Modular and injectable poly(oligoethylene glycol methacrylate)-based hydrogels with tunable protein and cell interactions

A highly tunable, in situ-gelling covalently gelling hydrogel platform based on poly(oligoethylene glycol) methacrylate (POEGMA) has been developed. The POEGMA hydrogel composition was systematically varied to achieve control over the physiochemical and mechanical properties, protein absorption and cell adhesion, while maintaining high cell viability both in vitro and in vivo. These hydrogels provide an advantageous alternative to the commonly used poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) for use as biomaterial scaffolds or drug delivery vehicles.