Self-Healing and Thermoresponsive Dual-Cross-Linked Alginate Hydrogels Based on Supramolecular Inclusion Complexes

Biomacromolecules. 2015 Dec 14;16(12):3740-50. doi: 10.1021/acs.biomac.5b00940. Epub 2015 Nov 11.

Abstract

β-Cyclodextrin (β-CD), with a lipophilic inner cavity and hydrophilic outer surface, interacts with a large variety of nonpolar guest molecules to form noncovalent inclusion complexes. Conjugation of β-CD onto biomacromolecules can form physically cross-linked hydrogel networks upon mixing with a guest molecule. Herein, the development and characterization of self-healing, thermoresponsive hydrogels, based on host-guest inclusion complexes between alginate-graft-β-CD and Pluronic F108 (poly(ethylene glycol)-b-poly(propylene glycol)-b-poly(ethylene glycol)), are described. The mechanics, flow characteristics, and thermal response were contingent on the polymer concentration and the host-guest molar ratio. Transient and reversible physical cross-linking between host and guest polymers governed self-assembly, allowing flow to occur under shear stress and facilitating complete recovery of the material's properties within a few seconds of unloading. The mechanical properties of the dual-cross-linked, multi-stimuli-responsive hydrogels were tuned as high as 30 kPa at body temperature and are advantageous for biomedical applications such as drug delivery and cell transplantation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Alginates / chemistry*
  • Alginates / pharmacology
  • Animals
  • Cattle
  • Cell Survival / drug effects
  • Cross-Linking Reagents / chemistry
  • Drug Carriers*
  • Freeze Drying
  • Glucuronic Acid / chemistry
  • Glucuronic Acid / pharmacology
  • Hexuronic Acids / chemistry
  • Hexuronic Acids / pharmacology
  • Hot Temperature
  • Humans
  • Hydrogels / chemistry*
  • Hydrogels / pharmacology
  • Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions
  • Mesenchymal Stem Cells / cytology
  • Mesenchymal Stem Cells / drug effects
  • Molecular Structure
  • Poloxamer / chemistry
  • Polyethylene Glycols / chemistry
  • Primary Cell Culture
  • Serum Albumin, Bovine / chemistry
  • Shear Strength
  • beta-Cyclodextrins / chemistry
  • beta-Cyclodextrins / pharmacology

Substances

  • Alginates
  • Cross-Linking Reagents
  • Drug Carriers
  • Hexuronic Acids
  • Hydrogels
  • beta-Cyclodextrins
  • Poloxamer
  • Serum Albumin, Bovine
  • Polyethylene Glycols
  • Glucuronic Acid
  • betadex