Resilin-PEG Hybrid Hydrogels Yield Degradable Elastomeric Scaffolds with Heterogeneous Microstructure
Christopher L McGann, Robert E Akins1, Kristi L Kiick2
1Nemours - Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, Department of Biomedical Research, Wilmington, Delaware 19803, United States.
Biomacromolecules
|December 10, 2015
Summary
New resilin-like polypeptide (RLP) hybrid hydrogels offer tunable mechanical properties and microheterogeneity. These biocompatible, degradable RLP-PEG materials show promise for advanced tissue engineering scaffolds.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Tissue Engineering
Background:
- Resilin-like polypeptides (RLPs) are known for their exceptional mechanical resilience and biocompatibility.
- Expanding the applications of RLP-based materials through conjugation with other polymers can lead to novel biomaterials.
- Hybrid hydrogels offer a versatile platform for developing advanced tissue engineering scaffolds.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the biochemical and mechanical properties of hybrid hydrogels composed of recombinant resilin-like polypeptides (RLPs) and multiarm polyethylene glycol (PEG) macromers.
- To explore the potential of these RLP-PEG hydrogels for cell encapsulation and tissue engineering applications.
- To assess the influence of cross-linking ratio on hydrogel properties and microstructure.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of hybrid hydrogels via Michael-type addition reaction between RLP thiols and PEG vinyl sulfone groups.
- Characterization of mechanical properties using oscillatory rheology and tensile testing.
- Assessment of hydrogel degradation by matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and evaluation of cell viability and culture of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs).
Main Results:
- Formation of elastomeric RLP-PEG hydrogels with mechanical resilience comparable to aortic elastin.
- Tunable hydrogel stiffness achieved by adjusting the cross-linking ratio.
- Demonstration of macromolecular phase separation leading to a heterogeneous microstructure suitable for cell localization.
- Specific proteolysis of RLPs by MMPs in both soluble and cross-linked forms.
- Successful encapsulation and viable three-dimensional culture of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs).
Conclusions:
- RLP-PEG hybrid hydrogels exhibit promising elastomeric mechanical properties, tunable stiffness, and microheterogeneity.
- The biocompatibility, degradability, and cell-instructive nature of these hydrogels make them suitable for tissue engineering scaffolds.
- These findings highlight the potential of RLP-PEG hydrogels for developing advanced, structured tissue engineering solutions.
