Hydrogels are often used to generate 3D tissue models due to their structural similarity to the native extracellular matrix. However, traditional hydrogels are usually statically cross-linked and therefore inflexible – in contrast to natural tissue.

The aim of this work is to develop self-healing collagen-based hydrogels with dynamic cross-linking behavior. For this purpose, short functionalized peptide sequences are chemically coupled to collagen in order to autonomously restore the structure of the hydrogel after mechanical stress. In this way, cellular processes such as cell migration, proliferation and differentiation can be simulated more realistically. The results of this work will be used to develop self-healing bioinks for 3D bioprinting.