This work investigates the potential of GelMA hydrogels to serve as a supportive medium for PCR amplifi cation, presenting

a promising substitute for traditional solution-based PCR methods. Liquid-phase PCR often faces issues like evaporation,

handling errors, and contamination. Embedding PCR reagents in a hydrogel matrix off ers a stable, enclosed environment

that helps overcome these challenges and supports effi cient amplifi cation. This study investigates the use of GelMA 

hydrogels crosslinked with the lithium phenyl-2,4,6-trimethylbenzoylphosphinate (LAP) photo initiator for thermal PCR 

amplifi cation of the HPRT1 gene. GelMA hydrogels were characterized by SEM, EDX, 1

 HNMR, FTIR, XRD, UV–Vis. 

spectroscopy, and rheological analysis (loss and storage modulus) to confi rm successful synthesis and tunable network formation.

Amplifi cation succeeded in uncrosslinked and UV-treated GelMA without LAP but failed when PCR components 

were present during UV-induced crosslinking with LAP, which may be due to radical-induced DNA or enzyme damage. 

Notably, loading PCR reagents after crosslinking restored amplifi cation, demonstrating reagent accessibility within the 

hydrogel network. Increased LAP concentrations aff ected crosslink density and amplifi cation effi ciency. These results 

demonstrate that GelMA hydrogels can serve as eff ective in-gel PCR platforms, combining enhanced stability with lower 

contamination risk, holding promise for advanced biosensing and diagnostic applications.