Abstract
Background: Triblock copolymers from hydrophilic oligo(ethylene glycol) segment A and oligo(propylene glycol) segment B, providing an ABA structure (OEG-OPG-OEG triblock), are known to be biocompatible and are used as self-solidifying gels in drug depots. A complete removal of these depots would be helpful in cases of undesired side effects of a drug, but this remains a challenge as they liquefy below their transition temperature. Therefore we describe the synthesis of covalently cross-linked hydrogel networks. Method: Triblock copolymer-based hydrogels were created by irradiating aqueous solutions of the corresponding macro-dimethacrylates with UV light. The degree of swelling, swelling kinetics, mechanical properties and morphology of the networks were investigated. Results: Depending on precursor concentration, equilibrium degree of swelling of the films ranged between 500% and 880% and was reached in 1 hour. In addition, values for storage and loss moduli of the hydrogel networks were in the 100 Pa to 10 kPa range. Conclusion: Although OEG-OPG-OEG triblocks are known for their micellization, which could hamper polymer network formation, reactive OEG-OPG-OEG triblock oligomers could be successfully polymerized into hydrogel networks. The degree of swelling of these hydrogels depends on their molecular weight and on the oligomer concentration used for hydrogel preparation. In combination with the temperature sensitivity of the ABA triblock copolymers, it is assumed that such hydrogels might be beneficial for future medical applications – e.g., removable drug release systems.
J Appl Biomater Funct Mater 2012; 10(3): 243 - 248
Article Type: ORIGINAL RESEARCH ARTICLE
DOI:10.5301/JABFM.2012.10295
Authors
Lucile Tartivel, Marc Behl, Michael Schroeter, Andreas Lendlein
Article History
- • Accepted on 20/09/2012
- • Available online on 06/12/2012
- • Published in print on 13/02/2013
This article is available as full text PDF.
Authors
- Tartivel, Lucile
[PubMed]
[Google Scholar]
Center for Biomaterial Development and Berlin-Brandenburg Centre for Regenerative Therapies, Institute of Polymer Research, Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht, Teltow - Germany and Institute of Chemistry, University of Potsdam, Potsdam - Germany
- Behl, Marc
[PubMed]
[Google Scholar]
Center for Biomaterial Development and Berlin-Brandenburg Centre for Regenerative Therapies, Institute of Polymer Research, Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht, Teltow - Germany
- Schroeter, Michael
[PubMed]
[Google Scholar]
Center for Biomaterial Development and Berlin-Brandenburg Centre for Regenerative Therapies, Institute of Polymer Research, Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht, Teltow - Germany
- Lendlein, Andreas
[PubMed]
[Google Scholar]
Center for Biomaterial Development and Berlin-Brandenburg Centre for Regenerative Therapies, Institute of Polymer Research, Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht, Teltow - Germany and Institute of Chemistry, University of Potsdam, Potsdam - Germany
Article usage statistics
The blue line displays unique views in the time frame indicated.
The yellow line displays unique downloads.
Views and downloads are counted only once per session.