Diffusion‐Patterned Multi‐Component Supramolecular Gels Loaded with Gold Nanoparticles Direct Mesenchymal Stem Cell Growth and Differentiation

Using a paper stamp to pattern gold nanoparticles in a multi-component supramolecular gel creates spatially-defined domains within the gel that promote mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) proliferation and direct MSC differentiation into osteoblasts specifically on the patterned region.

Abstract

This article describes a new fabrication method using simple paper stamps to pattern gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) in a hybrid hydrogel, creating multi-domain gels in which different domains have different cell compatibilities. Soaking a paper stamp in AuCl₃ solution, and placing it on top of the gel, allows diffusion of Au(III) from the paper into the gel to create a patterned domain within the gel in which AuNPs are formed, with spatial resolution on the millimeter length-scale. The gels combine a low-molecular-weight gelator that chemically enables the in situ AuNP patterning and offers mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) compatibility with a rheologically stiff polymer gelator. Only the AuNP-loaded domains support MSC proliferation on the multi-domain system, inducing cell spreading and promoting osteogenesis with a reproducible pattern. This simple approach therefore programs a soft supramolecular material, enabling it to achieve spatially-resolved biological outcomes, and may have applications in tissue engineering.