Photo-responsive decellularized small intestine submucosa hydrogels

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Tissue Engineering
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Decellularized small intestine submucosa (dSIS) is a biomaterial rich in extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, supporting tissue regeneration.
• Conventional dSIS scaffolds have limited stability due to thermal crosslinking.
• Existing dSIS modifications lack orthogonal crosslinking capabilities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel dSIS modification with clickable handles for orthogonal crosslinking.
• To synthesize norbornene-modified dSIS (dSIS-NB) for advanced hydrogel applications.
• To evaluate dSIS-NB hydrogels in cancer and vascular tissue engineering and 3D bioprinting.

Main Methods:

• dSIS was modified with norbornene (NB) groups by reacting amine groups with carbic anhydride.
• Orthogonal hydrogel crosslinking was achieved using the synthesized dSIS-NB.
• dSIS-NB hydrogels were assessed for cancer cell dissemination, vascularization, and 3D bioprinting suitability.

Main Results:

• High degrees of NB substitution were achieved on dSIS using triethylamine (TEA) catalyst.
• Orthogonally crosslinked dSIS-NB hydrogels demonstrated enhanced cancer cell dissemination compared to controls.
• dSIS-NB hydrogels exhibited superior vasculogenic and angiogenic properties.
• dSIS-NB served as a versatile bioink for 3D bioprinting.

Conclusions:

• dSIS-NB hydrogels offer improved stability and tunable properties for tissue engineering.
• Orthogonal crosslinking of dSIS-NB enhances its performance in cancer and vascular applications.
• dSIS-NB is a promising biomaterial for regenerative medicine and advanced bioprinting techniques.