A02 | Hyaluronic acid based hydrogel platform with multi-functional cross-linkers for the controlled differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells
Hyaluronic acid (HyA) represents a major component of the human extracellular matrix, however, so far highly versatile HyA-based materials for biofabrication are lacking. The overall aim of this project is, to develop a HyA-based bioink platform utilizing branched multi-functional cross-linkers (PEG, polyglycidol) that enables the controlled differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells. The modification with peptides and growth factors will add further biofunctionality to the printed 3D constructs in order to improve chondrogenic and adipogenic differentiation of the stem cells. For the long term, this work aims to generate bioinks for the development of clinically relevant tissue models.