@article{TEXTUAL,
      recid = {13384},
      author = {Licht, Christopher and Rose, Jonas C. and Anarkoli,  Abdolrahman Omidinia and Blondel, Delphine and Roccio,  Marta and Haraszti, Tamás and Gehlen, David B. and Hubbell,  Jeffrey A. and Lutolf, Matthias P. and Laporte, Laura De},
      title = {Synthetic 3D PEG-Anisogel Tailored with Fibronectin  Fragments Induce Aligned Nerve Extension},
      journal = {Biomacromolecules},
      address = {2019-10-15},
      number = {TEXTUAL},
      abstract = {An enzymatically cross-linked polyethylene glycol  (PEG)-based hydrogel was engineered to promote and align  nerve cells in a three-dimensional manner. To render the  injectable, otherwise bioinert, PEG-based material  supportive for cell growth, its mechanical and biochemical  properties were optimized. A recombinant fibronectin  fragment (FNIII9*-10/12-14) was coupled to the PEG backbone  during gelation to provide cell adhesive and growth factor  binding domains in close vicinity. Compared to full-length  fibronectin, FNIII9*-10/12-14 supports nerve growth at  similar concentrations. In a 3D environment, only the  ultrasoft 1 w/v% PEG hydrogels with a storage modulus of  ∼10 Pa promoted neuronal growth. This gel was used to  establish the first fully synthetic, injectable Anisogel by  the addition of magnetically aligned microelements, such as  rod-shaped microgels or short fibers. The Anisogel led to  linear neurite extension and represents a large step in the  direction of clinical translation with the opportunity to  treat acute spinal cord injuries.},
      url = {http://knowledge.uchicago.edu/record/13384},
}