Draft:Gelatin methacryloyl

• Comment: Now I see that this article has been expanded and a secondary source has been added, which is better than last time,but the citations are too few for its length. For instance, there are sections like Properties and Tissue engineering and regenerative medicine that didn't cite any sources. Pygos (talk) 04:51, 7 November 2024 (UTC)

• Comment: Now I see that this article has been expanded and a secondary source has been added, which is better than last time,but the citations are too few for its length. For instance, there are sections like Properties and Tissue engineering and regenerative medicine that didn't cite any sources. Pygos (talk) 04:51, 7 November 2024 (UTC)

• Comment: It relies solely on primary sources, and the length of the article does not suffice to explain the topic clearly. Sources are indeed abundant on this topic, so it is definitely notable, but you should expand it and add more WP:SECONDARY. A good way to start is to, for instance, list out its structure, synthesis, applications, etc. Pygos (talk) 03:35, 6 November 2024 (UTC)

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Gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) is a modified form of gelatin that has been chemically functionalized with methacryloyl groups, allowing it to form a stable hydrogel when exposed to UV light and a photoinitiator. This methacrylic anhydride-modified gelatin is used as a base for 3D printing hydrogel bioinks, particularly for applications in tissue engineering, 3D bioprinting, and regenerative medicine.

Structure and Composition

GelMA is derived from gelatin, a protein obtained by the partial hydrolysis of collagen, which is the primary structural protein in animal connective tissues. The methacryloyl modification allows GelMA to be crosslinked under UV light in the presence of a photoinitiator. This crosslinking gives GelMA its gel-like consistency and stability, while still retaining properties similar to natural extracellular matrices (ECM).

Properties

Biocompatibility

GelMA is highly biocompatible, meaning it supports cell attachment, proliferation, and differentiation. This makes it ideal for creating scaffolds that mimic the natural cellular environment, allowing for tissue growth.

Mechanical Tunability

By adjusting the degree of methacrylation, concentration of GelMA, or crosslinking parameters (such as UV exposure time and photoinitiator concentration), researchers can tailor the mechanical properties of GelMA hydrogels. This tunability allows for a range of applications, from softer gels suited for applications like cardiac tissue engineering to stiffer gels for bone or cartilage applications.

Applications

Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine

3D Cell Culture and Tissue Models: GelMA hydrogels can support 3D cell culture, which is essential for creating realistic tissue models that mimic in vivo conditions.

3D Bioprinting

GelMA is often used as a "bioink" in 3D bioprinting to fabricate complex tissue structures layer by layer. Its printability, combined with biocompatibility, makes it ideal for generating tissues for regenerative medicine research. GelMA is widely researched for applications such as vascular, cardiac, neural, cartilage, and bone tissue engineering. The hydrogel matrix supports various cell types, including stem cells, which can be differentiated into specific cell types to study diseases, drug responses, or potential treatments. GelMA hydrogels can also serve as a medium for drug delivery or wound healing, due to their capability to be loaded with bioactive molecules and cells.