Macromolecules
Macromolecules
5 years ago

In Vivo Redox-Responsive Sol–Gel/Gel–Sol Transition of Star Block Copolymer Solution Based on Ionic Cross-Linking

In Vivo Redox-Responsive Sol–Gel/Gel–Sol Transition of Star Block Copolymer Solution Based on Ionic Cross-Linking
Masashi Okubo, Yoshiyuki Nakagawa, Atsuo Yamada, Akira Sugahara, Taichi Ito, Seiichi Ohta
Redox-responsive hydrogels have the potential for application in various fields, including biomedical science. We have developed a redox-responsive star block copolymer hydrogel based on iron ion cross-linking. The addition of the ferric ion (Fe3+) induced gelation of the star block copolymer solution within a few seconds, whereas the addition of the ferrous ion (Fe2+) did not. The resulting hydrogels cross-linked using Fe3+ showed storage moduli (G′) of 26–1400 Pa and were stable under physiological conditions for as long as 1 month. The cross-linking between the star arms produced by the addition of Fe3+ enabled a fast, redox-responsive sol–gel/gel–sol transition. Furthermore, the hydrogel showed excellent injectability and biocompatibility in vivo, resulting in a rapid sol–gel/gel–sol transition in subcutaneous tissues in response to redox stimuli, such as the administration of ascorbic acid or hydrogen peroxide.

Publisher URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1021/acs.macromol.7b01020

DOI: 10.1021/acs.macromol.7b01020

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