Dual cross-linking systems of functionally photo-cross-linkable and thermoresponsive polyphosphazene hydrogels for biomedical applications.
Photo-cross-linkable, functionalized, and thermosensitive polyphosphazenes were synthesized to develop a dual cross-linking system with properties of mechanically suitable strength and controllable biodegradation for injectable biomedical applications. The aqueous solutions of the polymers exhibited sol-gel transition behaviors against temperature. The incorporated methacrylate groups were photo-cross-linked upon UV light under mild conditions, which resulted in the formation of compact three-dimensional networks. The thermoresponsive hydrophobic interactions at body temperature facilitated the rapid dual cross-linking accomplishment of the photo-cross-linking even under mild conditions. The characteristics of the polymers such as pore size and density showed that the inner three-dimensional networks depended on the degree of cross-linking of methacrylate units. Mechanical properties of the gel were also improved several folds after developing the photo-cross-linking in the network from the in vivo degradation studies. The results demonstrate that the photo-cross-linkable and thermoresponsive polyphosphazenes have great potential as injectable, biodegradable, and controllable carriers for various biomedical applications by tuning the mechanical gel property and the degradation rate.
Potta
Thrimoorthy
T
Division of Life and Health Science, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul 136-791, Republic of Korea.
Chun
ChangJu
C
Song
Soo-Chang
SC
D003432:Cross-Linking Reagents / Q000737:chemistry / Q000528:radiation effects; D006358:Hot Temperature; D020100:Hydrogels / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D055595:Mechanical Phenomena; D008689:Methacrylates; D009943:Organophosphorus Compounds / Q000138:chemical synthesis / Q000737:chemistry*; D055668:Photochemical Processes; D011108:Polymers / Q000138:chemical synthesis / Q000737:chemistry*; D044366:Transition Temperature
D003432:Cross-Linking Reagents; D020100:Hydrogels; D008689:Methacrylates; D009943:Organophosphorus Compounds; D011108:Polymers; C108974:poly(phosphazene)