Dynamic, 3D-Pattern Formation Within Enzyme-Responsive Hydrogels

Dynamic, 3D hydrogel patterns emerge over time in response to cell-secreted enzymes (see image). Composite hydrogels fabricated from engineered proteins exhibit customized half-lives ranging across two orders of magnitude due to slight changes in the primary amino acid sequence. The evolution of internal 3D void structures within these polymeric materials is used to release multiple payload molecules with distinct spatial and temporal delivery profiles.