Abstract: A DOPA-Gelatin is disclosed in which the monophenolic group of tyrosine, a prominent amino acid in porcine gelatin, is converted into a catechol group using an enzyme-based DOPA modification technique. The resulting DOPA-Gelatin has been discovered to exhibit good mechanical strength and adhesion. Moreover, in vitro studies show that DOPA-Gelatin has no cytotoxicity with HDF and HaCaT cells, two cells typically involved in the skin wound healing process. Further RT-PCR and angiogenesis investigation showed that DOPA-Gelatin can promote the expression of wound-related genes and facilitate neovascularization. In a full-thickness dorsal defect model in mice, DOPA-Gelatin treated groups decreased the wound closure time and enhanced hair follicle growth. These results demonstrate that the DOPA-Gelatin hydrogel compositions disclosed herein are an effective functional biomaterial that can potentiate the wound healing process.

Abstract: Systems and methods of using and imaging shear-thinning biomaterial compositions are provided. More particularly, systems and methods of providing reversible birth control and/or for delivering therapeutics to reproductive organs are provided. A method includes administering a biomaterial into fallopian tubes, uterus, or vas deferens of the subject, where the biomaterial is a shear-thinning nanocomposite.