Photo-patterned polymer-based hydrogels for templated nerve regeneration

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This project aims to prepare a new class of polymeric hydrogels which allow templated cell attachment and tissue generation in the context of nerve repair/regeneration within nerve conduits. These hydrogels will be prepared using a new photo-cleavable cross-linker, which will be synthesised in house, and used to prepare a range of hydrogels with tuneable shape, swelling ratio and crucially, stiffness.3 The photo-cleavable the interior of these to be etched away when exposed to light. This will allow us to pattern the gels at both the millimetre (channel size) and micron scale in 3D.4 For example, using a photomask we will etch microgrooves around the channel perimeter as this has been shown to induce cell alignment down the nerve channels resulting in enhanced nerve function.5 The novel chemistry of this particular cross-linker will also allow N-terminus specific peptide binding within the patterned gels. It is envisioned that the binding of appropriate peptides will direct both cell attachment and growth along the channels while helping them to align them along the microgrooves. Additionally, channels for blood vessels, which are overlooked by current conduit designs, will be critical in achieving longer conduit lengths by enhancing the nutrient transfer to the regenerating nerve.