Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41989976›Full record

ReviewCells, tissues, organs2026

Nanofibrous-Composite Hydrogels for Modulating Stem Cell Behavior.

Andres F Roca-Arroyo, Jhonatan A Gutierrez-Rivera, Laura M Mejia-Rosales, Logan D Morton, David A Castilla-Casadiego

Abstract readReview
In one paragraph

Review in Cells, tissues, organs, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
0citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

5 authors.

Andres F Roca-ArroyoDepartment of Biomedical Engineering, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida, USA.
Jhonatan A Gutierrez-RiveraDepartment of Biomedical Engineering, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida, USA.
Laura M Mejia-RosalesDepartment of Biomedical Engineering, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida, USA.
Logan D MortonDepartment of Biomedical Engineering, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts, USA, logan.morton@tufts.edu.
David A Castilla-CasadiegoDepartment of Biomedical Engineering, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida, USA, dac439@miami.edu.

Funding

Dynamic Nanofibrous Hydrogels for Enhancing Stem Cells' Therapeutic PotencyR00GM151459 · NIGMS · UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI CORAL GABLES · PI David Castilla-Casadiego · 2025 to 2026
$498k
NIGMS NIH HHS R00 GM151459
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundHydrogels are widely used as extracellular matrix (ECM)-mimetic biomaterials, but most lack the nanofibrous hierarchy of the native extracellular matrix, which is essential for regulating human stem cells (hSCs) behavior. Nanofibrous-composite hydrogels address this limitation by incorporating fibrillar cues, either intrinsically formed, dispersed within the matrix, or applied at the surface, to better replicate the structural and mechanotopographical features of the stem cell niche. SUMMARY: This review systematically compares three nanofiber-hydrogel architectures: self-assembling nanofiber matrices, hydrogels with encapsulated electrospun fibers, and hydrogels surface-decorated with fibrous coatings. We examine how differences in fiber chemistry, stiffness, degradability, and spatial organization regulate key hSCs' behaviors, including adhesion, viability, morphology, proliferation, migration, differentiation, and secretion. Polymeric, natural, hybrid, magnetic, and bioactive nanoparticle reinforced fibers are each discussed to highlight how each configuration generates distinct biophysical and biochemical cues. By linking fabrication strategies to resulting cellular outcomes, this review outlines architecture-specific advantages and limitations that inform the rational design of next-generation ECM-mimetic scaffolds. KEY MESSAGES: Nanofibrous hydrogels bridge the gap between conventional hydrogel mechanics and the nanoscale organization of the native ECM, enabling more physiologically relevant control of hSCs' behavior. Each architecture provides distinct structural and mechanobiological cues suited to different therapeutic or manufacturing goals. Hybrid and multifunctional fiber systems, such as magnetic systems, ion-releasing platforms, and nanoparticle-enhanced fibers, deliver synergistic biochemical and mechanical signals that enhance differentiation and paracrine activity. Understanding how fiber properties and organization influence cell responses provides a roadmap for designing ECM-mimetic biomaterials optimized for scalable hSCs expansion and regenerative applications.

Indexed as

Cell-matrix interactionsComposite hydrogelsNanofibrous hydrogelsStem cell behaviorStem cell therapy

Identifiers

PMID41989976
PMCPMC13188845

What OpenQuestion holds

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Read underepoch 390

Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.