Programmable Bioresponsive Hydrogels era
Kristi Anseth's group advanced photopolymerizable and degradable PEG-based hydrogels with orthogonal crosslinking and MMP-cleavable sequences, enabling cell-instructive mechanics and remodeling. David Mooney contributed injectable, cytocompatible hydrogels featuring enzymatically degradable linkers and multi-stimuli responsiveness for on-demand drug delivery and device integration. Samuel I. Stupp pioneered self-assembling peptide hydrogels and peptide amphiphiles that form programmable, bioactive matrices responsive to enzymatic and environmental cues. Jonathan Ulijn and Jennifer A. Lewis exemplified enzyme-responsive peptide chemistries and additive manufacturing of hydrogel constructs, with Ulijn showcasing protease-triggered remodeling and Lewis enabling architectural control and scalable fabrication for biointerfaces.