Premium
Injectable and Cell‐Adhesive Polyethylene Glycol Cryogel Scaffolds: Independent Control of Cryogel Microstructure and Composition
Author(s) -
Bruns Joseph,
McBrideGagyi Sarah,
Zustiak Silviya Petrova
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
macromolecular materials and engineering
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.913
H-Index - 96
eISSN - 1439-2054
pISSN - 1438-7492
DOI - 10.1002/mame.201800298
Subject(s) - polyethylene glycol , materials science , peg ratio , surface modification , self healing hydrogels , porosity , microstructure , adhesive , polymer , chemical engineering , composite material , polymer chemistry , finance , layer (electronics) , engineering , economics
Polyethylene glycol (PEG) cryogels are promising alternatives to hydrogels due to their macroporosity. PEG is bioinert and modifications with adhesive ligands enable independent control of cryogel physical, mechanical, and biochemical properties. Pre‐functionalization of PEG cryogels with ligands is crucial, as cryogel formation consumes all functional groups. Here, injectable ligand pre‐functionalized PEG cryogels are fabricated and characterized. Cryogel pore size (54–163 µm), porosity (40–80%), and Young's modulus (1–40 kPa) are modulated through controlling the rate of freezing, ice crystal formation, and polymer concentration. Ligand pre‐functionalization does not affect cryogel properties. NIH 3T3 cell viability and infiltration are governed by ligand concentration and cryogel porosity.