Charge Matters: Modulating Secondary Interactions in Hyaluronan Hydrogels. Issue 25 (5th September 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hegger, Patricia S.; Kupka, Julia; Minsky, Burcu Baykal; Schädel, Nicole; Petri, Nadja; Laschat, Sabine; Boehm, Heike
• Is Part Of: ChemistrySelect. Volume 2:Issue 25(2017)
• Page Start: 7701
• Page End: 7705
• Publication Date: 2017-09-05
• Subjects: carbohydrates -- electrostatic interaction -- hyaluronan -- polyelectrolyte hydrogel -- synthetic biology; Chemistry -- Periodicals; 540.5
• DOI: 10.1002/slct.201701908
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2365-6549

Abstract

Abstract: Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a vital, functional component of the extracellular matrix (ECM). Following a synthetic biology approach, we designed polyelectrolyte hydrogels composed of HA as a polymeric backbone interconnected by short covalent crosslinkers. Utilizing a thiol‐Michael addition, defined network structures are created, which can be modulated by the aromatic core and charge of the crosslinkers. With increasing negative network charge, varied both through the charge of the crosslinker and the degree of functionalization of the HA chain, the Young's modulus of the hydrogels decreases linearly as swelling ratios increase. Interestingly, secondary interactions with aromatic crosslinkers are stronger for elastin inspired crosslinkers with a pyridinium core compared to analogous triazolium crosslinkers. Based on the defined covalent interconnectivity of these HA‐hydrogels, we were able to demonstrate the specific electrostatic and aromatic interactions induced by different short crosslinkers. Abstract : Hyaluronan hydrogels with defined network connectivity are designed to mimic electrostatic interactions of the extracellular matrix. Chemical and mechanical properties of these hydrogels can be modulated based on the network charge and the nature of the aromatic core of the crosslinker.