Tuning Physical Properties of GelMA Hydrogels through Microarchitecture for Engineering Osteoid Tissue

Ewa Walejewska*, Ferry P. W. Melchels, Alessia Paradiso, Andrew McCormack, Karol Szlazak, Alicja Olszewska, Michal Srebrzynski, Wojciech Swieszkowski*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

1 Citation (Scopus)
21 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) hydrogels have gained significant attention due to their biocompatibility and tunable properties. Here, a new approach to engineer GelMA-based matrices to mimic the osteoid matrix is provided. Two cross-linking methods were employed to mimic the tissue stiffness: standard cross-linking (SC) based on visible light exposure (VL) and dual cross-linking (DC) involving physical gelation, followed by VL. It was demonstrated that by reducing the GelMA concentration from 10% (G10) to 5% (G5), the dual-cross-linked G5 achieved a compressive modulus of ∼17 kPa and showed the ability to support bone formation, as evidenced by alkaline phosphatase detection over 3 weeks of incubation in osteogenic medium. Moreover, incorporating poly(ethylene) oxide (PEO) into the G5 and G10 samples was found to hinder the fabrication of highly porous hydrogels, leading to compromised cell survival and reduced osteogenic differentiation, as a consequence of incomplete PEO removal.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)188-199
Number of pages12
JournalBiomacromolecules
Volume25
Issue number1
Early online date16 Dec 2023
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 8 Jan 2024

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Bioengineering
  • Biomaterials
  • Polymers and Plastics
  • Materials Chemistry

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