Localised manipulation of biomaterial properties in real time can be achieved using light responsive biomaterials. This presentation will describe the synthesis, characterisation and biocompatibility of photodegradable gelatin and PEG based hydogels. Gelatin is an attractive biomaterial as it has intrinsic cell recognition sites necessary for cellular attachment, proliferation and differentiation. Photodegradable gelatin hydrogels were synthesised using either visible light initiated free radical photopolymerisation or by strain-promoted alkyne-azide cycloaddiation. Photodegradation of gelatin hydrogels was achieved using ultraviolet light (365 nm) cleavage of an <i>o</i>-nitrobenzyl photodegradable crosslinker.   The light responsive hydrogels supported the 3D culture of fibroblasts up to 7 days thus providing a versatile platform for light triggered retrival of cells which can potentially be exploited for cell expansion.

Light-responsive hydrogels for cell patterning and 3D culture

251st National Meeting (2016)

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.