Rapid Diels-Alder Cross-linking of Cell Encapsulating Hydrogels.

ABSTRACT: Recent efforts in the design of hydrogel biomaterials have focused on better mimicking the native cellular microenvironment to direct cell fate. To simultaneously control multiple material parameters, several orthogonal chemistries may be needed. However, present strategies to prepare cell-encapsulating hydrogels make use of relatively few chemical reactions. To expand this chemical toolkit, we report the preparation of hydrogels based on a Diels-Alder reaction between fulvenes and maleimides with markedly improved gelation kinetics and hydrolytic stability. Fulvene-maleimide gels cross-link up to 10-times faster than other commonly used DA reaction pairs and remain stable for months under physiological conditions. Furthermore, fulvene-maleimide gels presenting relevant biochemical cues, s

SUBMITTER: Madl CM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7224313 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature