By inserting hydrolysis-susceptible bonds into a polymeric hydrogel network, our lab is capable of fabricating biodegradable PEG-based hydrogel. We have successfully decoupled the biodegradability with other hydrogel properties, including mechanical properties and water uptake ability. This type of hydrogel can be used for cell encapsulation and release and can also be employed in several different applications, including hydrogel foam wound dressings and bioactive bone grafts.

The cell extracellular matrix (ECM) consists of biological cues such as growth factors and proteins. In order to communicate with the ECM, cells use surface receptors called integrins that bind to specific amino acid sequences on these molecules. Integrin binding activates signaling pathways that direct cell migration, proliferation, and differentiation, thus controlling cell behavior and function. Currently, there is great interest in designing biomaterials with ECM proteins to target integrins and control cell fate to promote regenerative processes. These biomaterials present a novel class of materials that circumvent many of the problems that can be associated with growth factor delivery such as supraphysiological doses and high cost.