Loosely cross-linked hydrogels consisting of N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAAm)
and acrylic acid (AAc) were synthesized, characterized, and used as model
scaffolds for studying cell-material interactions in three-dimensions (3D).
The AAc groups were functionalized with peptides containing the -RGD- and
-FHRRIKA- sequences found in bone sialoprotein. Chemical modification of th
e hydrogels was verified via solid-state H-1 nuclear magnetic resonance spe
ctroscopy, lower critical solution temperature studies, and volume change s
tudies. The peptide-modified hydrogels were pliable at 22 degreesC and coul
d be injected through a small-diameter aperture. Rat calvarial osteoblasts
(RCO)seeded into the peptide-modified hydrogels were viable for at least 21
days of in vitro culture. The RCO spread more and demonstrated significant
ly greater proliferation when cultured within the peptide-modified hydrogel
s, as compared to control hydrogels. These peptide-modified P(NIPAAm-co-AAc
) hydrogels serve as useful tools for studying cell-material interactions w
ithin 3D structures and have the potential to be used as injectable scaffol
ds for tissue engineering applications.