Fabricating biomimetic materials with ice‐templating for biomedical applications

Abstract

The proper organization of cells and tissues is essential for their functionalization in living organisms. To create materials that mimic natural structures, researchers have developed techniques such as patterning, templating, and printing. Although these techniques own several advantages, these processes still involve complexity, are time‐consuming, and have high cost. To better simulate natural materials with micro/nanostructures that have evolved for millions of years, the use of ice templates has emerged as a promising method for producing biomimetic materials more efficiently. This article explores the historical approaches taken to produce traditional biomimetic structural biomaterials and delves into the principles underlying the ice‐template method and their various applications in the creation of biomimetic materials. It also discusses the most recent biomedical uses of biomimetic materials created via ice templates, including porous microcarriers, tissue engineering scaffolds, and smart materials. Finally, the challenges and potential of current ice‐template technology are analyzed.

Hybrid Double-Sided Tape with Asymmetrical Adhesion and Burst Pressure Tolerance for Abdominal Injury Treatment

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Bio‐Inspired Porous Microneedles Dwelled Stem Cells for Diabetic Wound Treatment

“…Stem cell niches serve as specialized microenvironments where stem cells reside and receive support for their self‐renewal and vitality maintenance. [ 28–31 ] Such niches play a crucial role in regulating stem cell behavior and fate determination, providing a conducive environment for their survival and function. [ 32,33 ] Besides, MN arrays, typically composed of a supportive substrate and organized micro‐sized needles, [ 34–36 ] offer a painless and non‐intrusive method for drug delivery, which is attributed to their capability to create microscale channels in the skin without direct contact with nerve fibers and capillaries.…”

Polydopamine-Coated Polymer Nanofibers for In Situ Protein Loading and Controlled Release

“…Ice templating is a versatile approach to fabricating nanofibers for the applications of drug delivery, tissue engineering, and implants. , Ice templating can be readily applied to aqueous solutions or suspensions where ice is formed under freezing conditions, excluding solutions or particles from the growing ice crystals. The subsequent removal of ice crystals, usually by freeze-drying, generates highly interconnected porous structures. , With the advantages of tunable microstructure, diverse employment of materials, and easy scalability, ice templating has drawn extensive attention and can be an effective method for large-scale nanofiber preparations. ,, More importantly, when a very dilute polymer solution is employed, polymeric nanofibers can be formed, with the fiber diameter impacted mainly by the polymer concentration or freezing condition…”

“…9,10 Ice templating is a versatile approach to fabricating nanofibers for the applications of drug delivery, tissue engineering, and implants. 11,12 Ice templating can be readily applied to aqueous solutions or suspensions where ice is formed under freezing conditions, excluding solutions or particles from the growing ice crystals. The subsequent removal of ice crystals, usually by freeze-drying, generates highly interconnected porous structures.…”