Differentiation of induced pluripotent stem cells toward neurons in hydrogel biomaterials

► The pore diameter of hydrogels increases with an increasing weight ratio of alginate to γ-PGA. ► The porosity slightly decreases with an increasing weight ratio of alginate to hydrogel. ► An increase in the weight ratio of alginate to hydrogel raises the swelling ratio. ► SEM images of differentiating iPS cells in cultured constructs exhibit neuronal characteristics. ► NGF-grafted alginate/γ-PGA hydrogels promotes differentiation of iPS cells toward neurons.