Hydrogels have emerged as a promising material for targeted drug delivery and tissue repair. A limitation in tissue engineering applications is that the biologically inert hydrogels require the presence of growth factors and other biocompatible molecules. A new process devised by Rice University bioengineers streamlines the preparation and improves the functionality of hydrogels by including these molecules as part of the hydrogel Modular hydrogel cross-linker for click binding of tissue-specific biomolecules. Source: J.L. Guo et al.Modular hydrogel cross-linker for click binding of tissue-specific biomolecules. Source: J.L. Guo et al.structure itself.

Bioactive molecules are anchored in the chemical crosslinkers that give the gels structure. These molecules attract stem cells to move toward them, helping to heal any kind of damage close to the hydrogel. The active hydrogels can be prepared at room temperature for immediate application, to help repair bone, cartilage and other tissues.

Tests with cartilage and bone biomolecules showed how crosslinkers composed of a soluble polymer can bond small peptides or large molecules, like tissue-specific extracellular matrix components, simply by mixing them together in water with a catalyst. As the injected gel swells to fill the space left by a tissue defect, the embedded molecules interact with the body’s mesenchymal stem cells, drawing them in to seed new growth. The hydrogel degrades and disappears as native tissue populates the area.

A research article describing the cytocompatible, rapidly cross-linked hydrogel is published in Science Advances.

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