Matrix composed of a naturally-occurring protein backbone cross linked by a synthetic polymer and methods of generating and using same

A method of generating a scaffold comprising:

• (a) generating a plurality of precursor molecules, wherein each of said precursor molecules comprise a fibrinogen protein which is denatured and retains an activity of forming a scaffold or a collagen protein which is denatured and retains an activity of forming a scaffold and at least two PEG molecules covalently connected to free thiol groups of said denatured fibrinogen protein or said collagen protein, each of said at least two PEG molecules comprising a functional group for cross-linking;
• and subsequently
• (b) cross-linking said plurality of precursor molecules to thereby generate the scaffold.

A precursor molecule comprising a fibrinogen protein which is denatured and retains an activity of mediating tissue regeneration following in vivo administration, or a collagen protein which is denatured and retains an activity of mediating tissue regeneration following in vivo administration, and at least two PEG molecules covalently connected to free thiol groups of said fibrinogen protein or said collagen protein, each of said at least two PEG molecules comprising a functional group for cross-linking.