Redox-responsive degradable PEG cryogels as potential cell scaffolds in tissue engineering.
A Michael addition strategy involving the reaction between a maleimide double bond and amine groups is investigated for the synthesis of cryogels at subzero temperature. Low-molecular-weight PEG-based building blocks with amine end groups and disulfide-containing building blocks with maleimide end groups are combined to synthesize redox-responsive PEG cryogels. The cryogels exhibit an interconnected macroporous morphology, a high compressive modulus and gelation yields of around 95%. While the cryogels are stable under physiological conditions, complete dissolution of the cryogels into water-soluble products is obtained in the presence of a reducing agent (glutathione) in the medium. Cell seeding experiments and toxicologic analysis demonstrate their potential as scaffolds in tissue engineering.
Department of Organic Chemistry, Polymer Chemistry Research Group, Ghent University, Krijgslaan 281, S4-bis, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium.
Tugba
T
Dispinar
Wim
W
Van Camp
Liesbeth J
LJ
De Cock
Bruno G
BG
De Geest
Filip E
FE
Du Prez
D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000138:chemical synthesis* / Q000494:pharmacology; D002470:Cell Survival / Q000187:drug effects; D003080:Cold Temperature; D059985:Cryogels / Q000138:chemical synthesis / Q000494:pharmacology; D004220:Disulfides / Q000737:chemistry; D005347:Fibroblasts / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects; D005978:Glutathione / Q000737:chemistry; D006801:Humans; D008301:Maleimides / Q000737:chemistry; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D010084:Oxidation-Reduction; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols / Q000138:chemical synthesis* / Q000494:pharmacology; D016062:Porosity; D023822:Tissue Engineering; D054457:Tissue Scaffolds
D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D059985:Cryogels; D004220:Disulfides; D008301:Maleimides; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols; D005978:Glutathione