Supramacromolecular injectable hydrogels by crystallization-driven self-assembly of carbohydrate-conjugated poly(2-isopropyloxazoline)s for biomedical applications

J Mater Chem B. 2019 Oct 23;7(41):6362-6369. doi: 10.1039/c9tb00918c.

Abstract

An approach for the preparation of self-healing and injectable hydrogels based on the crystallization-driven self-assembly of carbohydrate-conjugated poly(2-isopropyloxazoline)s is reported. Hydrogelation does not require any organic solvents, as the polymers dissolve in water below their lower critical solution temperatures. The transplanted hydrogels cause no significant foreign-body response. Considering the simplicity of the method and the biocompatibility of the resulting injectable hydrogels, crystallization-driven hydrogelation of poly(oxazoline)-based polymers may potentially be used in a wide range of biomedical applications.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Biomedical Technology / methods*
  • Carbohydrates / chemistry*
  • Crystallization
  • Hydrogels / chemistry*
  • Oxazoles / chemistry*

Substances

  • Carbohydrates
  • Hydrogels
  • Oxazoles
  • poly(2-isopropyl-2-oxazoline)