Patterning physiologically relevant proteins in three-dimensional hydrogels without affecting the activity and stability of the proteins has been difficult. Now, by using enzymatic crosslinking reactions, in situ control over the phototriggered immobilization of virtually any desired protein in a synthetic hydrogel is demonstrated. The approach can be used to manipulate cells, as demonstrated by the three-dimensional control of the invasion of mesenchymal stem cells within poly(ethylene glycol) hydrogels.
- Katarzyna A. Mosiewicz
- Laura Kolb
- Matthias P. Lutolf