.

Molecular Crowding Solid Polymer Electrolytes for Lithium Metal Battery by In Situ Polymerization

AbstractSolid‐state polymer electrolytes (SPEs) require high ionic conductivity and dense contact with the electrodes for high‐performance lithium‐metal solid‐state batteries. However, massive challenges such as poor ionic migration ability, low antioxidant ability, and lithium dendrite formation still remain unresolved. These issues severely restrict its practical applications. Herein, a new type of solid‐state polymer electrolyte with a molecular crowding feature is rationally designed by in situ polymerization of a precursor containing poly (ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA) and 1,2‐dimethoxyethane (DME). Noticeably, the prepared SPE expands the electrochemical window to 4.7 V with a high lithium‐ion transfer number of 0.55 and a superior ionic conductivity of 3.6 mS cm−1 at room temperature. As a result, the lithium symmetrical batteries achieve stable cycles with more than 3000 h with no lithium dendrites at a current density of 0.5 mA cm−2. Importantly, this design provides dense contact of solid‐state polymer electrolytes with the porous cathode and lithium anode, allowing the assembled winding‐type solid‐state pouch cells with outstanding cycling stability of 81.7% retention for more than 340 cycles at room temperature. It shows excellent adaption to widely practical technology with large‐scale battery production, offering a new solution for the future development of solid‐state polymer lithium‐metal batteries.

Implantable 3D printed hydrogels with intrinsic channels for liver tissue engineering

This study presents the design, fabrication, and evaluation of a general platform for the creation of three-dimensional printed devices (3DPDs) for tissue engineering applications. As a demonstration, we modeled the liver with 3DPDs consisting of a pair of parallel millifluidic channels that function as portal-venous (PV) and hepatobiliary (HB) structures. Perfusion of medium or whole blood through the PV channel supports the hepatocyte-containing HB channel. Device computer-aided design was optimized for structural stability, after which 3DPDs were 3D printed in a polyethylene(glycol) diacrylate photoink by digital light processing and evaluated in vitro. The HB channels were subsequently seeded with hepatic cells suspended in a collagen hydrogel. Perfusion of 3DPDs in bioreactors enhanced the viability and function of rat hepatoma cells and were maintained over time, along with improved liver-specific functions. Similar results were observed with primary rat hepatocytes, including significant upregulation of cytochrome p450 activity. Additionally, coculture experiments involving primary rat hepatocytes, endothelial cells, and mesenchymal stem cells in 3DPDs showed enhanced viability, broad liver-specific gene expression, and histological features indicative of liver tissue architecture. In vivo implantation of 3DPDs in a rat renal shunt model demonstrated successful blood flow through the devices without clot formation and maintenance of cell viability. 3D printed designs can be scaled in 3D space, allowing for larger devices with increased cell mass. Overall, these findings highlight the potential of 3DPDs for clinical translation in hepatic support applications.

Porous PEG Scaffold Fabricated via Emulsion-Templating Technique Towards Immobilization of Saccharomyces cerevisiae Cells

The cell immobilization technique, which restricts living cells to a certain space, has received widespread attention as an emerging biotechnology. In this study, a yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae)-loaded highly open-cell emulsion-templated polyethylene glycol (PEG-polyHIPE) was synthesized to be a reusable enzymatic catalyst. An emulsion was prepared with polyethylene glycol diacrylate (PEGDA) aqueous solution, cyclohexane, and polyethylene-polypropylene glycol (F127) as the continuous phase, dispersed phase, and surfactant, respectively. Then PEG-polyHIPE was obtained by polymerization of the PEGDA in emulsion. The highly porous materials obtained by the emulsion-templating method are suitable for use as carrier materials for yeast immobilization, due to their favorable structural designability. During the activation process, the yeast S. cerevisiae can readily gain access to the interior of the material via the interconnected pores and immobilize itself inside the voids. The yeast-loaded polyHIPE was then used to ferment glucose for ethanol production. The yeast immobilized inside the polyHIPE has high fermentation efficiency, good recoverability, and storage stability. After seven cycles, the yeast maintained 70% initial fermentation efficiency. The S. cerevisiae kept more than 90% of the initial cellular activity after one week of storage both in the dry state and in yeast extract peptone dextrose medium (YPD) at 4 °C. This study strongly demonstrates the feasibility of using high-throughput porous materials as cell immobilization carriers to efficiently osmotically immobilize cells in polyHIPEs for high-performance fermentation.

3D Printed Stent from Graphene-Polyethylene Glycol Diacrylate Using Digital Light Processing Technique

Abstract This paper presents the development of the photocurable resin material based on the graphene reinforced polyethylene glycol diacrylate (gPEGDA) for vascular stent fabrication using a commercial 3D printer. 3D printing with digital light processing (DLP) technique is an attractive alternative for low-cost fast fabrication with high accuracy. Four photocurable resin compositions were prepared by mixing PEGDA and varied composition of graphene and the photoinitiator according to the design of experiment of 22 full factorial design. The diphenyl (2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl) phosphine oxide (TPO) photoinitiator was adopted to meet the required 405 nm UV-light source wavelength of the 3D printer for stent fabrication. Material characterization of the UV-absorbance and viscosity tests were conducted and optimized to obtain resin printability. Mechanical characteristics tests were conducted to obtain the best resin composition for stent application. For this purpose, the tensile tests were conducted according to the ASTM D638 standard using the type-V specimen size. The test specimens were 3D printed with varied UV exposure time 20 and 30 seconds. Finally, the stents were successfully fabricated using a commercial 3D printer DLP with the bottom parameter time setting of 60 seconds, and the UV exposure time of 30 seconds. The resin material was applicable for 3D printing of the stent. The result has shown that 3D printer with DLP technique is suitable for stent fabrication with excellent surface quality. Moreover, the innovative bioresorbable stent materials and fabrication approach could open up new possibilities in the development of medical devices, particularly in the treatment of vascular diseases.

Insertable Biomaterial-Based Multianalyte Barcode Sensor toward Continuous Monitoring of Glucose and Oxygen.

Chronic diseases, including diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and microvascular complications, contribute significantly to global morbidity and mortality. Current monitoring tools such as glucometers and continuous glucose monitors only measure one analyte; multiplexing technologies offer a promising approach for monitoring multiple biomarkers, enabling the management of comorbidities and providing more comprehensive disease insights. In this work, we describe a miniaturized optical "barcode" sensor with high biocompatibility for the continuous monitoring of glucose and oxygen. This enzymatic sensor relies on oxygen consumption in proportion to local glucose levels and the phosphorescence reporting of tissue oxygen with a lifetime-based probe. The sensor was specifically designed to operate in a tissue environment with low levels of dissolved oxygen. The barcode sensor consists of a poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA) hydrogel with four discrete compartments separately filled with glucose- or oxygen-sensing phosphorescent microparticles. We evaluated the response of the barcode hydrogels to fluctuating glucose levels over the physiological range under low oxygen conditions, demonstrating the controlled tuning of dynamic range and sensitivity. Moreover, the barcode sensor exhibited remarkable storage stability over 12 weeks, along with full reversibility and excellent reproducibility (∼6% variability in the phosphorescence lifetime) over nearly 50 devices. Electron beam sterilization had a negligible effect on the glucose response of the barcode sensors. Furthermore, our investigation revealed minimal phosphorescence lifetime changes in oxygen compartments while exhibiting increased lifetime in glucose-responsive compartments when subjected to alternating glucose concentrations (0 and 200 mg/dL), showcasing the sensor's multianalyte sensing capabilities without crosstalk between compartments. Additionally, the evaluation of chronic tissue response to sensors inserted in pigs revealed the appropriate biocompatibility of the barcodes as well as excellent material stability over many months. These findings support further development of similar technologies for introducing optical assays for multiple biomarkers that can provide continuous or on-demand feedback to individuals to manage chronic conditions.

Extracellular vesicle-laden hybrid cryogel-interpenetrating network scaffold for improved osteogenesis in bone tissue engineering

Bone tissue engineering (BTE) aims to regenerate the damaged or diseased bone by combining cells, growth factors, and biomaterials. Synthetic bone tissue, which is widely available, is a promising alternative to autografts, allografts, and natural fillers. Biomaterials like 3D scaffolds mimic the extracellular matrix, supporting cell growth and tissue regeneration. However, clinical applications face challenges such as limited osteogenic and angiogenic capabilities, weak mechanical strength, and risks of infection and immune reactions. The current work introduces a mechanically robust cryogel-hydrogel hybrid scaffold, loaded with extracellular vesicles (EVs) and cell secretomes as osteoinductive cues. The scaffold’s mechanical strength was assessed against its individual components. Its physical characteristics, including swelling capacity and porous structure, were analyzed using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and the incorporation of nano-hydroxyapatite (nHAp) was confirmed through Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Three scaffolds were tested: a cryogel scaffold of gelatin and nano-hydroxyapatite (nHAp), a hydrogel scaffold of poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA), and a hybrid cryogel scaffold of gelatin and nano-hydroxyapatite with a PEGDA interpenetrating network (IPN). The results indicated that the hybrid cryogel scaffold with IPN had the greatest normalized ALP content and lowest cytotoxicity, making it the best choice for further study. To explore the osteoinductive potential of Mesenchymal Stem Cell-derived EVs, three scaffold variations were tested: a hybrid IPN scaffold, IPN + nHAp scaffold, and IPN + nHAp + EVs scaffold. These were evaluated for viable cell count, ALP activity, DNA content, and calcium accumulation. The IPN + nHAp + EVs scaffold demonstrated the greatest potential for BTE, with the highest mechanical strength—20.82-fold greater than the single-network cryogel and 1.75-fold stronger than the PEGDA hydrogel. It also showed the highest normalized ALP content, 3.39-fold and 1.47-fold greater than the IPN and IPN + nHAp scaffolds, respectively, and the highest calcium deposition, 1.30-fold higher than the IPN + nHAp scaffold. In conclusion, this study successfully developed a hybrid scaffold system with improved mechanical characteristics and osteogenesis potential, advancing the field of bone tissue engineering.

Melanin Hydrogel Inverse Opal Microneedle Patches for Wound Healing.

Bacterial infected wounds bring an economic burden to the worldwide medical care field. A variety of bioactives-integrated hydrogel patches are developed in response to this challenge. Here, the melanin hydrogel inverse opal microneedle patches (MNs) with antioxidant and visual color sensing abilities for the management of bacterial infected wounds are proposed. The MNs are fabricated by applying melanin-loaded polyethylene glycol diacrylate (PEGDA) as the inverse opal hydrogel and using bacitracin-carried gelatin to fill those nanopores of hydrogel scaffold. Benefitting from the antioxidant capacity of melanin nanoparticles and the local antimicrobial ability of bacitracin, the resulting MNs possess the integrated functions of reactive oxygen species scavenging and antibacterial. Besides, the inverse opal structure endows the MNs with vivid structure color and detectable reflected wavelength, which can gradually shift with the release of the drug, thus allowing MNs to assess the drug delivery. Based on these characteristics, MNs perform excellent in in vitro drug delivery and monitoring, as well as the promotion of bacterial infected wound recovery in vivo, indicating the potential of MNs in the future wound management field.

3D-Printed Plasmonic Nanocomposites: VAT Photopolymerization for Photothermal-Controlled Drug Release

Background: Gold nanoparticles can generate heat upon exposure to radiation due to their plasmonic properties, which depend on particle size and shape. This enables precise control over the release of active substances from polymeric pharmaceutical formulations, minimizing side effects and premature release. The technology of 3D printing, especially vat photopolymerization, is valuable for integrating nanoparticles into complex formulations. Method: This study aimed to incorporate gold nanospheres (AuNSs) and nanorods (AuNRs) into polymeric matrices using vat photopolymerization, allowing for controlled drug release with exposure to 532 nm and 1064 nm wavelengths. Results: The AuNSs (27 nm) responded to 532 nm and the NRs (60 nm length, 10 nm width) responded to 1064 nm. Niclosamide was used as the drug model. Ternary blends of Polyethylene Glycol Diacrylate 250 (PEGDA 250), Polyethylene Glycol 400 (PEG 400), and water were optimized using DesignExpert 11 software for controlled drug release upon specific wavelength exposure. Three matrices, selected based on solubility and printability, underwent rigorous characterization. Two materials achieved controlled drug release with specific wavelengths. Bilayer devices combining AuNSs and AuNRs demonstrated selective drug release based on irradiation wavelength. Conclusions: A pharmaceutical device was developed, capable of controlling drug release upon irradiation, with potential applications in treatments requiring delayed administration.

In Situ Constructing Robust Interface by Deep Eutectic Polymeric Electrolyte Enables High Performance Lithium Metal Batteries with High-Loading Cathode.

The low Li+ transport and poor interface have consistently been two major impediments to practical applications of Polyacrylonitrile (PAN)-based composite solid-state electrolytes (PCPE). In this work, a polymerizable deep eutectic electrolyte is meticulously designed with high fluidity which consists of Poly (Ethylene Glycol) Diacrylate (PEGDA), Fluoroethylene Carbonate (FEC), Succinonitrile (SN) and dual salts (LiTFSI/LiDFOB) to promote Li+ transport and ameliorate the interface of PCPE. Inclusion of PEGDA monomers and FEC alters the crystallinity of SN, enhancing the wettability of thick electrode, and formation of polymeric 3D network from polymerization of PEGDA can anchor SN and suppress the side reactions between SN and lithium metal. Consequently, the modified PCPE exhibit an enhanced conductivity of 4.47×10-4Scm-1 with Li-ion transference number of 0.60, and show an excellent lithium stability. LiCoO2(LCO)/SP-PCPE/Li batteries with higher loading (3-4.4V, 6mgcm-2) can work for over 300 cycles at 0.5 C. Even with an ultra-high loading of 16mgcm-2, LCO/SP-PCPE/Li batteries achieve an excellent cycling performance. This work provides new insights into how to construct a robust interface for solid-state batteries with high-loading cathode.

Stereolithography Printing and Mechanical Properties of Polyethylene Glycol Diacrylate/Hexagonal Boron Nitride Ceramic Composites

To enhance the mechanical properties of bioceramic composite bone scaffolds, a composite paste of polyethylene glycol diacrylate (PEGDA) and hexagonal boron nitride (h‐BN) with a solid content of up to 42 wt% was developed in this study. The part was produced using stereolithography (SLA). The SLA printing parameters and material ratios of the paste were optimized through a homogeneous design and mechanical property tests. The results indicate that the single‐line curing width of the PEGDA/h‐BN paste in the XY plane ranged from 172 to 209 μm, while the curing depth of a single layer along the Z‐axis ranged from 99 to 154 μm. Laser power was identified as the primary factor influencing both the width and depth of curing. The compressive strength of the printed sample of PEGDA/h‐BN ceramic composite paste was measured at 222.4 ± 5.6 MPa, which is 61 times greater than the compressive strength of a pure PEGDA structure and comparable to that of cortical bone (100‐230 MPa). Finally, the superior biocompatibility of PEGDA/h‐BN ceramics was confirmed through cytotoxicity experiments. Consequently, PEGDA/h‐BN ceramic composites meet the mechanical properties and biocompatibility requirements necessary for bone tissue applications, indicating promising potential in the field of bone tissue engineering.

Controlled stiffness and diffusivity of poly(ethylene glycol) hydrogel formed with cellulose-nanofiber framework

Hydrogels composed of polymer networks are widely used in industry and scientific research for high water retention and unique mechanical properties. Nevertheless, in ordinary hydrogel formation, the trade-off relationship between stiffness and mesh size remains a crucial consideration for practical applications. This study describes a facile approach to controlling hydrogel stiffness and mesh size by hybridizing poly (ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA) and methacrylated TEMPO-oxidized cellulose nanofibers (T-CNFMA). After disintegrating T-CNF by ultrasonication, T-CNFMA was synthesized resulting in a degree of substitution of 2.04 mmol/g. Incorporation of T-CNFMA in the PEGDA network allowed for independent control of hydrogel stiffness and mesh size by reinforcing the whole hydrogel network as a framework. Consequently, the swelling ratio and shear modulus could be manipulated by controlling the PEGDA/T-CNFMA ratio. Structural analyses revealed that an increase in the T-CNFMA content in the presence of a low amount of PEGDA resulted in a large mesh size with a constant stiffness. The diffusivity test was also consistent with the properties of the hydrogels. This result indicates that the incorporation of T-CNF in hydrogel network is useful to control the physical property of the hydrogel, especially for varying mesh size, regardless of stiffness alteration.

Double-Network Hydrogel 3D BioPrinting Biocompatible with Fibroblast Cells for Tissue Engineering Applications

The present study examines the formulation of a biocompatible hydrogel bioink for 3D bioprinting, integrating poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA) and sodium alginate (SA) using a double-network approach. These materials were chosen for their synergistic qualities, with PEGDA contributing to mechanical integrity and SA ensuring biocompatibility. Fibroblast cells were included in the bioink and printed with a Reg4Life bioprinter employing micro-extrusion technology. The optimisation of printing parameters included needle size and flow velocities. This led to precise structure development and yielded results with a negligible deviation in printed angles and better control of line widths. The rheological characteristics of the bioink were evaluated, demonstrating appropriate viscosity and shear-thinning behaviour for efficient extrusion. The mechanical characterisation revealed an average compressive modulus of 0.38 MPa, suitable for tissue engineering applications. The printability of the bioink was further confirmed through the evaluations of morphology and diffusion rates, confirming structural integrity. Biocompatibility assessments demonstrated a high cell viability rate of 82.65% following 48 h of incubation, supporting the bioink’s suitability for facilitating cell survival. This study introduced a reliable technique for producing tissue-engineered scaffolds that exhibit outstanding mechanical characteristics and cell viability, highlighting the promise of PEGDA–SA hydrogels in bioprinting applications.

Rapid Whole-Plate Cell and Tissue Micropatterning Using a Budget 3D Resin Printer.

The ability to precisely pattern cells and proteins is crucial in various scientific disciplines, including cell biology, bioengineering, and materials chemistry. Current techniques, such as microcontact stamping, 3D bioprinting, and direct photopatterning, have limitations in terms of cost, versatility, and throughput. In this Article, we present an accessible approach that combines the throughput of photomask systems with the versatility of programmable light patterning using a low-cost consumer LCD resin printer. The method involves utilizing a bioinert hydrogel, poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA), and a 405 nm sensitive photoinitiator (LAP) that are selectively cross-linked to form a hydrogel upon light exposure, creating specific regions that are protein and cell-repellent. Our result highlights that a low-cost LCD resin printer can project virtual photomasks onto the hydrogel, allowing for reasonable resolution and large-area printing at a fraction of the cost of traditional systems. The study demonstrates the calibration of exposure times for optimal resolution and accuracy and shape corrections to overcome the inherent challenges of wide-field resin printing. The potential of this approach is validated through widely studied 2D and 3D stem cell applications, showcasing its biocompatibility and ability to replicate complex tissue engineering patterns. We also validate the method with a cell-adhesive polymer (gelatin methacrylate; GelMA). The combination of low cost, high throughput, and accessibility makes this method broadly applicable across fields for enabling rapid and precise fabrication of cells and tissues in standard laboratory culture vessels.

3D Bioprinted Chondrogenic Gelatin Methacrylate-Poly(ethylene glycol) Diacrylate Composite Scaffolds for Intervertebral Disc Restoration

Abstract Degenerative spine pathologies, including intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration, present a significant healthcare challenge due to their association with chronic pain and disability. This study explores an innovative approach to IVD regeneration utilizing 3D bioprinting technology, specifically visible light-based digital light processing (VL-DLP), to fabricate tissue scaffolds that closely mimic the native architecture of the IVD. Utilizing a hybrid bioink composed of gelatin methacrylate (GelMA) and poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA) at a 10% concentration, we achieved enhanced printing fidelity and mechanical properties suitable for load-bearing applications such as the IVD. Preconditioning rat bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cell (rBMSC) spheroids with chondrogenic media before incorporating them into the GelMA-PEGDA scaffold further promoted the regenerative capabilities of this system. Our findings demonstrate that this bioprinted scaffold not only supports cell viability and integration but also contributes to the restoration of disc height in a rat caudal disc model without inducing adverse inflammatory responses. The study underscores the potential of combining advanced bioprinting techniques and cell preconditioning strategies to develop effective treatments for IVD degeneration and other musculoskeletal disorders, highlighting the need for further research into the dynamic interplay between cellular migration and the hydrogel matrix.

Moisture and Surface Properties of Radically Photo-Grafted Poly-(Ethylene Terephthalate) Woven Fabric

This study aims at the modification of the surface properties of twill-5 polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fabric, in particular to improve its hydrophilicity. It compares the hydrophilic potential and efficacy of two vinyl monomers radically grafted onto the fabric by photoinduced processes. Poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA) and [2-(methacryloyloxy)-ethyl]-trimethylammonium chloride (METAC) affected the wettability of the fabric towards water, significantly reducing the water contact angle (WCA). As a consequence, the treated fabrics showed a good improvement of dynamic moisture management. Adopting specific conditions (e.g., type of monomer and grafting monomer concentration), the grafted PET fabrics remained hydrophilic after washing, laudering, dry cleaning, and rubbing tests; thus, the surface treatment modification resulted to be durable overall.

Biocompatible Hydrogel Coating on Silicone Rubber with Improved Antifouling and Durable Lubricious Properties.

Silicone rubber is widely used in various medical applications. However, silicone rubber is prone to biofouling due to their affinity for lipids and has a high friction coefficient, which can significantly impact their efficacy and performance used as medical devices. Thus, the development of hydrogels with antifouling and lubricious abilities for the modification of silicone rubber is in high demand. We herein prepared a variety of hydrogel coatings mainly based on polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and poly (ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA). We modified the silicone rubber using the prepared hydrogel coatings and cured it using a heating method. Then, we characterized its surface and evaluated the antifouling property, lubricious property, cytotoxicity, sensitization, and vaginal irritation. The results of water contact angle (WCA), protein adsorption, and friction coefficient indicated the success of the modification of the silicone rubber, leading to a significant decrease in the corresponding test values. Meanwhile, the results of cytotoxicity, sensitization, and vaginal irritation tests showed that the hydrogel coating-modified silicone rubbers have an excellent biocompatibility. This study describes how the silicone rubber could be modified with a biocompatible hydrogel coating. The hydrogel coating-modified silicone rubbers have improved antifouling and durable lubricious properties.

Development of HEMA-Succinic Acid-PEG Bio-Based Monomers for High-Performance Hydrogels in Regenerative Medicine.

In recent years, hydrogels have found a special place in regenerative medicine for tissue repair, rehabilitation, and drug delivery. To be used in regenerative medicine, hydrogels must have desirable physical, chemical, and biological properties. In this study, a new biomonomer based on hydroxyethyl methacrylate-succinic acid-polyethylene glycol 200 (HEMA-Suc-PEG) was synthesized and characterized. Then, using the synthesized monomers and different ratios of polyethylene glycol diacrylate (PEGDA) as a crosslinker, biocompatible hydrogels were synthesized through thermal and UV curing methods. The mechanical, physical, chemical, and biological properties of the hydrogels and the behavior of endothelial cells, an essential component of the cardiovascular system, were evaluated. The results showed that the hydrogel synthesized with 0.2 g of PEGDA (UV curing) has desirable mechanical and physical properties. Biological tests showed that these hydrogels are not only nontoxic to cells but also enhance cell adhesion. Therefore, the hydrogel containing the synthesized monomer HEMA-Suc-PEG and 0.2 g of PEGDA has the potential to be used in the cardiovascular system.

Mechanistic understanding of enhancing bioactivity via bio-ionic liquid functionalization of biomaterials

The selection of biomaterials is a pivotal criterion for designing tissue engineering scaffolds, crucial for diverse biomedical applications. While natural biomaterials offer inherent bioactivity and biocompatibility, fine-tuning their properties for specific applications poses challenges. Conversely, synthetic biomaterials, while highly customizable, are often bio-inert. Functionalizing materials with bioactive molecules can improve cell-material interactions. Prevailing approaches utilizing RGD peptides or natural/synthetic composites have drawbacks including cost and immunogenicity. Bio-ionic liquids (BILs), a class of biocompatible ionic liquids derived from natural or synthetic biomolecules, offer a potential alternative. Herein, we present the biofunctionalization of a bio-inert polyethylene glycol diacrylate (PEGDA) with an acrylated choline-based BIL (“BioPEG”) as a method for enhancing the bioactivity of biomaterials. Cell studies using mouse myoblast C2C12 and human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) revealed the excellence of BioPEG hydrogels in promoting cell attachment, growth, proliferation, and differentiation. Computational molecular dynamics (MD) simulations elucidated the mechanism by which BIL facilitates cell interaction with PEGDA. 3D printability of BioPEG hydrogel was showcased using a digital light processing (DLP) bioprinter, with printed scaffolds demonstrating excellent cytocompatibility. Collectively, these findings present BIL as a versatile bioactive agent for augmenting cell adhesion to materials, thus enriching the repertoire of biomaterials for advanced tissue engineering.

Optical fiber fluorescence Cu2+ sensing technology based on CdSe/ZnS quantum dots: Large detection range, low detection limit

BackgroundCopper ion (Cu2+), a crucial heavy metal ion, is closely associated with human health and the ecological environment. Imbalances in Cu2+ can result in health issues for humans and damage to the ecosystem. Therefore, it is essential to detect Cu2+ in the environment. However, current Cu2+ sensors still face challenges such as limited detection range, poor detection limits, high costs, and complex preparation processes. Clearly, there is a need for a Cu2+ sensor with an extensive detection range, low detection limit, cost-effectiveness, and simple preparation methods that enable online monitoring and real-time measurement of Cu2+. ResultsIn this paper, a high-performance optical fiber fluorescent Cu2+ sensor based on polyethylene glycol diacrylate (PEGDA) hydrogel encapsulated CdSe/ZnS quantum dots (QDs) is designed and fabricated. Due to the porous nature of PEGDA hydrogels, large-diameter CdSe/ZnS QDs are confined within the hydrogels, while small molecules Cu2+ are allowed to permeate them. Cu2+ reacts with QDs, resulting in the fluorescence quenching of QDs, which enables the detection of Cu2+. Experimental results show that the sensor can quantitatively analyze Cu2+ in the concentration range of 0.1–200 μM, with a limit of detection (LOD) of only 0.8 nM, and the fastest response time is only 5 s. Additionally, the sensor exhibits strong specificity, has been successfully applied to real water sample detection, demonstrates good stability, and shows great potential for real-time Cu2+ detection. SignificanceThe sensor possesses a large detection range and low LOD, and the synthesis of its core fluorescent probe is straightforward and expedient. Specifically, the fluorescent probe can be synthesized by subjecting a solution of hydrogel precursors doped with CdSe/ZnS QDs to UV irradiation for approximately 2 min. This method is particularly suitable for monitoring confined environments and holds significant implications for the production of Cu2+ sensors capable of real-time detection.