Meta-adaptive biomaterials: multiscale, spatiotemporal organization and actuation in engineered tissues

Trends in biotechnology, vol. 43, pp. 2709–2723

Abstract

Organized cell architecture and dynamic forces are key for (re)creating native-like tissue function (e.g., contractile soft tissues). However, few studies have explored the combined effects of material-guided 3D cell organization with mechanical stimulation. Herein we underscore the importance of converging material-driven guidance of cell organization with stimulus-responsive actuation for multiscale biomaterial design, outlining strategies to engineer such biomaterials. Given the state-of-the-art biomaterials for multiscale spatiotemporally controlled organization and actuation, we propose a synergistic approach ('meta-adaptive biomaterials') that unlocks complexity in engineered biomaterials, harnessing adaptive feedback pathways arising from cell-material interactions. These can be designed similarly to cell-extracellular matrix (ECM) interactions to reinforce user-specified behaviors and yield functionalities that resemble or surpass native tissues, expanding possibilities in tissue engineering, in vitro models, and biohybrid robotics.

Authors 8

1. Gerardo Cedillo‐Servín

   Utrecht University · University Medical Center Utrecht · Eindhoven University of Technology

   Affiliation as printed

   Department of Orthopedics, Regenerative Medicine Center Utrecht, University Medical Center Utrecht, The Netherlands; Biomaterial Engineering & Biofabrication, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands

2. Essa A A Al-Jehani Aachen

   Leiden University Medical Center · Qatar University · Eindhoven University of Technology

   Affiliation as printed

   Biomaterial Engineering & Biofabrication, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands; Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Center, The Netherlands; Biomedical Research Center, Qatar University, Doha, P.O. Box 2713, Qatar

3. Tamara Rossy

   Massachusetts Institute of Technology

   Affiliation as printed

   Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA

4. Simão P. B. Teixeira

   International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory

   Affiliation as printed

   International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory, Braga, Portugal

5. Fanny Sage Aachen

   Leiden University Medical Center · Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Medicine

   Affiliation as printed

   Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Center, The Netherlands; The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Medicine (reNEW), Leiden node, The Netherlands

6. Rui M. A. Domingues

   International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory

   Affiliation as printed

   International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory, Braga, Portugal

7. Ritu Raman

   Massachusetts Institute of Technology

   Affiliation as printed

   Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA

8. Miguel Dias Castilho corresponding

   Eindhoven University of Technology

   Affiliation as printed

   Biomaterial Engineering & Biofabrication, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands; Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands. Electronic address: m.dias.castilho@tue.nl