New conductive hydrogels with superior biocompatibility continue to be developed in order to serve as bioactive scaffolds capable of modulating cellular functionality for tissue engineering applications. We developed an electrically conductive gelatin methacrylate-poly(aniline) (GelMA-PANi) hydrogel that is permissive of matrix mineralization by encapsulated osteoblast-like cells. Incorporation of PANi clusters within the GelMA matrix increases the electro-conductivity of the composite gel, while maintaining the osteoid-like soft mechanical properties that allows three-dimensional encapsulation of living cells. Viability of human osteogenic cells encapsulated within GelMA-PANi hydrogels was similar to that of GelMA. Cells within GelMA-PANi also demonstrated the capability of depositing mineral within the hydrogel matrix after being chemically induced for two weeks, although the total mineral content was lower as compared to GelMA. Additionally, we demonstrated that the GelMA-PANi-composite hydrogel could be printed in complex, user-defined geometries using digital projection stereolithography.

Abstract

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Background Internet of Things (IoT) innovations such as wearables and sensors promise improved health outcomes and service efficiencies. Yet, most applications remain experimental with little routine use in health and care settings. We sought to examine the multiple interacting influences on IoT implementation, spread and scale-up, including the role of regional innovation ‘ecosystems’ and the impact of the COVID-19 context. Methods Qualitative study involving 20 participants with clinical, entrepreneurial and broader innovation experience in 18 in-depth interviews, focusing primarily on heart monitoring and assistive technology applications. Data analysis was informed by the NASSS (non-adoption, abandonment, scale-up, spread, sustainability) framework. Results Interviewees discussed multiple tensions and trade-offs, including lack of organisational capacity for routine IoT use, limited ability to receive and interpret data, complex procurement and governance processes, and risk of health disparities and inequalities without system support and funding. Although the pandemic highlighted opportunities for IoT use, it was unclear whether these would be sustained, with framings of innovation as ‘disruption’ coming at odds with immediate needs in healthcare settings. Even in an ‘ecosystem’ with strong presence of academic and research institutions, support was viewed as limited, with impressions of siloed working, conflicting agendas, fragmentation and lack of collaboration opportunities. Conclusions IoT development, implementation and roll-out require support from multiple ecosystem actors to be able to articulate a value proposition beyond experimental or small-scale applications. In contexts where clinical, academic and commercial worlds collide, sustained effort is needed to align needs, priorities and motives, and to strengthen potential for good value IoT innovation.

Tal como lo dicta la tradición en la mayoría de los países del mundo, cada 31 de diciembre a las 11:59:50 p.m. comienza el conteo regresivo para recibir al año entrante con esperanza, buen ánimo y el ferviente deseo que las cosas vayan bien, no sólo a nivel personal y familiar, sino que también a nivel global. Mientras seguían las noticias de las crisis mundiales, nadie estaba preparado para lo que venía. A mediados de enero se dieron las primeras “escaramuzas” informativas acerca de un nuevo virus respiratorio en China. Según la historia reciente, el virus no parecía representar ninguna novedad. Ya sabíamos del SARS-CoV (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndromerelated Coronavirus) en el 2003 del virus de la influenza H5N1 en el 2005, el virus de la influenza H1N1 en el 2009 y el MERS-CoV (Middle East respiratory síndrome-related coronavirus) en el 2012. Luego del anuncio de la aparición del coronavirus tipo 2 (SARS-CoV-2) o COVID-19, nuestro estilo de vida como hondureños, al igual que el del resto del mundo no cambió en lo absoluto. Se pensó que esta vez no sería la excepción a la rutina de los virus que surgen y desaparecen, especialmente porque nuestro país se encuentra a 14,460 km de Wuhan.