Developing low cost and non-animal derived dynamic hydrogels for tissue engineering

Biomedical research needs to evolve towards more sustainable models by adopting the concept of the three Rs (reduction, refinement, replacement of animals in research). Additionally, economic limitations in emerging countries should also be taken into consideration. This project aims to develop a non-animal sourced and low-cost biomaterial that can be used to create accurate tissue models. We have developed a novel alginate- derived hydrogel, cross-linked with oxime bonds, by the synthesis of alginate derivatives: alginate-aldehyde and alginate-alkoxyamine. These dynamic covalent linkages lead to the formation of mechanically robust and stable hydrogel structures with self-healing properties. These properties mimic natural characteristics of some human extracellular matrices. Our long-term goal is to further functionalize with bioactive ligands also using oxime bonds. The output of this work will provide a platform from which to develop in vitro tissue models, based on affordable and renewable starting materials, suitable for the expansion of biomedical research in developing countries.