Synthesis and characterization of MMP degradable and maleimide cross-linked PEG hydrogels for tissue engineering scaffolds

A series of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) hydrogels were successfully prepared via Michael-type addition between 4-arm PEG-maleimide (PEG-4MAL) and MMP degradable peptide. The gelation time was significantly short (∼10 min) in a low concentration of TEA (4 mM). Thermogravimetric analysis indicated the thermal stabilities of hydrogels. SEM images confirmed a porous structure and the pore size increased with the increase of the PEG chain length....