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Hierarchical Hydrogel Composite Interfaces with Robust Mechanical Properties for Biomedical Applications
Author(s) -
Zhu Yuting,
Zhang Qiang,
Shi Xiaoli,
Han Dong
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
advanced materials
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 10.707
H-Index - 527
eISSN - 1521-4095
pISSN - 0935-9648
DOI - 10.1002/adma.201804950
Subject(s) - materials science , self healing hydrogels , nanotechnology , extracellular matrix , adhesion , composite number , nanoscopic scale , tissue engineering , biomedical engineering , composite material , chemistry , medicine , biochemistry , polymer chemistry
Cells sense and respond to a wide range of external signals, including chemical signals, topography, and interface mechanics, via interactions with the extracellular matrix (ECM), triggering the regulation of behavior and function. The ECM can be considered a hierarchical multiphase porous matrix with various components. Highly porous hydrogel‐based biomaterials can mimic the critical ECM properties, to provide mechanical support for tissues and to regulate cellular behaviors, such as adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation. Herein, based on micro/nanoscale‐topography‐coupled mechanical action, recent advances in the fabrication and application of hydrogel composites with tunable mechanical properties and topography in biomedicine are summarized. In particular, recent findings showing that hydrogels with specifically designed structures not only influence a range of cellular processes and fit the needs of engineered tissues but also have pharmacological effects are emphasized.