Summary:
UCLA researchers from the Department of Bioengineering have developed a novel protein-based hydrogel that can be crosslinked with light for utility in a wide array of tissue engineering and regenerative applications.
Background:
Hydrogels are widely used in biomedical applications including 3D bioprinting and regenerative medicine. These systems consist of crosslinked polymer networks that can absorb large volumes of water and are often collagen-based. Such hydrogels are mechanically weak and have limited applicability in diverse biological environments. Other systems are also limited by high degradation rates and poor control of water uptake, which compromise the long-term stability and performance of the hydrogel. Hydrogels with more tunable properties are also limited by high production costs and complex isolation processes, limiting their widescale use. There remains an unmet need for a durable and functional protein-based hydrogel.
Innovation:
UCLA researchers from the Department of Bioengineering have developed a novel hydrogel based on egg white protein that can be photo-crosslinked. This innovative design involves the methacrylation of albumin derived from egg white, allowing for photo crosslinking. The hydrogel system can be used to fabricate three-dimensional scaffolds that mimic the chemical and mechanical properties of native biological tissue. This system demonstrates superior durability and mechanical stability, with low degradation rates and water uptake. This novel technology allows for enhanced biocompatibility and supports advanced fabrication techniques including micromolding, photomasking and 3D bioprinting to produce hydrogels with unique microarchitectures. The reported hydrogel design can revolutionize the use of hydrogels as tissue scaffolds by providing enhanced durability and stability.
Potential Applications:
• Bone regeneration
• Vascular tissue engineering
• 3D bioprinting
• Drug delivery
• Wound healing
• Emergency medicine
Advantages:
• Enhanced mechanical stability
• Tunable properties
• Scalable and affordable
• Multifunctional hydrogel
Development-To-Date:
First successful demonstration of the invention has been completed; journal publication published.
Reference:
UCLA Case No. 2020-440
Publications:
Egg White Photocrosslinkable Hydrogels as Versatile Bioinks for Advanced Tissue Engineering Applications