Ultrasound-generated bubbles enhance osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stromal cells in composite collagen hydrogels.

ABSTRACT: Hydrogels can improve the delivery of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) by providing crucial biophysical cues that mimic the extracellular matrix. The differentiation of MSCs is dependent on biophysical cues like stiffness and viscoelasticity, yet conventional hydrogels cannot be dynamically altered after fabrication and implantation to actively direct differentiation. We developed a composite hydrogel, consisting of type I collagen and phase-shift emulsion, where osteogenic differentiation of MSCs can be non-invasively modulated using ultrasound. When exposed to ultrasound, the emulsion within the hydrogel was non-thermally vaporized into bubbles, which locally compacted and stiffened the collagen matrix surrounding each bubble. Bubble growth and matrix compaction were correlated, with col

SUBMITTER: Maji S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11439547 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature