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Viscoelastic Supramolecular Hyaluronan-Peptide Cross-Linked Hydrogels.

Spencer ZhaoChang XueDarcy C BurnsMolly S Shoichet
Published in: Biomacromolecules (2024)
Viscoelasticity plays a key role in hydrogel design. We designed a physically cross-linked hydrogel with tunable viscoelasticity, comprising supramolecular-assembled peptides coupled to hyaluronan (HA), a native extracellular matrix component. We then explored the structural and molecular mechanisms underlying the mechanical properties of a series of these HA-peptide hydrogels. By modifying the peptide sequence, we modulated both long- and short-time stress relaxation rates as a way to target viscoelasticity with limited impact on stiffness, leading to gels that relax up to 60% of stress in 10 min. Gels with the highest viscoelasticity exhibited large mesh sizes and β-sheet secondary structures. The stiffness of the gel correlated with hydrogen bonding between the peptide chains. These gels are cytocompatible: highly viscoelastic gels that mimic the native skin microenvironment promote dermal fibroblast cell spreading. Moreover, HA-peptide gels enabled cell encapsulation, as shown with primary human T cells. Overall, these physically-cross-linked hydrogels enable tunable viscoelasticity that can be used to modulate cell morphology.
Keyphrases
  • extracellular matrix
  • wound healing
  • drug delivery
  • hyaluronic acid
  • single cell
  • cell therapy
  • tissue engineering
  • stem cells
  • endothelial cells
  • energy transfer
  • drug release
  • single molecule
  • amino acid
  • bone marrow