Microfluidic strategies for engineering oxygen-releasing biomaterials

Zhiqiang Zhu; Tianao Chen; Yongqi Wu; Xizhi Wu; Zhongliang Lang; Fangsheng Huang; Pingan Zhu; Ting Si; Ronald X Xu

doi:10.1016/j.actbio.2024.03.032

Microfluidic strategies for engineering oxygen-releasing biomaterials

Acta Biomater. 2024 Apr 15:179:61-82. doi: 10.1016/j.actbio.2024.03.032. Epub 2024 Apr 3.

Authors

Zhiqiang Zhu¹, Tianao Chen², Yongqi Wu², Xizhi Wu², Zhongliang Lang², Fangsheng Huang³, Pingan Zhu⁴, Ting Si⁵, Ronald X Xu⁶

Affiliations

¹ Department of Precision Machinery and Precision Instrumentation, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China; Key Laboratory of Precision Scientific Instrumentation of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China; Department of Mechanical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China.
² School of Biomedical Engineering, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China; Suzhou Institute for Advanced Research, University of Science and Technology of China, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, China.
³ Department of Modern Mechanics, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China.
⁴ Department of Mechanical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China.
⁵ Department of Modern Mechanics, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China. Electronic address: tsi@ustc.edu.cn.
⁶ Department of Precision Machinery and Precision Instrumentation, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China; Key Laboratory of Precision Scientific Instrumentation of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China; School of Biomedical Engineering, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, China; Suzhou Institute for Advanced Research, University of Science and Technology of China, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, China. Electronic address: xux@ustc.edu.cn.

PMID: 38579919
DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2024.03.032

Abstract

In the field of tissue engineering, local hypoxia in large-cell structures (larger than 1 mm³) poses a significant challenge. Oxygen-releasing biomaterials supply an innovative solution through oxygen ⁠ delivery in a sustained and controlled manner. Compared to traditional methods such as emulsion, sonication, and agitation, microfluidic technology offers distinct benefits for oxygen-releasing material production, including controllability, flexibility, and applicability. It holds enormous potential in the production of smart oxygen-releasing materials. This review comprehensively covers the fabrication and application of microfluidic-enabled oxygen-releasing biomaterials. To begin with, the physical mechanism of various microfluidic technologies and their differences in oxygen carrier preparation are explained. Then, the distinctions among diverse oxygen-releasing components in regards for oxygen-releasing mechanism, oxygen-carrying capacity, and duration of oxygen release are presented. Finally, the present obstacles and anticipated development trends are examined together with the application outcomes of oxygen-releasing biomaterials based on microfluidic technology in the biomedical area. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Oxygen is essential for sustaining life, and hypoxia (a condition of low oxygen) is a significant challenge in various diseases. Microfluidic-based oxygen-releasing biomaterials offer precise control and outstanding performance, providing unique advantages over traditional approaches for tissue engineering. However, comprehensive reviews on this topic are currently lacking. In this review, we provide a comprehensive analysis of various microfluidic technologies and their applications for developing oxygen-releasing biomaterials. We compare the characteristics of organic and inorganic oxygen-releasing biomaterials and highlight the latest advancements in microfluidic-enabled oxygen-releasing biomaterials for tissue engineering, wound healing, and drug delivery. This review may hold the potential to make a significant contribution to the field, with a profound impact on the scientific community.

Keywords: Drug delivery; Microfluidics; Oxygen-releasing materials; Tissue engineering; Wound healing.

Publication types

Review
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Animals
Biocompatible Materials* / chemistry
Humans
Microfluidics / methods
Oxygen* / chemistry
Tissue Engineering* / methods

Substances

Oxygen
Biocompatible Materials