PEGDMA Hydrogels for Cell Adhesion and Optical Waveguiding

Abstract

Hydrogels are favored materials in tissue engineering as they can be used to imitate tissues, provide scaffolds, and guide cell behavior. Recent advances in the field of optogenetics have created a need for biocompatible optical waveguides, and hydrogels have been investigated to meet these requirements. However, combining favorable waveguiding characteristics, high biocompatibility, and controllable bioactivity in a single device remains challenging. Here, we investigate the use of poly(ethylene glycol) hydrogels as carriers and illumination systems for in vitro cell culture. We present a comprehensive and reproducible protocol for selective bioactivation of the hydrogels, achieving high proliferation rates and strong cell adhesion on the treated surface. A cell model expressing the photoconvertible fluorescent protein Dendra2 confirmed that light-cell interactions occur at the hydrogel surface. Monte Carlo simulations were performed as a tool to predict the extent of these interactions. This study demonstrates a hydrogel-based waveguiding system for targeted cell stimulation in vitro and potentially in vivo environments.

Hydrogel for light delivery in biomedical applications

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Fig. 6 Structures, gelation approaches, optical properties, mechanical properties, and applications of synthetic hydrogels in waveguide-related applications [ 4 , [107] , [108] , [109] , [110] , [111] , [112] ]. The images were adapted with permission © 2018, Springer Nature [ 109 ].

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“…To explore other possible functionalities, the addition of methacrylic acid (MAA) to PEGDMA results in a copolymer with carboxylic groups that facilitates in cell attachment and proliferation. The dual function waveguide not only delivers light for optogenetics but also create a bioactive environment to the surroundings [ 111 ].…”

“…The hydrogels to exhibit low attenuation of 0.1–0.4 dB/cm in air and 0.25–0.70 in tissue. Adjustments to the PEGDA-DTT molar mass can tailor the Young's modulus within the range of 100 kPa-8MPa [ 115 ] Johannsmeier et al developed hydrogel PEGMA waveguides that enables optogenetic activation whilst enabling cell attachment on the surface via coating [ 110 , 111 ]. In another interesting aspect, Chen et al proposed a versatile integrated light-triggered dynamic wet spinning (ILDWS) method to fabricate core-sheath hydrogel fibres.…”

Current Trends of Bacterial and Fungal Optoproteins for Novel Optical Applications

“…Hydrogels are one of the most commonly used materials for incorporating photoswitchable proteins to modify properties [135,146,147]. These soft materials are composed of natural or synthetic polymers and are popular due to their ability to store water and their biocompatibility when in contact with biological surfaces [148].…”

Full factorial design of experiment-based and response surface methodology approach for evaluating variation in uniaxial compressive mechanical properties, and biocompatibility of photocurable PEGDMA-based scaffolds

“…Among the plethora of options in hydrogels that have demonstrated good structural stability and bioactivity, polyethylene glycol (PEG) based photocurable hydrogel systems have gained immense interest, primarily due to scaffold stability, biocompatibility, and relatively more straightforward synthesis methods [16][17][18]. A suitable photoinitiator and the desired wavelength of light energy can initiate crosslinking via free-radical polymerization in pristine or composite PEG-based photocurable polymers [19][20][21][22]. Various functionalized groups have been studied with PEG, including diacrylate and dimethacrylate linkage formulated PEG gaining importance in photocurable PEG-based polymers [20,[23][24][25][26][27][28][29].…”