Enzyme-catalyzed crosslinkable hydrogels: Emerging strategies for tissue engineering

Abstract State-of-the-art bioactive hydrogels can easily and efficiently be formed by enzyme-catalyzed mild-crosslinking reactions in situ . Yet this cell-friendly and substrate-specific method remains under explored. Hydrogels prepared by using enzyme systems like tyrosinases, transferases and lysy...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Biomaterials 2012-02, Vol.33 (5), p.1281-1290
Main Authors: Moreira Teixeira, Liliana S, Feijen, Jan, van Blitterswijk, Clemens A, Dijkstra, Pieter J, Karperien, Marcel
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Advanced Basic Science
Animals
Biocatalysis - drug effects
Cross-Linking Reagents - metabolism
Crosslinking
Dentistry
Enzymes
Enzymes - metabolism
Humans
Hydrogels - pharmacology
Injectable hydrogels
Tissue engineering
Tissue Engineering - methods
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Summary:Abstract State-of-the-art bioactive hydrogels can easily and efficiently be formed by enzyme-catalyzed mild-crosslinking reactions in situ . Yet this cell-friendly and substrate-specific method remains under explored. Hydrogels prepared by using enzyme systems like tyrosinases, transferases and lysyl oxidases show interesting characteristics as dynamic scaffolds and as systems for controlled release. Increased attention is currently paid to hydrogels obtained via crosslinking of precursors by transferases or peroxidases as catalysts. Enzyme-mediated crosslinking has proven its efficiency and attention has now shifted to the development of enzymatically crosslinked hydrogels with higher degrees of complexity, mimicking extracellular matrices. Moreover, bottom-up approaches combining biocatalysts and self-assembly are being explored for the development of complex nano-scale architectures. In this review, the use of enzymatic crosslinking for the preparation of hydrogels as an innovative alternative to other crosslinking methods, such as the commonly used UV-mediated photo-crosslinking or physical crosslinking, will be discussed. Photo-initiator-based crosslinking may induce cytotoxicity in the formed gels, whereas physical crosslinking may lead to gels which do not have sufficient mechanical strength and stability. These limitations can be overcome using enzymes to form covalently crosslinked hydrogels. Herewith, we report the mechanisms involved and current applications, focusing on emerging strategies for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.
ISSN:0142-9612
1878-5905
DOI:10.1016/j.biomaterials.2011.10.067