Macroporous StarPEG-Heparin\nCryogels

Abstract

Macroporous scaffolds with adaptable mechanical and biomolecular\nproperties can be instrumental in enabling cell-based therapies. To\nmeet these requirements, a cryostructuration method was adapted to\nprepare spongy hydrogels based on chemically cross-linked star-shaped\npoly­(ethylene glycol) (starPEG) and heparin. Subzero temperature treatment\nof the gel forming reaction mixtures and subsequent lyophilization\nof the incompletely frozen gels resulted in macroporous biohybrid\ncryogels showing rapid swelling, porosity of up to 92% with interconnected\nlarge pores (30–180 μm), low bulk stiffness, and high\nmechanical stability upon compression. The applicability of the cryogel\nscaffolds was investigated using human umbilical vein endothelial\ncells. Cell attachment and three-dimensional spreading resulted in\nevenly distributed viable cells within the macroporous starPEG-heparin\nmaterials, demonstrating the significant translational potential of\nthe developed three-dimensional cell carriers.