초록 |
Despite recent advances in hydrogel applications for bioelectronics and tissue engineering, especially for implantable use, their advanced applications as functional devices are still largely limited without a patterned structure. Several in vitro patterning methods for hydrogel have been developed, but for implantable use of patterned hydrogel device, the incision surgery that could be a significant burden to the patient should be accompanied. Here, we present a novel patterning methodology that enables in-situ patterning of the hydrogel in vivo through the minimally-invasive administration. The in-situ patterning method could be deployed based on the distinctive properties of the hydrogel such as appropriate mechanical strength, facile solute diffusion, and various crosslinking mechanisms. Also, with the filler integration, we successfully demonstrated the in-situ fabrication and operation of the hydrogel device and the hydrogel tissue scaffold, showing feasibility, generality, and practicality of the method. This patterning method would facilitate the implantable use of the structural hydrogels by presenting a novel administration method. |