Enzymatically cross-linked hyperbranched polyglycerol hydrogels as scaffolds for living cells

Biomacromolecules. 2014 Nov 10;15(11):3881-90. doi: 10.1021/bm500705x. Epub 2014 Oct 7.

Abstract

Although several strategies are now available to enzymatically cross-link linear polymers to hydrogels for biomedical use, little progress has been reported on the use of dendritic polymers for the same purpose. Herein, we demonstrate that horseradish peroxidase (HRP) successfully catalyzes the oxidative cross-linking of a hyperbranched polyglycerol (hPG) functionalized with phenol groups to hydrogels. The tunable cross-linking results in adjustable hydrogel properties. Because the obtained materials are cytocompatible, they have great potential for encapsulating living cells for regenerative therapy. The gel formation can be triggered by glucose and controlled well under various environmental conditions.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Line
  • Cell Survival / drug effects
  • Cell Survival / physiology
  • Cross-Linking Reagents / chemistry*
  • Cross-Linking Reagents / pharmacology
  • Fibroblasts / drug effects
  • Fibroblasts / physiology
  • Glycerol / chemistry*
  • Glycerol / pharmacology
  • Hydrogels / chemistry*
  • Hydrogels / pharmacology
  • Mice
  • Polymers / chemistry*
  • Polymers / pharmacology
  • Tissue Scaffolds / chemistry*

Substances

  • Cross-Linking Reagents
  • Hydrogels
  • Polymers
  • polyglycerol
  • Glycerol