[diss] Perustieteiden korkeakoulu / SCI

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Browsing [diss] Perustieteiden korkeakoulu / SCI by Subject "3D matrix"

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  • Polymer and gel networks - From self-assembly to structure, properties, and application
    (2022) Bertula, Kia
     School of Science | Doctoral dissertation (article-based)
    Nature has created materials with extraordinary functional properties, based on complex and hierarchical structures over multiple length scales. Mechanical properties are among the most interesting features, such as strain-stiffening of biopolymer networks. Using this as a source of inspiration, self-assembly has been used to tailor structures from nanoscale to macroscale objects. This dissertation focuses on controlled self-assemblies, structures, properties, and finally, a biomedical application. In Publication I, amphiphilic star-shaped polymers with supramolecularly directing units were synthesized to obtain hierarchical assemblies. Selection of the solvent triggered hierarchical self-assembly from nanometric micelles to micrometric spherical structures. In Publication II, the thermo- and UV-responsive gelation of a copolymer and cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) was designed. This sequential approach offered a tool for homogeneous mixing and subsequent in-situ gelation based on light triggered opposite charging. Reversible or irreversible gelation could be achieved according to the ratio of the components and heating time. Publications III-IV show strain-stiffening and negative normal force of agarose hydrogels using two rheological protocols. Strain-stiffening was observed when slipping was suppressed. Strain-stiffening was analyzed providing an explanation of the origin of the behavior. The negative normal force of the agarose hydrogels was displayed. In Publication V, various hydrogels as 3D matrices for patient-derived breast cancer tissue explant culturing (PDEC) was investigated. The chemical composition of the matrix regulates the luminal and basal cell identity. The stiffness of the matrix regulates the expression of the estrogen hormone receptor (ERα). In conclusion, controlled network self-assembly facilitates the production of functional materials. In particular, network properties can help to develop cell culturing platforms for breast cancer research and synthetic strain-stiffening materials.