11.4 Biophotonics in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine
3 min read•august 9, 2024
Biophotonics is revolutionizing tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Light-based techniques allow precise control over biomaterial properties, cell behavior, and tissue formation. From to drug delivery, these methods are transforming how we create and repair tissues.
Light-activated biomaterials and therapies offer exciting possibilities for controlling cellular processes. Optically-responsive materials, systems, and light stimulation techniques are pushing the boundaries of what's possible in tissue regeneration and personalized medicine.
Light-Based Fabrication Techniques
Photopolymerization and Photocrosslinking
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Top images from around the web for Photopolymerization and Photocrosslinking
Frontiers | 3D Printing Hydrogel-Based Soft and Biohybrid Actuators: A Mini-Review on ... View original
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Frontiers | Hydrogel-Based Bioinks for 3D Bioprinting in Tissue Regeneration View original
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Frontiers | Bioprinting Cell- and Spheroid-Laden Protein-Engineered Hydrogels as Tissue-on-Chip ... View original
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Frontiers | 3D Printing Hydrogel-Based Soft and Biohybrid Actuators: A Mini-Review on ... View original
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transforms liquid monomers into solid polymers using light exposure
Process involves initiator molecules that generate free radicals when exposed to specific wavelengths
Free radicals trigger chain reactions leading to polymer formation
links pre-existing polymer chains using light-activated chemical reactions
Both techniques allow precise spatial and temporal control over material properties
Commonly used in 3D printing of tissue and for cell encapsulation
Advantages include rapid fabrication, room temperature processing, and minimal use of harmful solvents
UV light typically used, but visible light systems gaining popularity due to reduced cellular damage
Bioprinting and Scaffold Fabrication
deposits cell-laden bioinks in precise patterns to create 3D tissue constructs
Light-based bioprinting techniques include and
Stereolithography uses a laser to selectively cure photosensitive resins layer by layer
Digital light processing employs a digital micromirror device to project entire layers at once
Scaffold fabrication creates porous structures to support cell growth and tissue formation
Light-based methods allow creation of complex geometries and controlled porosity
enables ultra-high resolution fabrication of microstructures
Scaffolds can incorporate bioactive molecules for enhanced cell adhesion and proliferation
Photopatterning for Tissue Engineering
creates spatially defined regions of different material properties or biomolecule concentrations
Utilizes photomasks or focused light beams to selectively modify substrate surfaces
Enables creation of cell-adhesive patterns to guide cell growth and tissue organization
allow light-triggered release of bound biomolecules
Gradient generation possible by controlling light exposure across a surface
Applications include creating biomimetic environments for stem
Photopatterning combined with microfluidics for organ-on-a-chip devices
Technique allows dynamic modification of material properties in response to cellular behavior
Light-Activated Biomaterials and Therapies
Optically-Responsive Biomaterials
Light-activated biomaterials change properties in response to specific light stimuli
undergo conformational changes upon light exposure