Photodegradable Gelatin-Based Hydrogels Prepared by\nBioorthogonal Click Chemistry\nfor Cell Encapsulation and Release

Abstract

In this study, we present a method\nfor the fabrication of in situ\nforming gelatin and poly­(ethylene glycol)-based hydrogels utilizing\nbioorthogonal, strain-promoted alkyne–azide cycloaddition as\nthe cross-linking reaction. By incorporating nitrobenzyl moieties\nwithin the network structure, these hydrogels can be designed to be\ndegradable upon irradiation with low intensity UV light, allowing\nprecise photopatterning. Fibroblast cells encapsulated within these\nhydrogels were viable at 14 days and could be readily harvested using\na light trigger. Potential applications of this new class of injectable\nhydrogel include its use as a 3D culturing platform that allows the\ncapture and release of cells, as well as light-triggered cell delivery\nin regenerative medicine.