Title:

Synthesis and Characterization of Hoechst and Psoralen Based Crosslinkers for Dynamic Hydrogels

DNA-based supramolecular hydrogels are of interest in the biomaterials field due to their inherent biocompatibility, high tunability, and dynamic behavior. As DNA binders vary drastically in their thermal and viscoelastic responses, utilizing minor groove binding and intercalation allows for tunable viscoelastic and stimuli-responsive materials. Minor groove binders are known to exhibit entropically driven cross-linking, leading to thermal network stiffening. By synthesizing a polymeric Hoechst cross-linker, we aim to utilize this entropic-behavior in forming thermally stable DNA hydrogel networks. To further explore the tunability of DNA hydrogels via intercalation, psoralen was selected due to its ability to photocross-link thymine, transforming from a dynamic to a covalent network. Psoralen derivative cross-linkers were then synthesized to evaluate the impact of molecular structure on gel behavior. As the derivatives demonstrate unique thermal and light-responsive behavior, we hope to utilize these hydrogels for cell culture and recovery. Therefore, through these projects we hope to expand the utility of DNA hydrogels as highly tunable, versatile biomaterials.

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