Dendritic macromers as in situ polymerizing biomaterials for securing cataract incisions.
Dendritic macromers are attractive macromolecules for hydrogel formation since high cross-linking densities at low polymer concentration can be obtained, varied physical properties can be observed based on the macromer structure, and low viscous aqueous solutions can be injected in an in vivo site of irregular shaped to form a well-integrated polymer network. A peptide dendron possessing terminal cysteine residues was synthesized and characterized. When this peptide dendron was mixed with poly(ethylene glycol dialdehyde) in aqueous solution at pH = 7.4, a hydrogel spontaneously formed as a consequence of thiazolidine linkages between the macromers. Such in situ polymerized hydrogels are of interest for tissue engineering and wound-repair applications. To evaluate the potential use of this hydrogel sealant in ophthalmic surgeries, a 3-mm clear corneal incision (i.e., the wounds created during a typical cataract surgery) was successfully sealed.
Wathier
Michel
M
Departments of Biomedical Engineering and Chemistry, Metcalf Center for Science and Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA.
Jung
Pil J
PJ
Carnahan
Michael A
MA
Kim
Terry
T
Grinstaff
Mark W
MW
D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000138:chemical synthesis*; D002387:Cataract Extraction / Q000379:methods*; D003545:Cysteine / Q000031:analogs & derivatives; D020100:Hydrogels / Q000138:chemical synthesis*; D010455:Peptides / Q000138:chemical synthesis*; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols / Q000138:chemical synthesis*; D013844:Thiazoles / Q000138:chemical synthesis
D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D020100:Hydrogels; D010455:Peptides; D013844:Thiazoles; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols; D003545:Cysteine