Tuning Polymer Hydrophilicity to Regulate Gel Mechanics and Encapsulated Cell Morphology

• DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202200011
• Publication Date: 2022-04-04T08:23:10Z
• Authors: Renato S. Navarro; Michelle S. Huang; Julien G. Roth; Kelsea M. Hubka; Chris M. Long; Annika Enejder; Sarah C. Heilshorn
• Keywords: Genipin

Mechanically tunable hydrogels are attractive platforms for 3D cell culture, as hydrogel stiffness plays an important role in behavior. Traditionally, has been controlled through altering either the polymer concentration or stoichiometry between crosslinker reactive groups. Here, alternative strategy based upon tuning hydrophilicity of elastin-like protein (ELP) is presented. ELPs undergo a phase transition that leads to aggregation at increasing temperatures. It hypothesized this temperature bioconjugation with azide-containing molecules will allow direct control resulting gel by making crosslinking groups more accessible. These azide-modified crosslinked into bicyclononyne-modified hyaluronic acid (HA-BCN) using bioorthogonal, click chemistry, storage moduli (100-1000 Pa). Human mesenchymal stromal cells (hMSCs), human umbilical vein endothelial (HUVECs), and neural progenitor (hNPCs) all observed alter their morphology when encapsulated within varying stiffness. Taken together, use lever tune mechanical properties demonstrated. have over range relevant soft tissues, support viability cells, modify spreading consequence