Adapting concepts from theoretical polymer physics to describe the force balance in swollen binary polymer networks we were able to develop a set of starPEG-heparin hydrogels with decoupled physical and biomolecular characteristics. The resulting platform of multibiofunctional materials offers exciting options for the fully matrix controlled direction of the cells, i.e. removes the need for the supplementation of the fluid media with soluble morphogens. Beyond the particular system investigated, our approach created a road map for the combination of polyelectrolytes with flexible, non-ionic polymer units into networks with decoupled properties. Biohybrid gels as presented provide a base for thoroughly defined cell culture studies on the interplay of multiple exogenous signals in cellular fate decisions. Beyond that, the novel class of modular gel materials is currently applied in translational research towards regenerative therapies for cardiovascular and neuronal pathologies, diabetes, and other diseases.
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