Injectable Self-Assembling Peptide Hydrogels for Tissue Writing and Embryonic Stem Cell Culture

J Biomed Nanotechnol. 2018 Apr 1;14(4):802-807. doi: 10.1166/jbn.2018.2583.

Abstract

The fabrication of extracellular matrix-mimic hydrogels that can nurture and direct differentiation of embryonic stem cells is an important target for pattern-printed tissue replacement. Another desirable feature for such materials is their ability to be injected and recover their rheological features post-injection, allowing for facile non-invasive implantation. In this report, we demonstrate the ability of a self-assembling peptide hydrogel to support the culture of embryonic stem cells with the potential to direct differentiation. We also show that we can write a functional tissue replacement with a predetermined pattern using our formulation. Our results may lead to in vivo replacement of diseased tissue with a spatially resolved pattern of a regenerative hydrogel.

MeSH terms

  • Embryonic Stem Cells*
  • Extracellular Matrix
  • Hydrogels
  • Peptides
  • Writing

Substances

  • Hydrogels
  • Peptides