Non-covalent photo-patterning of gelatin matrices using caged collagen mimetic peptides

To address the downside of conventional photo-patterning which can alter the chemical composition of protein scaffolds, we developed a non-covalent photo-patterning strategy for gelatin (denatured collagen) hydrogels that utilizes UV activated triple helical hybridization of caged collagen mimetic peptide (caged CMP). Here we present 2D and 3D photo-patterning of gelatin hydrogels enabled by the caged CMP derivatives, as well as creation of concentration gradients of CMPs. CMP's specificity for binding to gelatin allows patterning of almost any synthetic or natural gelatin-containing matrix, such as gelatin-methacrylate hydrogels and corneal tissues. This is a radically new tool for immobilizing drugs to natural tissues and for functionalizing scaffolds for complex tissue formation.