Abstract Scope |
Bicontinuous interfacially jammed emulsion gels (“bijels”) are a new class of soft matter containing two interpenetrating continuous phases. Owing to their unique bicontinuous structures, bijels and bijels-derived structures are very attractive for applications in many and diverse areas, including tissue engineering which solves difficult problems in human tissue repair. In tissue engineering, growth factors (GFs) delivered locally promote tissue regeneration. Furthermore, the unique bijels-derived structures may be employed as new vehicles for the controlled release of cells, including mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), for tissue regeneration. We have developed a new technique for fabricating bijels and processes for producing bijels-derived structures for biomedical applications. New bijels-derived polymer-hydrogel hybrid structures exhibit good biocompatibility and biodegradability. The release of cells encapsulated in hybrid structures can be regulated by varying the crosslinking degree of the hydrogel. Released cells display good cell proliferation and cytoskeleton development. Also, locally delivered GF enhances cell proliferation and differentiation. |