Patterned glycopeptide-based supramolecular hydrogel promotes the alignment and contractility of iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes

last updated: 2024-11-07
ProjectRePark :: publications list
TitlePatterned glycopeptide-based supramolecular hydrogel promotes the alignment and contractility of iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes
Publication TypePapers in Scientific Journals
Year of Publication2025
AuthorsCastro V. I. B., Amorim S., Caballero D., Abreu C. M., Kundu S. C., Reis R. L., Pashkuleva I., and Pires R. A.
Abstract

The functional restoration of a damaged cardiac tissue relies on a synchronized contractile capacity of exogenous and/or endogenous cardiomyocytes, which is challenging to achieve. Here, we explored the potential of the short glycopeptide diphenylalanine glucosamine-6-sulfate (FFGlcN6S) conjugated with an aromatic moiety, namely fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl (Fmoc), to enhance cardiac tissue regeneration. At physiological conditions, Fmoc-FFGlcN6S assembles into nanofibrous hydrated meshes, i.e., matrix mimicking hydrogels. These hydrogels can be further micropatterned allowing co-existence of hierarchical structures at different scales. The patterned hydrogels support the culture of induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (iPSC-CMs) and promote their alignment. The cultured iPSC-CMs exhibit anisotropic synchronized contractions, indicating maturation and electrical interconnectivity. Moreover, the cultures express specific cardiac markers including, connexin-43 and sarcomeric-α-actinin, confirming enhanced cell-cell crosstalk, spontaneous contractility, and efficient transmission of electrical signals. Our results showcase the potential of short amphiphilic glycopeptides to mimic physical and biochemical cues that are essential for cardiomyocytes functionality and thus, these conjugates can be used in cardiac tissue engineering and regeneration.

JournalBiomaterials Advances
Volume167
Pagination214091
Date Published2025-02-03
PublisherElsevier
ISSN2772-9508
DOI10.1016/j.bioadv.2024.214091
URLhttps://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2772950824003340
KeywordsCardiac tissue, Cardiomyocytes, glycopeptide, supramolecular hydrogels
RightsopenAccess
Peer reviewedyes
Statuspublished

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