Robust and Semi‐Interpenetrating Hydrogels from Poly(ethylene glycol) and Collagen for Elastomeric Tissue Scaffolds

Abstract

Here we present an injectable PEG/collagen hydrogel system with robust networks for use as elastomeric tissue scaffolds. Covalently crosslinked PEG and physically crosslinked collagen form semi-interpenetrating networks. The mechanical strength of the hydrogels depends predominantely on the PEG concentration but the incorporation of collagen into the PEG network enhances hydrogel viscoelasticity, elongation, and also cell adhesion properties. Experimental data show that this hydrogel system exhibits tunable mechanical properties that can be further developed. The hydrogels allow cell adhesion and proliferation in vitro. The results support the prospect of a robust and semi-interpenetrating biomaterial for elastomeric tissue scaffolds applications.

Photochemical Production of Interpenetrating Polymer Networks; Simultaneous Initiation of Radical and Cationic Polymerization Reactions

“…Photochemically synthesized IPNs can also be used in the generation of nanostructures [93,94], as p and n dopable films for organic photovoltaic devices [95], in the surface modification of polyethylene terephthalate angioplasty balloons (hydrophilic poly (acrylamide-co-ethylene glycol) IPN coating [96]), for cell adhesion and proliferation in vitro allowing a robust biomaterial (poly (ethylene glycol)/collagen IPNs) for elastomeric tissue scaffold applications [97], in dentistry (for getting teeth protection from acid demineralization [98] or the reinforcement of restorative composites [99]). …”

Characterization of sequential collagen-poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate interpenetrating networks and initial assessment of their potential for vascular tissue engineering

“…Most IPNs, including those previously formed from PEG and collagen [39], are fabricated by mixing the two component polymers followed by their simultaneous crosslinking into interwoven networks [25, 27, 28, 39]. Unfortunately, in the case of collagen-PEG IPNs, this fabrication approach forces cells encapsulated within the IPN to take on a rounded cell phenotype, despite the presence of collagen.…”

Hydrogels based on collagen and fibrin – frontiers and applications

“…Collagen can be modified with PEG in a semi-IPN leading to higher viscoelasticity and elongation. Furthermore, cell adhesion and cell proliferation was promoted in this composite, which makes it a good scaffold for viscoelastic tissues [52].…”