Photopatternable, Branched Polymer Hydrogels Based on Linear Macromonomers for 3D Cell Culture Applications

ACS Macro Letters, vol. 9, pp. 882–888

Abstract

Photochemical ligation strategies in hydrogel materials are crucial to model spatiotemporal phenomena that occur in the natural extracellular matrix. We here describe the use of cyclic 1,2-dithiolanes to cross-link with norbornene on linear poly(ethylene glycol) polymers through UV irradiation in a rapid and byproduct-free manner, resulting in branched macromolecular architectures and hydrogel materials from low-viscosity precursor solutions. Oscillatory rheology and NMR data indicate the one-pot formation of thioether and disulfide cross-links. Spatial and temporal control of the hydrogel mechanical properties and functionality was demonstrated by oscillatory rheology and confocal microscopy. A cytocompatible response of NIH 3T3 fibroblasts was observed within these materials, providing a foothold for further exploration of this photoactive cross-linking moiety in the biomedical field.

Authors 4

1. Ciqing Tong Aachen Leiden Institute of Chemistry Department of Supramolecular and Biomaterials Chemistry

   Leiden University

   Affiliation as printed

   Leiden Institute of Chemistry , , P.O. Box 9502, , ,

   Department of Supramolecular and Biomaterials Chemistry, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, P.O. Box 9502, 2300 RA, Leiden, The Netherlands

2. Joeri A. J. Wondergem Aachen Huygens-Kamerlingh Onnes Laboratory

   Leiden University

   Affiliation as printed

   Leiden University , , P.O. Box 9504, , ,

   Huygens-Kamerlingh Onnes Laboratory, Leiden Institute of Physics, Leiden University, P.O. Box 9504, 2300 RA, Leiden, The Netherlands

3. Doris Heinrich Aachen Huygens-Kamerlingh Onnes Laboratory

   Leiden University · Fraunhofer Institute for Silicate Research

   Affiliation as printed

   Fraunhofer Institute for Silicate Research ISC , Neunerplatz 2 , ,

   Leiden University , , P.O. Box 9504, , ,

   Fraunhofer Institute for Silicate Research ISC, Neunerplatz 2, 97082 Würzburg, Germany

   Huygens-Kamerlingh Onnes Laboratory, Leiden Institute of Physics, Leiden University, P.O. Box 9504, 2300 RA, Leiden, The Netherlands

4. Roxanne E. Kieltyka corresponding Aachen Leiden Institute of Chemistry Department of Supramolecular and Biomaterials Chemistry

   Leiden University

   Affiliation as printed

   Leiden Institute of Chemistry , , P.O. Box 9502, , ,

   Department of Supramolecular and Biomaterials Chemistry, Leiden Institute of Chemistry, P.O. Box 9502, 2300 RA, Leiden, The Netherlands