VPM peptide is a dithiol protease-cleavable peptide cross-linker. VPM peptide can be incorporated into the backbone of the PEG-diacrylate (PEG-DA) macromer to form PEG drogel[1][2].
VPM peptide is rapidly cleaved by matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1 and MMP-2 proteases[2].
VPM-crosslinked microgels are degradable by proteases in a concentration-dependent manner[2].
[1]. Phelps EA, et, al. Maleimide cross-linked bioactive PEG drogel exhibits improved reaction kinetics and cross-linking for cell encapsulation and in situ delivery. Adv Mater. 2012 Jan 3;24(1):64-70, 2
[2]. Foster GA, et, al. Protease-degradable microgels for protein delivery for vascularization. Biomaterials. 2017 Jan;113:170-175.