Customizable Collagen-Mimetic Hydrogels for Precision Modeling and Bioscaffold Engineering

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Synthesis of cysteine flanked collagen-mimetic peptides (CMPs)

Invention Summary:

Hydrogels are essential tools which can mimic extracellular matrix environments; however, current systems lack precise molecular-level control over crosslinking density and porosity. Conventional approaches utilize non-specific, generic biopolymers with statistical or random crosslinking of polymer chains. These approaches offer limited control and poor reproducibility resulting in significant variation between batches. Chemical crosslinking agents offer greater precision in controlling crosslinking density; however these agents can be cytotoxic and reduce biocompatibility of the hydrogel.

Rutgers researchers have created a modular platform to address the need for customizable hydrogel systems which accurately mimic native collagen structures for use in tissue engineering and disease modeling. This platform employs full-length recombinant collagen-like peptides (CLPs), which along with site-specific thiol-maleimide couplings precisely tune crosslinking density and matrix porosity. This system enables versatile mechanical and biochemical control advancing regenerative medicine and ECM-mimetic material design.

Market Applications:

• Tissue engineering scaffolds
• Implantable biomaterials
• Wound healing
• 3D Bioprinting & Personalized Medicine
• Cosmeceuticals & Soft Materials
• Disease Modelling & Drug Screening

Advantages:

• Precision Control: Fine-tune peptide sequence, crosslinking chemistry, and network architecture
• Versatile Applications: Adaptable for tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, disease modeling, and smart biomaterials.
• Unprecedented Tunability: Achieve exact control over mechanical stiffness, porosity, degradation, and biochemical cues.
• Stimuli-Responsive Potential: Modular design allows integration of dynamic redox-responsive features.

Publications:

Intellectual Property & Development Status: Provisional application filed. Patent pending. Available for licensing and/or research collaboration. For any business development and other collaborative partnerships, contact:  marketingbd@research.rutgers.edu