3D-Printable Hierarchical Nanogel-GelMA Composite Hydrogel System

The strength of the extracellular matrix (ECM) is that it hierarchical in terms built-up, density and fiber structure, which allows for hormones, cytokines, other small biomolecules to be stored within its network. ECM-like hydrogels are currently used do not possess this ability, long-term storage, along with need free diffusion molecules, generally incompatible requirements. Nanogels able fulfill additional requirements upon successful integration. Herein, a stable nanogel–gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) composite hydrogel system provided by covalently embedding nanogels inside micropore network GelMA allow controlled local functionality found homogenous hydrogel. have emerged as powerful tool nanomedicine highly versatile, due their simplicity chemical control biological compatibility. In study, an N-isopropylacrylamide-based nanogel primary amine groups on surface was modified obtain photo-cross-linking ability similar GelMA. nanogel-GelMA formed mixing photo-initiator solution through UV irradiation. morphology observed scanning electron microscopy, clearly showed wrapped covering pore wall. A release experiment conducted prove covalent bonding stability addition, 3D printability studies ink printable. Therefore, suggested has great potential achieve situ delivery controllable bioactive molecules cell culture systems.