Photochemical ligation strategies in hydrogel materials are crucial to model spatiotemporal phenomena that occur in the natural extracellular matrix. We here describe the use of cyclic 1,2-dithiolanes to cross-link with norbornene on linear poly(ethylene glycol) polymers through UV irradiation in a rapid and byproduct-free manner, resulting in branched macromolecular architectures and hydrogel materials from low-viscosity precursor solutions. Oscillatory rheology and NMR data indicate the one-pot formation of thioether and disulfide cross-links. Spatial and temporal control of the hydrogel mechanical properties and functionality was demonstrated by oscillatory rheology and confocal microscopy. A cytocompatible response of NIH 3T3 fibroblasts was observed within these materials, providing a foothold for further exploration of this photoactive cross-linking moiety in the biomedical field.

中文翻译：

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用于 3D 细胞培养应用的基于线性大分子单体的可光图案化支化聚合物水凝胶

水凝胶材料中的光化学连接策略对于模拟自然细胞外基质中发生的时空现象至关重要。我们在这里描述了使用环状 1,2-二硫杂环戊烷通过紫外线照射以快速且无副产物的方式与线性聚（乙二醇）聚合物上的降冰片烯交联，从而从低粘度产生支化的大分子结构和水凝胶材料前体溶液。振荡流变学和 NMR 数据表明硫醚和二硫化物交联的一锅法形成。振荡流变学和共聚焦显微镜证明了水凝胶机械性能和功能的空间和时间控制。在这些材料中观察到 NIH 3T3 成纤维细胞的细胞相容性反应，