Spatiotemporally programmed release of aptamer tethered dual angiogenic growth factors.

In tissue extracellular matrix (ECM), multiple growth factors (GFs) are sequestered through affinity interactions and released as needed by proteases, establishing spatial morphogen gradients in a time-controlled manner to guide cell behavior. Inspired by these ECM characteristics, we developed an "intelligent" biomaterial platform that spatially controls the combined bioavailability of multiple angiogenic GFs, specifically vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF-BB). Utilizing aptamer affinity interactions and complementary sequences within a GelMA matrix, our platform achieves on-demand, triggered release of individual GFs which can be "programmed" in temporally-controlled, repeatable cycles.

Bioprinting of Aptamer-Based Programmable Bioinks to Modulate Multiscale Microvascular Morphogenesis in 4D.

Dynamic growth factor presentation influences how individual endothelial cells assemble into complex vascular networks. Here, programmable bioinks are developed that facilitate dynamic vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) presentation to guide vascular morphogenesis within 3D-bioprinted constructs. Aptamer's high affinity is leveraged for rapid VEGF sequestration in spatially confined regions and utilized aptamer-complementary sequence (CS) hybridization to tune VEGF release kinetics temporally, days after bioprinting.

Switching to external flows: perturbations of developing vasculature within chicken chorioallantoic membrane.

The impact of fluid flow shear stresses, generated by the movement of blood through vasculature, on the organization and maturation of vessels is widely recognized. Nevertheless, it remains uncertain whether external fluid flows outside of the vasculature in the surrounding tissue can similarly play a role in governing these processes. In this research, we introduce an innovative technique called superfusion-induced vascular steering (SIVS).

Toward a disruptive, minimally invasive small finger joint implant concept: Cellular and molecular interactions with materials in vivo.

Osteoarthritis (OA) poses significant therapeutic challenges, particularly OA that affects the hand. Currently available treatment strategies are often limited in terms of their efficacy in managing pain, regulating invasiveness, and restoring joint function. The APRICOT implant system developed by Aurora Medical Ltd (Chichester, UK) introduces a minimally invasive, bone-conserving approach for treating hand OA (https://apricot-project.

Embedded Printing of Hydrogels and Watery Suspensions of Cells in Patterned Granular Baths.

Bioprinting within support media has emerged as the superior alternative to conventional extrusion printing. Not only because it allows for more freedom over the shapes that can be printed but also because it allows for the printing of inks that would not retain shape fidelity in freeform deposition such as watery liquids. Apart from functioning as mechanical support during embedded printing, hydrogel microparticle support media can provide the unique advantage of offering distinct chemotactic cues to cells printed in the baths by varying the composition of the hydrogel microparticles.