Hydrogels with dynamically adjustable mechanical properties

A method of modulating the mechanical properties of a hydrogel, the method comprising:

• dynamically adjusting crosslinking of a dual crosslinkable hydrogel that includes a plurality of polymer macromers that are crosslinked with a first agent and a second agent different than the first agent, the crosslinks formed using the second agent being reversible and repeatable to allow the mechanical properties of the hydrogel to be dynamically adjusted.

A method of regulating cell behavior, the method comprising:

• providing a dual crosslinkable hydrogel that includes a plurality of polymer macromers that are crosslinked with a first agent and a second agent different than the first agent and a plurality of dispersed in the crosslinked polymer macromers, the crosslinks formed using the second agent being reversible and repeatable to allow the mechanical properties of the hydrogel to be dynamically adjusted,
• dynamically adjusting the mechanical properties of the dual crosslinkable hydrogel to modulate the growth and/or proliferation of the cells within the hydrogel.