Proteolytically degradable hydrogels with a fluorogenic substrate for studies of cellular proteolytic activity and migration

Soo Hong Lee, Jordan S. Miller, James J. Moon, Jennifer L. West

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

73 Scopus citations

Abstract

We have developed proteolytically degradable hydrogels with covalently immobilized fluorogenic protease substrates to visualize extracellular proteolytic activity and cell migration in three dimensions. Dye quenched-bovine serum albumin (DQ-BSA), a quenched, proteolytically activated fluorogenic substrate, was conjugated to poly-(ethylene glycol) (PEG)-monoacrylate, and the product (DQ-BSA-PEG) was then covalently incorporated into proteolytically degradable and cell adhesive PEG hydrogels via photopolymerization. The DQ-BSA-PEG substrate in solution and incorporated into hydrogels exhibited significantly enhanced fluorescence after exposure to enzymes. Fibroblasts seeded within this hydrogel spread in three dimensions and extended lamellipodia. Cell migration and proteolytic activity were visualized using confocal microscopy. Proteolytic activity was concentrated near cell surfaces and remained present in the tracks where cell migration had occurred.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1736-1741
Number of pages6
JournalBiotechnology Progress
Volume21
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 2005

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Proteolytically degradable hydrogels with a fluorogenic substrate for studies of cellular proteolytic activity and migration'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this