Fibre-infused gel scaffolds guide cardiomyocyte alignment in 3D-printed ventricles

4D printing for biomedical applications

“…Shear-induced alignment during extrusion : Shear-induced alignment of embedded rigid elements (micro/nano-scale fibers/particles) resulting from shear forces at the nozzle tip during the extrusion process (refer Fig. 1(a)-ii) has been exploited for designing anisotropic constructs aimed at orchestrating cellular organization, 61 engineering textured composites, 62 enhancing electrical conductivity, 63 as well as for stimuli-responsive shape-morphing systems. 64–68 This approach draws inspiration from the hygroscopic-driven motion in plants, wherein differential shrinkage along distinct axes resulting from the directional orientation of cellulose microfibrils within cell walls of fibrous layers enables seed dispersal at opportune moments.…”

Perspectives on the Novel Multifunctional Nerve Guidance Conduits: From Specific Regenerative Procedures to Motor Function Rebuilding

“…The physical features of NGCs biomaterials have attracted considerable attention for future nerve therapy because of their tunable mechanical properties and biodegradable lifespans. [89] Sensitive Schwann cells can be polarized and change the cell cycle using a physical substrate, e.g., the tiny interaction between Schwann cells and nanofibers of different diameter scales trigger Schwann cell plasticity differently. [90] The moderate and larger PCL fiber diameters of 5 and 8 μm, respectively, promoted Schwann cells elongated migration more efficiently than that with the thinner PCL fiber membrane.…”

Bacterial Patterning: A Promising Biofabrication Technique

“…Depending on the species to be patterned and the biological functions to be accomplished, biopatterning operates across various length scales: from the molecular level (e.g., proteins and DNAs) and the cell level (e.g., mammalian and bacterial cells) to the tissue level and the organoid level (e.g., multicellular assemblies and tissue and organ printing) (Figure ). − At the microscopic scale, precise micro- and nanoscopic patterns are created through the deposition and/or adhesion of single molecules, exemplified by protein arrays for investigating signaling pathways and ligand–receptor interactions. − On the macroscopic scale, three-dimensional (3D) printing is employed to generate multicellular assemblies with precise geometries for mimicking the biological functions of native tissues and organs. − Despite extensive discussions on biomolecular patterning, mammalian cell patterning, , and 3D printing, , there is a lack of prior publications systematically summarizing the research progress of bacterial patterning for diverse applications. In contrast to fragile mammalian cells, which are susceptible to environmental stimulation, , bacterial cells possess an additional cell wall structure, which serves as a protective shell to defend against external influential factors (e.g., shear force and light irradiation). , Moreover, bacterial cells can form self-embedded biofilms by secreting extracellular polymeric substances (EPSs; e.g., polysaccharides, proteins, and extracellular DNAs) and adhering to surfaces, which provide protection to bacteria in harsh environments. , Given their rapid proliferation, strong colonization capability, environmental adaptability, and well-established gene manipulation strategies, bacterial cells are considered ideal candidates for biopatterning. − …”