Biocompatible in situ-forming glycopolypeptide hydrogels

A lack of biological activity hinders the application of synthetic hydrogels in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. However, the use of glycopolypeptides in hydrogel synthesis may provide the materials with the desired biological activities. Herein, we prepared three in situ -forming hydrogels from various phenol-functionalized glycopolypeptides. The gelation time, mechanical properties, degradation properties, and biocompatibility of the hydrogels were assessed. Gelation time ranged from 11 to 380 s, depending on the concentration of horseradish peroxidase. The galactose-modified polypeptide hydrogel showed the highest storage modulus with an obvious stress relaxation phenomenon. The prepared hydrogels exhibited good degradation properties and compatibility to cells and tissues. Furthermore, the rate of immune cell accumulation around the mannose-modified polypeptide hydrogel was the fastest among the hydrogels.