Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a three-dimensional network within which fundamental cell processes such as cell attachment, proliferation, and differentiation occur driven by its inherent biological and structural cues. Hydrogels have been used as biomaterials as they possess many of the ECM characteristics that control cellular processes. However, the permanent crosslinking often found in hydrogels fails to recapitulate the dynamic nature of the natural ECM. This not only hinders natural cellular migration but must also limit cellular expansion and growth. Moreover, there is an increased interest in the use of new biopolymers to create biomimetic materials that can be used for biomedical applications. Here we report on the natural polymer poly-ε-lysine in forming dynamic hydrogels via reversible imine bond formation, with cell attachment promoted by arginine-glycine-aspartic acid (RGD) incorporation. Together, the mechanical properties and cell behavior of the dynamic hydrogels with low poly-ε-lysine quantities indicated good cell viability and high metabolic activity.
Highlights
IntroductionTo contact lenses [5,6], materials for drug delivery [7], and biosensors [8]
Hydrogels are highly hydrated three-dimensional (3D) polymer networks that have been used for a broad range of biomedical applications that range from tissue engineering [1,2] and surgical glues [3,4]to contact lenses [5,6], materials for drug delivery [7], and biosensors [8]
The 4-arm PEG-aldehydes precursor was mixed with poly-ε-lysine at molar ratios 1:2 and 1:10, resulting in reversible crosslinking via imine formation in Phosphate-buffered saline (PBS)
Summary
To contact lenses [5,6], materials for drug delivery [7], and biosensors [8] In large part this is due to their tunable mechanical properties and their biocompatibility [9]. The high degree of crosslinking in hydrogels, necessary to provide stability and structural support to cells, creates a static polymer network that hinders cell migration, a critical feature of the dynamic environment of the natural extracellular matrix (ECM) [10]. The dynamic bond breakage and reformation generates a rearranging molecular network that allows cells to move and spread throughout the 3D polymer network [21], opening a new set of potential properties such as Materials 2020, 13, 3851; doi:10.3390/ma13173851 www.mdpi.com/journal/materials
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