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Reinforcement of hydrogels using three-dimensionally printed microfibres

Author

Listed:
  • Jetze Visser

    (University Medical Center Utrecht
    Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, 60 Musk Avenue, Kelvin Grove QLD 4059, Queensland, Australia)

  • Ferry P.W. Melchels

    (University Medical Center Utrecht
    Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, 60 Musk Avenue, Kelvin Grove QLD 4059, Queensland, Australia)

  • June E. Jeon

    (Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, 60 Musk Avenue, Kelvin Grove QLD 4059, Queensland, Australia)

  • Erik M. van Bussel

    (University Medical Center Utrecht
    Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, 60 Musk Avenue, Kelvin Grove QLD 4059, Queensland, Australia)

  • Laura S. Kimpton

    (Mathematical Institute, University of Oxford, Andrew Wiles Building, Radcliffe Observatory Quarter)

  • Helen M. Byrne

    (Mathematical Institute, University of Oxford, Andrew Wiles Building, Radcliffe Observatory Quarter)

  • Wouter J.A. Dhert

    (University Medical Center Utrecht
    Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University)

  • Paul D. Dalton

    (Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, 60 Musk Avenue, Kelvin Grove QLD 4059, Queensland, Australia
    University of Würzburg)

  • Dietmar W. Hutmacher

    (Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, 60 Musk Avenue, Kelvin Grove QLD 4059, Queensland, Australia
    Georgia Institute of Technology
    Institute for Advanced Study, Technical University Munich)

  • Jos Malda

    (University Medical Center Utrecht
    Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, 60 Musk Avenue, Kelvin Grove QLD 4059, Queensland, Australia
    Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University)

Abstract

Despite intensive research, hydrogels currently available for tissue repair in the musculoskeletal system are unable to meet the mechanical, as well as the biological, requirements for successful outcomes. Here we reinforce soft hydrogels with highly organized, high-porosity microfibre networks that are 3D-printed with a technique termed as melt electrospinning writing. We show that the stiffness of the gel/scaffold composites increases synergistically (up to 54-fold), compared with hydrogels or microfibre scaffolds alone. Modelling affirms that reinforcement with defined microscale structures is applicable to numerous hydrogels. The stiffness and elasticity of the composites approach that of articular cartilage tissue. Human chondrocytes embedded in the composites are viable, retain their round morphology and are responsive to an in vitro physiological loading regime in terms of gene expression and matrix production. The current approach of reinforcing hydrogels with 3D-printed microfibres offers a fundament for producing tissue constructs with biological and mechanical compatibility.

Suggested Citation

  • Jetze Visser & Ferry P.W. Melchels & June E. Jeon & Erik M. van Bussel & Laura S. Kimpton & Helen M. Byrne & Wouter J.A. Dhert & Paul D. Dalton & Dietmar W. Hutmacher & Jos Malda, 2015. "Reinforcement of hydrogels using three-dimensionally printed microfibres," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 6(1), pages 1-10, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:6:y:2015:i:1:d:10.1038_ncomms7933
    DOI: 10.1038/ncomms7933
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    Cited by:

    1. Donghwan Ji & Jae Min Park & Myeong Seon Oh & Thanh Loc Nguyen & Hyunsu Shin & Jae Seong Kim & Dukjoon Kim & Ho Seok Park & Jaeyun Kim, 2022. "Superstrong, superstiff, and conductive alginate hydrogels," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 13(1), pages 1-10, December.

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