Supramolecular Modification of a Sequence-Controlled Collagen-Mimicking Polymer

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Protein Engineering
• Supramolecular Chemistry

Background:

• Recombinant proteins offer tunable properties through crosslinking chemistries.
• Supramolecular moieties can control polymer structure and assembly.
• Collagen-based materials are promising for biomedical applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To functionalize recombinant human collagen type I with supramolecular ureido-pyrimidinone (UPy) units.
• To investigate the impact of UPy functionalization on material properties and cell behavior.
• To create a bioinspired hydrogel for cell culture applications.

Main Methods:

• Grafting of UPy moieties onto a 571-residue recombinant peptide based on human collagen type I (RCPhC1).
• Fabrication of UPy-RCPhC1 hydrogels with varying stiffness (26 kPa to 190 kPa).
• Culturing of cardiomyocyte progenitor cells on hydrogels with different mechanical properties.

Main Results:

• UPy functionalization enhanced control over RCPhC1 polymer structure, assembly, gelation, and mechanical properties.
• Stiffer UPy-RCPhC1 hydrogels (68-190 kPa) promoted increased stress fiber formation and focal adhesions in cells.
• Enhanced proliferation of cardiomyocyte progenitor cells was observed on stiffer substrates compared to softer ones (26 kPa).

Conclusions:

• A novel bioinspired hydrogel was designed by combining a sequence-controlled protein polymer with UPy units.
• Material stiffness significantly influences cell-material interactions, leading to enhanced cellular responses.
• This approach offers a versatile platform for developing advanced biomaterials for regenerative medicine.