Controlled photodegradable hydrogels with photolithographic microstructure arrays as 3D scaffolds for cell culture

Hydrogels are a class of critical functional materials applicable across various fields, including 3D cell culture, tissue engineering, 3D printing, and drug delivery. Endowing static hydrogel networks with dynamic functionalities is crucial for biomedical applications. The introduction of dynamic properties, such as photo-degradability, allows hydrogels to undergo remote light stimulation, leading to modifications in their chemical structure and consequent alterations in their performance characteristics. In this study, a photodegradable hydrogel was prepared, with its photodegradation capability provided by a photodegradable crosslinker containing o-nitrobenzyl groups. The photodegradable hydrogel exhibited tunable physical properties and biocompatibility. The hydrogel could be degraded in a controlled way under UV irradiation. Subsequently, a photomask technique was used to photolithographically pattern microstructured hydrogel arrays. Finally, the hydrogel with micro-pore arrays was used as a 3D cell scaffold to support controlled culture and proliferation of cells within the microstructures.