Merging bioresponsive release of insulin-like growth factor I with 3D printable thermogelling hydrogels

3D printing of biomaterials enables spatial control of drug incorporation during automated manufacturing. This study links bioresponsive release of the anabolic biologic, insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) in response to matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) to 3D printing using the block copolymer of poly(2-methyl-2-oxazoline) and thermoresponsive poly(2-n-propyl-2-oxazine) (POx-b-POzi). For that, a chemo-enzymatic synthesis was deployed, ligating IGF-I enzymatically to a protease sensitive linker (PSL), which was conjugated to a POx-b-POzi copolymer. The product was blended with the plain thermogelling POx-b-POzi hydrogel. MMP exposure of the resulting hydrogel triggered bioactive IGF-I release. The bioresponsive IGF-I containing POx-b-POzi hydrogel system was further detailed for shape control and localized incorporation of IGF-I via extrusion 3D printing for future applications in biomedicine and biofabrication.

Automated summary

This study demonstrates the use of 3D printing technology to spatially control drug incorporation in biomaterials. By linking the release of a biologic (IGF-I) to matrix metalloproteinases (MMP), researchers have successfully developed a copolymer hydrogel that can release the bioactive drug in response to specific enzymes. The hydrogel system was further utilized for shape control and localized drug incorporation using extrusion 3D printing.