Photoactivated growth factor release from bio-orthogonally crosslinked hydrogels for the regeneration of corneal defects.

ABSTRACT: In situ-forming hydrogels are an attractive option for corneal regeneration, and the delivery of growth factors from such constructs have the potential to improve re-epithelialization and stromal remodeling. However, challenges persist in controlling the release of therapeutic molecules from hydrogels. Here, an in situ-forming bio-orthogonally crosslinked hydrogel containing growth factors tethered via photocleavable linkages (PC-HACol hydrogel) was developed to accelerate corneal regeneration. Epidermal growth factor (EGF) was conjugated to the hydrogel backbone through photo-cleavable (PC) spacer arms and was released when exposed to mild intensity ultraviolet (UV) light (2-5 mW/cm², 365 nm). The PC-HACol hydrogel rapidly gelled within a few minutes when a

SUBMITTER: Kang NW 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11252716 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature