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

Insufficient and heterogeneous oxygen (O-2) 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 O-2-deliverable injectable hydrogel for cancer treatment under hypoxic conditions. In this field, we describe a new O-2-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 nonnoxic 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.