Photocrosslinked biodegradable hydrogel

Abstract

A photocrosslinked biodegradable hydrogel includes a plurality of natural polymer macromers cross-linked with a plurality of hydrolyzable acrylate cross-links. The hydrogel is cytocompatible and produces substantially non-toxic products upon degradation.

1 - 31 . (canceled) 
     
     
         32 . A method for promoting tissue growth in a subject comprising:
 administering a photocrosslinked biodegradable hydrogel to a target site in the subject, the hydrogel comprising a plurality of natural polymer macromers cross-linked with a plurality of hydrolyzable acrylate cross-links and at least one cell dispersed on or within the hydrogel, the hydrogel being cytocompatible and producing substantially non-toxic products upon degradation.   
     
     
         33 . The method of  claim 32 , the hydrolyzable acrylate cross-link comprising at least one of a hydrolyzable ester or hydrolyzable amide. 
     
     
         34 . The method of  claim 32 , further including at least one cell dispersed within or on the photocrosslinked biodegradable hydrogel. 
     
     
         35 . The method of  claim 32 , further including at least one attachment molecule to couple the at least one cell to the photocrosslinked biodegradable hydrogel. 
     
     
         36 . The method further including a bioactive agent that modulates a function and/or characteristic of a cell. 
     
     
         37 . The method of  claim 36 , release of the bioactive agent from the hydrogel being dependent on the size and composition of the hydrogel.