title: Cryogel micromechanics unraveled by atomic force microscopy-based nanoindentation.
abstract: Cell-instructive physical characteristics of macroporous scaffolds, developed for tissue engineering applications, often remain difficult to assess. Here, an atomic force microscopy-based nanoindentation approach is adapted to quantify the local mechanical properties of biohybrid glycosaminoglycan-poly(ethylene glycol) cryogels. Resulting from cryoconcentration effects upon gel formation, cryogel struts are observed to feature a higher stiffness compared to the corresponding bulk hydrogel materials. Local Young's moduli, porosity, and integral moduli of the cryogel scaffolds are compared in dependence on gel formation parameters. The results provide valuable insights into the cryogelation process and a base for adjusting physical characteristics of the obtained cryogel scaffolds, which can critically influence the cellular response.
authors.affiliation: Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research Dresden (IPF), Max Bergmann Center of Biomaterials Dresden (MBC) and Technische Universität Dresden (TUD), Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden (CRTD), Hohe Str. 6, 01069, Dresden, Germany.
authors.forename: Petra B
authors.initials: PB
authors.lastname: Welzel
authors.forename: Jens
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Friedrichs
authors.forename: Milauscha
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Grimmer
authors.forename: Steffen
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Vogler
authors.forename: Uwe
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Freudenberg
authors.forename: Carsten
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Werner
mesh_terms: D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000737:chemistry; D059985:Cryogels / Q000737:chemistry*; D055119:Elastic Modulus; D006025:Glycosaminoglycans / Q000737:chemistry; D008422:Materials Testing / Q000379:methods; D018625:Microscopy, Atomic Force / Q000379:methods; D036103:Nanotechnology / Q000379:methods*; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols / Q000737:chemistry; D016062:Porosity; D023822:Tissue Engineering / Q000379:methods; D054457:Tissue Scaffolds
chemical_list: D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D059985:Cryogels; D006025:Glycosaminoglycans; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols
keywords: AFM-based nanoindentation; cryoconcentration; macroporous scaffolds; micromechanical properties; starPEG-heparin hydrogels