Acoustic Fabrication of Collagen–Fibronectin Composite Gels Accelerates Microtissue Formation

The study investigated the use of ultrasound to enhance the formation of collagen–fibronectin composite gels, aiming to accelerate microtissue formation. Ultrasound exposure during hydrogel polymerization resulted in dense, radially aligned collagen fibers, which supported faster microtissue formation compared to sham conditions. The effects were attributed to both thermal and non-thermal mechanisms, with ultrasound altering the adhesive properties and structure of the gels. By reducing polymerization temperature, researchers demonstrated that non-thermal mechanisms played a significant role. The findings suggested that ultrasound could be a non-invasive technique to optimize materials for regenerative medicine, particularly in wound healing applications, by modulating the structural and functional properties of collagen–fibronectin hydrogels.