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Photopolymerized dynamic hydrogels with tunable viscoelastic properties through thioester exchange
Tobin E Brown1, Benjamin J Carberry1, Brady T Worrell2
1Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80309, USA; The BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80303, USA.
Biomaterials
|April 15, 2018
Summary
This study introduces adaptable thioester hydrogels for culturing human mesenchymal stem cells. These biomaterials mimic tissue viscoelasticity, enhancing cell elongation and proliferation in 3D cultures.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Tissue Engineering
- Cell Biology
Background:
- The extracellular matrix (ECM) provides a viscoelastic environment influencing cell behavior.
- Adaptable crosslinking strategies are crucial for mimicking native tissue viscoelasticity.
- Existing biomaterials often lack the dynamic properties of natural ECM.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a covalent adaptable hydrogel using thioester exchange for in vitro cell culture.
- To investigate the modulation of hydrogel viscoelastic properties.
- To assess the impact of these adaptable hydrogels on human mesenchymal stem cell behavior.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of covalent adaptable hydrogels via thioester exchange.
- Modulation of viscoelastic properties by controlling pH, gel stoichiometry, and crosslinker structure.
- Photo-uncaging of 4-mercaptophenylacetic acid to alter existing network properties.
- Encapsulation and culture of human mesenchymal stem cells within the hydrogels.
Main Results:
- Viscoelastic properties of the thioester hydrogels were modulated over several orders of magnitude.
- A method for altering viscoelastic properties in pre-formed networks was demonstrated using photo-uncaging.
- Mesenchymal stem cells encapsulated in the hydrogels exhibited 3D elongation.
- Increased proliferation of mesenchymal stem cells was observed in the adaptable hydrogels compared to static networks.
Conclusions:
- Thioester-based adaptable hydrogels offer tunable viscoelastic properties for biomaterial applications.
- These hydrogels provide a dynamic microenvironment that supports human mesenchymal stem cell function.
- The developed biomaterial holds promise for advanced tissue engineering and regenerative medicine strategies.
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