3D-Printed Oxygen-Carrying Nanocomposite Hydrogels for Enhanced Cell Viability under Hypoxic and Normoxic Conditions

Insufficient and heterogeneous oxygen (O2) distribution within engineered tissues results in hypoxic conditions. Hypoxia is one of the characteristics of solid tumors. To date, very few studies have used an O2-deliverable injectable hydrogel for cancer treatment under hypoxic conditions. In this field, we describe a new O2-carrying nanomaterial and an injectable nanocomposite hydrogel (PMOF and AlgL-PMOF, respectively) that can provide extended oxygen levels for cell survival under hypoxia. Particularly, PMOF and AlgL-PMOF enhance cell viability under hypoxic and normoxic cell culturing conditions. Moreover, sustained oxygen availability in the presence of an anticancer drug within the 3D network of AlgL-PMOF results in a decrease in the viability of malignant and immortal cells, while the viability of healthy cells increases.