Advances in Glycopeptide Hydrogel for Tissue Engineering

Hydrogels have garnered significant attention in the field of tissue engineering due to their biocompatibility and similarity to the composition of the natural extracellular matrix. Despite the substantial progress in the research of polymer hydrogels for tissue engineering, the microstructure of hydrogels and their interaction relationship with cell tissues remain unclear. Designing high-performance hydrogels to meet global tissue engineering needs continues to be a crucial research focus. These studies are essential for developing hydrogels with excellent biocompatibility and cell affinity for fabricating matrices for tissue regeneration.

The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a complex and dynamic entity composed primarily of collagen, glycoproteins, proteoglycans, glycosaminoglycans, etc., and contains a large amount of water with hydrogel-like elastic and mechanical behavior. The ECM acts as a support for cell attachment and provides molecules for biochemical actions as well as intercellular signaling. Inspired by the microstructure of the extracellular matrix, synthetic glycopeptides can mimic the secondary conformation of natural glycopeptides or glycoproteins, emerging as a new class of biomimetic polymers. Glycoproteins are ubiquitous in nature and are involved in a wide range of biological functions, including intercellular recognition, adhesion, immune responses, and hormonal interactions. Glycopeptide hydrogels that mimic the extracellular matrix can be utilized for therapeutic tissue wound repair, as carriers for drug delivery, and in other research areas, which are developing rapidly.
These biocompatible polymer hydrogels have been the subject of significant research into wound adhesives and dressings due to their high water content, injectability/adaptability, mechanical properties, wound adhesive and healing effects, and low toxicity risks. Overall, this novel ECM-mimicking glycopeptide hydrogel provides a highly effective approach for tissue engineering and may offer promising technological support for regenerative medicine.
Therefore, the aim of this Research Topic is to generate more approaches regarding cross-linking methods in glycopeptide hydrogel fabrication and to further understand the significance of glycopeptide hydrogel strategies for bionic extracellular matrices in tissue engineering. We invite authors working on glycopeptide hydrogels worldwide to share their experiences and welcome original research and review articles.

Potential topics include, but are not limited to, the following:
•Glycopeptide interactions and mechanisms that mimic the extracellular matrix
•Extracellular matrix-mimetic hydrogels
•Inks for 3D printing of glycopeptide hydrogels
•Impact of altered viscoelasticity of glycopeptide hydrogels on cell behavior
•Emerging functionalities of glycopeptide hydrogels, including antimicrobial, conductive, and antioxidant effects
•Glycopeptide hydrogels as carriers in drug delivery and release