Hannah Kissel, M. Sc.

PhD Student

Electrically Active Ion-Releasing Soft/Hard Scaffolds Based on Functionalized ADA-GEL Hydrogels for Osteochondral Regeneration

Supervisor: Prof. Dr.-Ing. habil. Dr. h.c. Aldo R. Boccaccini

Hybrid soft/hard scaffolds have emerged as a promising strategy for osteochondral tissue engineering by combining the biological advantages of cell-laden hydrogels with the mechanical stability of thermoplastic reinforcement [1]. Hydrogels are particularly attractive as the soft phase because they mimic the extracellular matrix and provide a highly hydrated environment for cell encapsulation, whereas the thermoplastic phase provides the structural integrity required for load-bearing applications [2]. Beyond structural support, electrically active [3] and ion-releasing biomaterials [4,5] offer the ability to provide biophysical and biochemical cues that regulate cell responses, thereby enhancing regeneration. This project, conducted within the DFG funded Collaborative Research Centre (CRC) 1270 Electrically Active Implants (ELAINE), ( https://www.elaine.uni-rostock.de/ ) aims to develop multifunctional electrically active and ion-releasing soft/hard scaffolds using sequential 3D bioprinting. The soft phase will be based on an oxidized alginate–gelatin (ADA-GEL) hydrogel with tailorable electrical conductivity achieved through different approaches expanding from previous related work in our Institute [6]. The resulting ion-releasing and conductive ADA-GEL hydrogels will be systematically optimized with respect to their electrical conductivity, mechanical properties, degradation behavior, and cytocompatibility before integration into the hybrid scaffolds. By integrating electrical conductivity, ion release, and mechanical reinforcement within a single construct, the proposed platform aims to provide biomimetic scaffolds for osteochondral regeneration while advancing the development of clinically translatable electroactive biomaterials within the ELAINE research framework. The project is being carried out in collaboration with ELAINE partners at University of Rostock, specially with the group of Prof. Hermann Seitz (https://www.lfm.uni-rostock.de/en/team/professorship-or-chairmanagement/prof-dr-ing-hermann-seitz/ ) (Chair of Mikrofluidics, University of Rostock).

References

[1]    Z. Pei, H. Xu, M. Guo, W. Xu, Y. Wen, F. Sun, T. Zhang, B. Peng, P. Zhao, L. Huang, M. Wang, Z. He, J. Liu, Z. Yang, Z. Zhang, P. Wen, L. Wen, A soft-hard hybrid scaffold for osteochondral regeneration through integration of composite hydrogel and biodegradable magnesium, Biomaterials 324 (2026) 123493. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biomaterials.2025.123493.

[2]    T. Zehnder, T. Freund, M. Demir, R. Detsch, A.R. Boccaccini, Fabrication of Cell-Loaded Two-Phase 3D Constructs for Tissue Engineering, Materials (Basel) 9 (2016). https://doi.org/10.3390/ma9110887.

[3]    M.A. Marsudi, R.T. Ariski, A. Wibowo, G. Cooper, A. Barlian, R. Rachmantyo, P.J.D.S. Bartolo, Conductive Polymeric-Based Electroactive Scaffolds for Tissue Engineering Applications: Current Progress and Challenges from Biomaterials and Manufacturing Perspectives, Int. J. Mol. Sci. 22 (2021). https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms222111543.

[4]    A. Hoppe, N.S. Güldal, A.R. Boccaccini, A review of the biological response to ionic dissolution products from bioactive glasses and glass-ceramics, Biomaterials 32 (2011) 2757–2774. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biomaterials.2011.01.004.

[5]    H.S. Kissel, A.T. Contreras Jaimes, A.R. Boccaccini, Stimulation of articular cartilage repair by exploiting biologically active mineral ions: A discussion of the state of the art, J. Trace Elem. Med. Biol. 95 (2026) 127862. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtemb.2026.127862.

[6]    T. Distler, C. Polley, F. Shi, D. Schneidereit, M.D. Ashton, O. Friedrich, J.F. Kolb, J.G. Hardy, R. Detsch, H. Seitz, A.R. Boccaccini, Electrically Conductive and 3D-Printable Oxidized Alginate-Gelatin Polypyrrole:PSS Hydrogels for Tissue Engineering, Adv. Healthc. Mater. 10 (2021) e2001876. https://doi.org/10.1002/adhm.202001876.