Recapitulating the dynamic nature of the complex native extracellular matrix in synthetic systems remains a challenge. When designing a hydrogel for tissue engineering, internal dynamics have become an important property to consider. Growing evidence in the community indicates that dynamic hydrogels provide several benefits for tissue engineering and biomaterials including significant changes to cellular morphology, differentiation potential, and extracellular matrix production. But, as a chemist, how does one gain rational control over the design of such materials? During this talk, I will take a retrospective look at both a 1,3,5 benzenetricarboxamide (BTA) supramolecular and an alginate dynamic covalent (DCv) hydrogel used within our labs for tissue engineering. In both cases, molecular engineering of the assembled networks allows rational design of the materials properties; however, not always in a straightforward manner. By connecting molecular phenomena to materials properties, we have been able to create series of cytocompatible gels with different network dynamics (seen via stress relaxation or frequency response). These gels have shown initial successes in applications ranging from chondrocyte encapsulation to 3D bioprinting of cell-laden constructs. These results show the promise of dynamic hydrogels as a viable strategy for enhanced tissue engineering and biofabrication, but both answer and open many questions as to the molecular design of such networks for the future.

Designing dynamic hydrogels for tissue engineering

2019 Fall National Meeting

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