Issue 3, 2022

Hipster microcarriers: exploring geometrical and topographical cues of non-spherical microcarriers in biomedical applications

Abstract

Structure and organisation are key aspects of the native tissue environment, which ultimately condition cell fate via a myriad of processes, including the activation of mechanotransduction pathways. By modulating the formation of integrin-mediated adhesions and consequently impacting cell contractility, engineered geometrical and topographical cues may be introduced to activate downstream signalling and ultimately control cell morphology, proliferation, and differentiation. Microcarriers appear as attractive vehicles for cell-based tissue engineering strategies aiming to modulate this 3D environment, but also as vehicles for cell-free applications, given the ease in tuning their chemical and physical properties. In this review, geometry and topography are highlighted as two preponderant features in actively regulating interactions between cells and the extracellular matrix. While most studies focus on the 2D environment, we focus on how the incorporation of these strategies in 3D systems could be beneficial. The techniques applied to design 3D microcarriers with unique geometries and surface topographical cues are covered, as well as specific tissue engineering approaches employing these microcarriers. In fact, successfully achieving a functional histoarchitecture may depend on a combination of fine-tuned geometrically shaped microcarriers presenting intricately tailored topographical cues. Lastly, we pinpoint microcarrier geometry as a key player in cell-free biomaterial-based strategies, and its impact on drug release kinetics, the production of steerable microcarriers to target tumour cells, and as protein or antibody biosensors.

Graphical abstract: Hipster microcarriers: exploring geometrical and topographical cues of non-spherical microcarriers in biomedical applications

Article information

Article type
Review Article
Submitted
18 10 2021
Accepted
08 12 2021
First published
08 12 2021

Mater. Horiz., 2022,9, 908-933

Hipster microcarriers: exploring geometrical and topographical cues of non-spherical microcarriers in biomedical applications

I. M. Bjørge, C. R. Correia and J. F. Mano, Mater. Horiz., 2022, 9, 908 DOI: 10.1039/D1MH01694F

To request permission to reproduce material from this article, please go to the Copyright Clearance Center request page.

If you are an author contributing to an RSC publication, you do not need to request permission provided correct acknowledgement is given.

If you are the author of this article, you do not need to request permission to reproduce figures and diagrams provided correct acknowledgement is given. If you want to reproduce the whole article in a third-party publication (excluding your thesis/dissertation for which permission is not required) please go to the Copyright Clearance Center request page.

Read more about how to correctly acknowledge RSC content.

Social activity

Spotlight

Advertisements