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.
Division of Life and Health Science, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul 136-791, Republic of Korea.
Thrimoorthy
T
Potta
ChangJu
C
Chun
Soo-Chang
SC
Song
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)