Tailorable and Biocompatible Supramolecular-Based Hydrogels Featuring two Dynamic Covalent Chemistries
Ivana Marić1,2, Liangliang Yang3, Xiufeng Li4
1Stratingh Institute, Centre for Systems Chemistry, University of Groningen, Nijenborgh 4, 9747 AG, Groningen (The, Netherlands.
Angewandte Chemie (International Ed. in English)
|February 6, 2023
Summary
This study introduces a novel hydrogel system using dynamic covalent chemistry (DCC) with disulfide and hydrazone bonds. This bioactive platform enables customizable, cell-adherent scaffolds for tissue engineering and cell culture applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Biochemistry
- Polymer Chemistry
Background:
- Dynamic covalent chemistry (DCC) offers versatile strategies for constructing complex molecular systems.
- Hydrogels are crucial biomaterials with applications in drug delivery and tissue engineering.
- Developing advanced hydrogel scaffolds with tailored biological functionalities remains a key challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel hydrogel system utilizing dual dynamic covalent bonds for enhanced functionality.
- To incorporate biologically relevant ligands for improved cell adhesion and interaction.
- To create a customizable and bioactive platform for cell culture and tissue engineering.
Main Methods:
- Employing disulfide and hydrazone dynamic covalent bonds in tandem for hydrogel formation.
- Utilizing dithiol-peptide building blocks for oxidation-induced fiber assembly.
- Functionalizing the hydrogel scaffold with cell-adhesion peptides (RGD and LDV) via hydrazone linkages.
Main Results:
- Successful formation of self-assembled hydrogels through a combination of disulfide and hydrazone bond dynamics.
- Demonstrated ability to "decorate" supramolecular assemblies with bioactive peptide sequences.
- Achieved fast triggered gelation and confirmed cytocompatibility of the developed hydrogel system.
Conclusions:
- The dual dynamic covalent bond system provides a robust method for creating functional hydrogels.
- The customizable fibrillar scaffolds offer significant potential as bioactive platforms.
- This approach advances the development of advanced materials for cell culture and regenerative medicine.
