UCLA

The application of engineered biomimetic materials in surgical reconstruction presents a promising avenue for repairing damaged urinary tract tissues. Current autografts from skin and buccal mucosa are limited due to lack of tissue availability, donor site morbidity, and inadequate elasticity. Hydrogel-based biomaterials with high water content and permeability show promise in mimicking the native tissue environment. Despite their potential, the clinical application of hydrogels has been constrained by factors such as inadequate mechanical properties, and unpredictable degradation rates. Here, we present the development of a photocrosslinked suturable elastic fibrous hydrogel comprised of gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) and an elastin-like polypeptide (ELP) using an electrospinning technology designed to repair or replace urologic tissues. The fabrication of hybrid hydrogels with tailored physical properties, achieved by modulating GelMA and ELP concentrations, enabled an appropriate match for urological tissue reconstruction, as established through comparisons with native rabbit urethral and bladder tissues. In addition, the abilities of the engineered scaffolds to physically support tissue repair were further confirmed through suture retention and ex vivo bladder repair tests. These evaluations demonstrated an enhanced capacity of the scaffolds to sustain integrity and promote tissue defect repair, suggesting their potential therapeutic relevance in the field of urological tissue regeneration. Moreover, enzymatic degradation profiles demonstrated that the GelMA/ELP scaffolds can be degraded while preserving the structures over a sufficient period to facilitate tissue regeneration. Furthermore, the composite fibrous hydrogels showed remarkable biocompatibility and supported cell growth, spreading, and proliferation of human cell lines.