Hybrid hydrogel scaffold compositions and methods of use

摘要

The present invention includes new hybrid hydrogel scaffolds comprised of a polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene (block) copolymer (a “poloxamer”) and a self-assembling peptide, which maintain the mechanical and bioactive properties of its individual constituents (as compared to when the individual constituents are scaffolds or hydrogels by themselves). The hydrogels of the invention can include a combination of materials from different origins or with different properties that provides a hybrid material that meets the multiple needs of a scaffold for tissue engineering.

主权项

1. A hybrid hydrogel scaffold, the scaffold comprising:
(a) about 0.75% to about 1.25% EFK8 (w/v); (b) about 20% poloxamer 407 (w/v); wherein the scaffold provides a microenvironment that: (i) substantially prevents the aggregation of cells, (ii) promotes cell proliferation at a rate that is improved or substantially similar to a hydrogel scaffold made from EFK8 alone, and (iii) has viscoelastic properties that are improved or substantially similar to a hydrogel scaffold made from poloxamer 407 alone; and (c) mesenchymal stem cells; wherein the mesenchymal stem cells are capable of differentiation when the scaffold is transplanted in vivo.