@article{NieWangXuetal.2021,
  author    = {Nie, Yan and Wang, Weiwei and Xu, Xun and Ma, Nan and Lendlein, Andreas},
  title     = {The response of human induced pluripotent stem cells to cyclic temperature changes explored by BIO-AFM},
  series = {MRS advances : a journal of the Materials Research Society (MRS)},
  volume    = {6},
  journal   = {MRS advances : a journal of the Materials Research Society (MRS)},
  number    = {31},
  publisher = {Springer},
  address   = {Cham},
  issn      = {2059-8521},
  doi       = {10.1557/s43580-021-00110-4},
  pages     = {745 -- 749},
  year      = {2021},
  abstract  = {Human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) are highly sensitive to extrinsic physical and biochemical signals from their extracellular microenvironments. In this study, we analyzed the effect of cyclic temperature changes on hiPSCs behaviors, especially by means of scanning force microscopy (BIO-AFM). The alternation in cellular mechanics, as well as the secretion and pattern of deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) protein in hiPSCs were evaluated. The arrangement of the actin cytoskeleton changed with the variation of the temperature. The rearranged cytoskeleton architecture led to the subsequent changes in cell mechanics (Young's modulus of hiPSCs). With the exposure to the cyclic cold stimuli, an increase in the average surface roughness (Ra) and roughness mean square (RMS) was detected. This observation might be at least in part due to the upregulated secretion of Laminin alpha 5 during repeated temporary cooling. The expression of pluripotent markers, NANOG and SOX2, was not impaired in hiPSCs, when exposed to the cyclic cold stimuli for 24 h. Our findings provide an insight into the effect of temperature on the hiPSC behaviors, which may contribute to a better understanding of the application of locally controlled therapeutic hypothermia.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{NeffeLoewenbergJulichGruneretal.2021,
  author    = {Neffe, Axel T. and L{\"o}wenberg, Candy and Julich-Gruner, Konstanze K. and Behl, Marc and Lendlein, Andreas},
  title     = {Thermally-induced shape-memory behavior of degradable gelatin-based networks},
  series = {International journal of molecular sciences},
  volume    = {22},
  journal   = {International journal of molecular sciences},
  number    = {11},
  publisher = {Molecular Diversity Preservation International},
  address   = {Basel},
  issn      = {1422-0067},
  doi       = {10.3390/ijms22115892},
  pages     = {15},
  year      = {2021},
  abstract  = {Shape-memory hydrogels (SMH) are multifunctional, actively-moving polymers of interest in biomedicine. In loosely crosslinked polymer networks, gelatin chains may form triple helices, which can act as temporary net points in SMH, depending on the presence of salts. Here, we show programming and initiation of the shape-memory effect of such networks based on a thermomechanical process compatible with the physiological environment. The SMH were synthesized by reaction of glycidylmethacrylated gelatin with oligo(ethylene glycol) (OEG) alpha,omega-dithiols of varying crosslinker length and amount. Triple helicalization of gelatin chains is shown directly by wide-angle X-ray scattering and indirectly via the mechanical behavior at different temperatures. The ability to form triple helices increased with the molar mass of the crosslinker. Hydrogels had storage moduli of 0.27-23 kPa and Young's moduli of 215-360 kPa at 4 degrees C. The hydrogels were hydrolytically degradable, with full degradation to water-soluble products within one week at 37 degrees C and pH = 7.4. A thermally-induced shape-memory effect is demonstrated in bending as well as in compression tests, in which shape recovery with excellent shape-recovery rates R-r close to 100\% were observed. In the future, the material presented here could be applied, e.g., as self-anchoring devices mechanically resembling the extracellular matrix.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{MachatschekHeuchelLendlein2021,
  author    = {Machatschek, Rainhard Gabriel and Heuchel, Matthias and Lendlein, Andreas},
  title     = {Thin-layer studies on surface functionalization of polyetherimide},
  series = {Journal of materials research : JMR / Materials Research Society},
  volume    = {37},
  journal   = {Journal of materials research : JMR / Materials Research Society},
  number    = {1},
  publisher = {Springer},
  address   = {Berlin},
  issn      = {0884-2914},
  doi       = {10.1557/s43578-021-00339-7},
  pages     = {67 -- 76},
  year      = {2021},
  abstract  = {Among the high-performance and engineering polymers, polyimides and the closely related polyetherimide (PEI) stand out by their capability to react with nucleophiles under relatively mild conditions. By targeting the phthalimide groups in the chain backbone, post-functionalization offers a pathway to adjust surface properties such as hydrophilicity, solvent resistance, and porosity. Here, we use ultrathin PEI films on a Langmuir trough as a model system to investigate the surface functionalization with ethylene diamine and tetrakis(4-aminophenyl)porphyrin as multivalent nucleophiles. By means of AFM, Raman spectroscopy, and interfacial rheology, we show that hydrolysis enhances the chemical and mechanical stability of ultrathin films and allows for the formation of EDC/NHS-activated esters. Direct amidation of PEI was achieved in the presence of a Lewis acid catalyst, resulting in free amine groups rather than cross-linking. When comparing amidation with hydrolysis, we find a greater influence of the latter on material properties.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{FolikumahBehlLendlein2021,
  author    = {Folikumah, Makafui Yao and Behl, Marc and Lendlein, Andreas},
  title     = {Thiol-Thioester exchange reactions in precursors enable pH-triggered hydrogel formation},
  series = {Biomacromolecules : an interdisciplinary journal focused at the interface of polymer science and the biological sciences},
  volume    = {22},
  journal   = {Biomacromolecules : an interdisciplinary journal focused at the interface of polymer science and the biological sciences},
  number    = {5},
  publisher = {American Chemical Society},
  address   = {Washington},
  issn      = {1525-7797},
  doi       = {10.1021/acs.biomac.0c01690},
  pages     = {1875 -- 1884},
  year      = {2021},
  abstract  = {Bio-interactive hydrogel formation in situ requires sensory capabilities toward physiologically relevant stimuli. Here, we report on pH-controlled in situ hydrogel formation relying on latent cross-linkers, which transform from pH sensors to reactive molecules. In particular, thiopeptolide/thio-depsipeptides were capable of pH-sensitive thiol-thioester exchange reactions to yield a,co-dithiols, which react with maleimide-functionalized multi-arm polyethylene glycol to polymer networks. Their water solubility and diffusibility qualify thiol/thioester-containing peptide mimetics as sensory precursors to drive in situ localized hydrogel formation with potential applications in tissue regeneration such as treatment of inflamed tissues of the urinary tract.},
  language  = {en}
}