Diffusion‐Patterned Multi‐Component Supramolecular Gels Loaded with Gold Nanoparticles Direct Mesenchymal Stem Cell Growth and Differentiation
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: This article describes a new fabrication method using simple paper stamps to pattern gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) in a hybrid hydrogel, creating multi‐domain gels in which different domains have different cell compatibilities. Soaking a paper stamp in AuCl3 solution, and placing it on top of the gel, allows diffusion of Au(III) from the paper into the gel to create a patterned domain within the gel in which AuNPs are formed, with spatial resolution on the millimeter length‐scale. The gels combine a low‐molecular‐weight gelator that chemically enables the in situ AuNP patterning and offers mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) compatibility with a rheologically stiff polymer gelator. Only the AuNP‐loaded domains support MSC proliferation on the multi‐domain system, inducing cell spreading and promoting osteogenesis with a reproducible pattern. This simple approach therefore programs a soft supramolecular material, enabling it to achieve spatially‐resolved biological outcomes, and may have applications in tissue engineering.
Source: Advanced Healthcare Materials
Institution: University of York
Language: English
Subfield: Biomaterials
Field: Materials Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
Award: G5148776676
OpenAlex ID: W4408884255