New Study Published on pH-Responsive Hydrogels

Victoria, July 2024—We are thrilled to announce the publication of our latest research article, "Synthesis of Gelatin Methacryloyl Analogs and Their Use in the Fabrication of pH-Responsive Microspheres," in Pharmaceutics (MDPI).

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In this study, we explored the synthesis of two novel GelMA analogs, gelatin A methacryloyl glyceryl ester (polymer A) and gelatin B methacrylamide (polymer B), and their use in creating pH-responsive hydrogel microspheres using a flow-focusing microfluidic device.

Implications for Drug Delivery and in vitro models

pH-responsive hydrogels are powerful tools for targeted drug delivery, particularly in challenging disease environments like cancer. Tumors often exhibit a significantly lower pH (~5.6) than surrounding healthy tissue (~7), creating a barrier that limits the diffusion of drugs and reduces treatment effectiveness. By encapsulating therapeutics within pH-responsive hydrogels, it becomes possible to overcome these limitations, enabling site-specific drug release triggered by the acidic tumor microenvironment.

These materials also show strong potential in the development of 3D in vitro models, where replicating dynamic physiological conditions is key to creating more predictive preclinical platforms. Unlike traditional materials, pH-responsive hydrogels can respond to environmental stimuli, offering a more accurate simulation of in vivo behavior.

While GelMA is a widely used biomaterial due to its biocompatibility and tunability, standard synthesis approaches have not been optimized to create single-component, pH-responsive hydrogels. Our work fills this gap by selectively modifying different functional groups on gelatin to produce two distinct analogs—Polymer A and Polymer B—that exhibit pH-dependent swelling behavior.

Synthesized by VoxCell BioInnovation, these tailored GelMA analogs unlock new opportunities for engineering next-generation 3D tissue models and improving the predictive accuracy of drug screening tools, ultimately accelerating the path from bench to bedside.

About VoxCell BioInnovation

VoxCell BioInnovation is a leading provider of next-generation in vitro models, powered by our 3D bioprinted, vascularized tissue technology. Our ready-to-perfuse models closely replicate human biology with in vivo–like microvascular networks, enabling nutrient and oxygen delivery, systemic drug distribution, and more predictive therapeutic responses. VoxCell’s end-to-end solution offers researchers and pharmaceutical companies a scalable, ethical alternative to animal testing. Our mission is to reduce reliance on animal models, accelerate preclinical development, and advance more effective therapies for patients.

Want to learn more or collaborate?

Visit our website, connect with us on LinkedIn, or email us at hello@voxcellbio.com.