Thermoresponsive reversible phase-transition of alginate-based semi-IPN gel through self-assembly of interpenetrated elastin-like polypeptide

We describe, for the first time, a simple and one-pot fabrication of biocompatible hydrogels functioning as an elastinlike polypeptide (ELP) matrix in terms of thermoresponsibility and structure-proved bioavailability, without complicated pretreatment and synthesis. For this purpose, composite hydrogels were formed with a semi-IPN structure wherein untreated ELPs interpenetrated the alginate-Ca²⁺ hydrogel as the host three-dimensional network. These biocompatible and stimuli-responsive materials are highly useful as a novel injectable matrix to induce tissue differentiation after cellular encapsulation.