title: Modular StarPEG-Heparin Gels with Bifunctional Peptide Linkers.
abstract: Cell responsive materials are instrumental to regenerative therapies. Here, we report about a novel biohybrid hydrogel that consists of heparin and peptide-conjugated star-shaped poly(ethylene glycol), crosslinked by peptide units that combine matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) sensitivity and cell adhesive modules. Taking advantage of the high affinity of vascular endothelial growth factor to heparin, we illustrate the applicability of our hydrogels as a novel system that is supportive of cellular remodeling and three-dimensional migration of human endothelial cells.
authors.affiliation: Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research Dresden, Max Bergmann Center of Biomaterials Dresden, Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden (CRTD), Hohe Str. 6, 01069 Dresden, Germany.
authors.forename: Mikhail V
authors.initials: MV
authors.lastname: Tsurkan
authors.forename: Karolina
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Chwalek
authors.forename: Kandice R
authors.initials: KR
authors.lastname: Levental
authors.forename: Uwe
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Freudenberg
authors.forename: Carsten
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Werner