Project R-15411

Bioinspired hybrid materials as cellular scaffolds (Research)

Tissue regeneration using biomaterials to restore the physiological function of damaged tissues is a highly evolving field. Especially, bio fabrication of cellular scaffolds that actively promote new tissue growth by offering structural and favourable biological interactions has seen increased attention. Hydrogels have been widely used as cellular scaffold material as they resemble the extracellular matrix. However, the fibril structures in the extracellular matrix are important for functional properties such as in skeletal muscles, myocardium, etc., To mimic a complex architecture of a human tissue, a hybrid material approach is thus needed that combines multiple functional materials offering favorable material-bio interactions (physical and chemical). To achieve this, we aim to develop a bioinspired functional scaffold that is hierarchically built by combining hydrogels, and functional nanoparticle-loaded fibers. The fibers offer mechanical stability for the hydrogels and guide growth of cells, while the endogenous/exogenous stimuli-responsive nanoparticles stimulate cellular growth via the release of bioactive compounds and/or by tuning the physicochemical properties of the construct. The developed bioinspired hybrid materials will be characterized for their physicochemical and biological properties and the material-bio interfaces will be systematically studied.

01 November 2024 - 31 October 2028