Electrochemical control of the enzymatic polymerization of PEG hydrogels: formation of spatially controlled biological microenvironments.

Control of pH gradient profile at the electrode-electrolyte interfaces allows the control of the enzymatic PEG-hydrogel polymerization. By tuning the solution pH, buffer capacity, and the applied current, the extent of the local inhibition and confinement of the Factor XIII-mediated polymerization of PEG are controlled. This technology opens new perspectives for the production of 3D-structured biological microenvironments.