Preparation and Characterization of Thermoresponsive PEG-Based Injectable Hydrogels and Their Application for 3D Cell Culture

Biomacromolecules. 2020 Mar 9;21(3):1254-1263. doi: 10.1021/acs.biomac.9b01743. Epub 2020 Feb 7.

Abstract

We report here the synthesis of a series of ethylene glycol-based triblock copolymers containing a hydrophilic middle segment of poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate (PEGMA) and two temperature-responsive segments of diethylene glycol methyl ether methacrylate (DEGMA) at both ends via the reversible addition-fragmentation chain-transfer (RAFT) polymerization. While the corresponding temperature-responsive homopolymer (PDEGMA) and the diblock copolymer (PDEGMA-b-PPEGMA) could not form a gel, the triblock copolymers (PDEGMA-b-PPEGMA-b-PDEGMA) could form a physical gel at certain concentrations and at temperatures above the lower critical solution temperature (LCST). This sol-gel transition is fully reversible and can be repeated several times. Depending on the chain length of the middle block and two end blocks, a physical gel could be formed at a minimum polymer concentration of 5 wt %. In addition, a mechanically strong gel could be easily formed within 5 s at the maximum concentration of 20 wt % and at a temperature of 37 °C. Considering the good cell compatibility and soft rubbery nature of the triblock copolymers, they can potentially be used as injectable scaffold for cell culture and tissue engineering applications.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Biocompatible Materials*
  • Cell Culture Techniques
  • Hydrogels
  • Polyethylene Glycols*
  • Polymers
  • Temperature

Substances

  • Biocompatible Materials
  • Hydrogels
  • Polymers
  • Polyethylene Glycols