Thermoresponsive hydrogel with rapid response dynamics

Intelligent hydrogels, particularly poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm)-based hydrogels, have attracted extensive interest because the soft wet hydrogels can change their shapes in response to the small changes of environmental factors like temperature. In order to fully make use of this unique property of PNIPAAm-based hydrogels, the response rates of the PNIPAAm hydrogels have to be improved since the dynamics property is critical to certain applications of this material. In this paper, the thermo-sensitive PNIPAAm hydrogels were successfully synthesized by carrying out the polymerization of N-isopropylacrylamide monomer in vacuum (–100 kPa) at room temperature (22 °C). The resultant hydrogel has tremendously improved shrinking rate as well as the large volume changes upon temperature stimulation when comparing with the normal PNIPAAm hydrogel. The SEM micrographs revealed that the improved properties were attributed to the macroporous network structure generated during the synthesis under vacuum.     

Thermo- and pH-sensitive IPN hydrogels based on PNIPAAm and PVA-Ma networks with LCST tailored close to human body temperature

Interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) hydrogels based on chemically modified poly(vinyl alcohol) (or PVA-Ma), with different degrees of substitution (DS), and poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (or PNIPAAm) were obtained and characterized in this work. The PVA-Ma/PNIPAAm membrane hydrogels were prepared in two steps. In the first step the PVA-Ma hydrogels (with using PVA-Ma with different DS) were prepared by the reaction of double bonds on PVA-Ma, using the persulfate/TEMED pathway. In the second step the PNIPAAm network was prepared within the parent PVA-Ma network at different PVA-Ma/NIPAAm ratios using a photoreaction pathway. The studies show that degree of swelling of PVA-Ma/PNIPAAm IPN hydrogels is dependent on both temperature and pH of the soaking solution. The LCST of PVA-Ma/PNIPAAm IPN hydrogels, which was determined by measuring the intensity of light transmitted through the swollen hydrogels, can be tailored closer to human body temperature. Furthermore, SEM images showed that the IPN hydrogels present characteristic morphology as compared to parent PVA-Ma networks. IPN hydrogels presented lower cytotoxicity as compared to respective PVA-Ma hydrogels but the increase in the PVA-Ma/NIPAAm ratio allows the respective hydrogels being lesser cytocompatibles. The IPN hydrogels synthesized in this work presented characteristics that potentize their application as biomaterials, drug carriers, artificial muscles and treatment of wound.     

Effect of the molecular weight of polyethylene glycol (PEG) on the properties of chitosan-PEG-poly(<Emphasis Type="Italic">N</Emphasis>-isopropylacrylamide) hydrogels

Our prior study has shown that polyethylene glycol (PEG) played a crucial role in improving the properties of the physically crosslinked chitosan-PEG-poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm) hydrogels. In this paper, we further investigated the effect of the molecular weight (MW) of PEG on the properties of the chitosan-based physical hydrogels. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) study showed that the interaction between PEG and other components in the physically crosslinked hydrogels became stronger as the MW of PEG increased. The wide angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD) study indicated that the crystallinity of the physical hydrogels decreased with an increase in the MW of PEG. The thermal study using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) revealed the crystallizability of the physical hydrogels first reduced with an increase in the MW of PEG, but slightly increased thereafter with a further increase in the MW of PEG. The swelling test showed the water uptake capability of the physical hydrogels increased with an increase in the MW of PEG. The results obtained by scanning electron microscope (SEM) found that the morphological changes of the physical hydrogels with MW of PEG were consistent with the results of swelling and thermal properties; and, contrary to pure PNIPAAm hydrogels which showed a compact and dense network structure at a temperature (37 degrees C) above its LCST, the physical chitosan-PEG-PNIPAAm hydrogels exhibited porous network structure at 37 degrees C instead. The mechanical property of the physical hydrogels was initially increased with an increase in PEG MW, but deteriorated with a further increase in PEG MW. Therefore, the MW of PEG played a key role in controlling the property of the chitosan-based physical hydrogels.     

Release of BSA from porous matrices constituted of alginate–Ca and PNIPAAm-interpenetrated networks

The synthesis of thermosensitive Interpenetrating Polymer Network (IPN) hydrogels and the release of Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA) from the hydrogels were reported. The hydrogels, constituted of poly(N-isopropyl acrylamide) PNIPAAm network interpenetrated in alginate–Ca²⁺ network, were synthesized in a two-stepped process. In the first step, PNIPAAm network was synthesized from an aqueous solution containing N-isopropyl acrylamide (NIPAAm) monomers and N,N′-methylene-bis-acrylamide (MBAAm) co-monomers, and sodium alginate (SA) (1 or 2% w/v). The concentration of NIPAAm monomers in the hydrogel-forming solution was always 2.5, 5.0 or 10.0% (w/v). In the second step, alginate–Ca²⁺ networks were formed by immersion of the membrane, obtained on the first step, in a 1.0% (w/v) aqueous calcium chloride. The IPN hydrogels were characterized as a function of temperature (from 25 to 45 °C) through the following measurements: drop water contact angle (DWCA), compression elastic modulus (E) and cross-linking density (ν_e). The morphology was investigated using scanning electronic microscopy (SEM). In vitro release of BSA from the hydrogels was monitored by UV–Vis spectroscopy at 22 °C and 37 °C. DWCA results showed a decrease in the hydrogel hydrophilicity when the temperature and/or the PNIPAAm amount on hydrogels were increased. PNIPAAm-loader hydrogels are more compacted and presented elevated rigidity, mainly above 35 °C. This trend was attributed to the collapsing of PNIPAAm chains as the hydrogels were warmed above its Lower Critical Solution Temperature (LCST), which in aqueous solution is ca. 32–33 °C. The amount of BSA released from the alginate–Ca²⁺/PNIPAAm hydrogels changes inversely to both amount of PNIPAAm and temperature. The transport of BSA from the hydrogels was evaluated through a conventional model. In the lesser-compacted hydrogels the release occurs mostly by diffusion. In the more compacted ones the chain relaxation contributes to the BSA release. Thus, the alginate–Ca²⁺/PNIPAAm IPN-typed matrixes may be considered as smart hydrogels for the release of BSA, because the amount and rate of BSA released may be tailored by both the NIPAAm concentration in the hydrogel-forming solution and the control of temperature of hydrogel.     

Cell adhesion and accelerated detachment on the surface of temperature-sensitive chitosan and poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) hydrogels

A series of temperature-sensitive poly(NIPAAm-co-CSA) hydrogels were synthesized by the copolymerization of acrylic acid-derivatized Chitosan (CSA) and N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAAm) in aqueous solution. Their swelling properties and L929 cell adhesion and detachment behaviors were studied. It was found that poly(NIPAAm-co-CSA) hydrogels were temperature-sensitive associated with the roles of the component PNIPAAm. Most significantly, poly(NIPAAm-co-CSA) hydrogels exhibited simultaneously good swelling properties. The investigation of L929 cell adhesion and detachment of poly(NIPAAm-co-CSA) hydrogels indicated the cell adhesion and spreading was higher on the surface of poly(NIPAAm-co-CSA) hydrogels than that of PNIPAAm hydrogel at 37 degrees C due to the incorporation of CS, which having excellent cell affinity. Poly(NIPAAm-co-CSA) hydrogels showed more rapid detachment of cell sheet compared to PNIPAAm hydrogel because of the highly hydrophilic and hygroscopic nature of CS chains when reducing the culture temperature from 37 degrees C to 20 degrees C.     

Polyacrylamide hydrogels and semi-interpenetrating networks (IPNs) with poly(N-isopropylacrylamide): Mechanical properties by measure of compressive elastic modulus

Semi-IPN hydrogels (based on cross-linked polyacrylamide having poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PN1PAAm) inside) were synthesized and their properties, such as swelling ratio and compressive elastic moduli, were studied at several temperatures. Equilibrium swelling ratios of semi-IPN markedly decreased due to the presence of less hydrophilic PNIPAAm chains. The semi-IPN presented greater elastic modulus when compared to the cross-linked PAAm hydrogel. The effect was explained as being an additional contribution of the PNIPAAm chains, which collapsed around the PAAm networks, to the elastic modulus. It was pointed out that the PAAm networks support the collapsed chains. According to the results presented in this work, semi-IPN hydrogels present better mechanical properties than the PAAm hydrogel, mainly when the PNIPAAm chains are in a collapsed state.     

Synthesis and characterization of partially biodegradable and thermosensitive hydrogel

A partially biodegradable and thermosensitive hybrid hydrogel network (DAN series) based on dextran-allylisocyanate (Dex-AI) and poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm) was synthesized via UV photocrosslinking. These hybrid hydrogels were characterized in terms of their chemical structure, thermal, mechanical, morphological and temperature-induced swelling properties. The effect of the composition ratio of Dex-AI to PNIPAAm on such properties were examined. The differential scanning calorimetry data show that this Dex-AI/PNIPAAm hybrid network has an increased lower critical solution temperature (LCST) and glass transition temperature (Tg) with an increase in the Dex-AI content. The interior morphology of these hybrid hydrogels revealed a decreased porous microstructure with an increase in the Dex-AI content in the hybrid network. Furthermore, if the Dex-AI composition became too high, a distinctive network structure with two different microporous structures appeared. The mechanical properties of these hybrid hydrogels also increased with an increase in the Dex-AI content. The temperature dependence of the swelling ratio, the deswelling kinetics as well as the reswelling kinetics was also characterized by gravimetric method. When comparing with a normal PNIPAAm hydrogel, these Dex-AI/PNIPAAm hybrid networks, due to the presence of Dex-AI moiety, also show improved temperature-induced intelligent properties, such as the faster and controllable response dynamics, which may find promising applications in a wide variety of fields, such as biomedical and bioengineering fields.     

Recent Advances in Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) Hydrogels and Derivatives as Promising Materials for Biomedical and Engineering Emerging Applications

Temperature-sensitive (thermosensitive) hydrogels, which are part of the family of stimulus-sensitive hydrogels, consist of water-filled polymer networks that display a temperature-dependent degree of swelling. Thermosensitive hydrogels, which can undergo phase transition or swell/de-swell as temperature changes, have great potential in various technological and biomedical purposes for a number of reasons: their temperature response is reversible, hydrogels are stable and easy to prepare, they can be biocompatible and also be suitably combined with other organic and inorganic materials, resulting in new materials with outstanding properties. Among thermosensitive hydrogels poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm) is the most extensively studied because it brings together the best properties of these materials. Consequently, in the past few years, a wide number of applications and new chemical processes to prepare PNIPAAm and their derivatives are being proposed. The objective of this review is to summarize the fundamentals of thermosensitive hydrogels and recent advances in preparation and both technological and biomedical applications of thermosensitive hydrogel, with a special focus on PNIPAAm and their derivatives. Special attention has been given to the discussion of challenges and future research perspectives based on new horizons not yet considered.     

Hepta(3,3,3-trifluoropropyl) polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane-capped poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) telechelics: synthesis and behavior of physical hydrogels

Hepta(3,3,3-trifluoropropyl) polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS)-capped poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm) telechelics with variable lengths of PNIPAAm midblocks were synthesized by the combination of reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer polymerization (RAFT) and the copper-catalyzed Huisgen 1,3-cycloaddition (i.e., click chemistry). The POSS-capped trithiocarbonate was synthesized and used as the chain transfer agent for the RAFT polymerization of N-isopropylacrylamide. The organic-inorganic amphiphilic telechelics were characterized by means of nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) and gel permeation chromatography (GPC). Atomic force microscopy (AFM) shows that all the POSS-capped PNIPAAm telechelics exhibited microphase-separated morphologies, in which the POSS terminal groups were self-assembled into the microdomains and dispersed into the continuous PNIPAAm matrices. The POSS nanodomains could behave as the physical cross-linking sites and as a result the physical hydrogels were formed while these POSS-capped PNIPAAm telechelics were subjected to the solubility tests with water. These physical hydrogels possessed well-defined volume phase transition phenomena and displayed rapid reswelling and deswelling thermoresponsive behavior compared to control PNIPAAm hydrogel.     

壳聚糖/聚(N-异丙基丙烯酰胺)全互穿网络水凝胶的制备及性能

以壳聚糖(CS)和N-异丙基丙烯酰胺(NIPAAm)为原料,N,N'-亚甲基双丙烯酰胺(BIS)为交联剂,制备具有温度和pH值双敏感性的全互穿网络水凝胶(Full-IPN);利用红外光谱(FT-IR)对其分子结构进行表征,扫描电镜(SEM)观察其内部形貌,并通过DSC对其低临界溶解温度(LCST)进行表征,最后研究了不...     

PVA/P(AA-AM)复合水凝胶的制备及性能

采用水溶液聚合方法合成了不同组成的丙烯酸-丙烯酰胺共聚物(P(AA-AM))。将聚乙烯醇(PVA)与所合成的P(AA-AM)共混,以戊二醛为交联剂,制备出了不同结构的PVA/P(AA-AM)复合水凝胶。采用扫描电镜观察了凝胶形貌,研究了复合水凝胶的结构与性能关系。结果表明,复合水凝胶溶胀性能与所用交联剂加量有关,复合水凝胶的溶胀度随着交联剂加量增加先增大后减小,在交联剂加量为0.5%时水凝胶溶胀度达到最大值。复合凝胶中的聚合物组成对溶胀度影响显著,随着P(AA-AM)含量提高,水凝胶的溶胀度逐渐增大。适当结构的复合水凝胶具有pH敏感性,敏感程度随着凝胶中P(AA-AM)含量的增加而增强。     

Immobilization of chitosan gel with cross-linking reagent on PNIPAAm gel/PP nonwoven composites surface

This study was to immobilize chitosan (CS), which is a biodegradable and antibacterial polymer, on poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm) gel/polypropylene (PP) nonwoven composites surface for wound dressing applications. PP nonwoven has been extensively used due to its porosity, allowing ventilation, high surface area and excellent mechanical properties. However, the hydrophobic surface of PP nonwoven limits its applications; in this study, we used the plasma-activation treatment and subsequently UV-light graft polymerization of NIPAAm gel to improve its hydrophilicity. Chitosan was immobilized onto PNIPAAm gel/PP nonwoven composites surface using the cross-linking agent, glutaraldehyde (GA). This complex was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results indicated that the wettability of the composite was improved after plasma treatment and photo-induced graft polymerization and chitosan was successfully immobilized onto the surface of PNIPAAm gel/PP nonwoven composites through cross-linking process. Finally, the preliminary result shows that chitosan hydrogels displayed antibacterial ability to Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The (3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazolyl-2)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) (MTT) method indicated that the porous chitosan sponge exhibited good biocompatibility to fibroblast cells.     

Preparation of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) brush grafted silica particles via surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization used for aqueous chromatography

Thermoresponsive poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm) brushes were densely grafted onto silica surface via surface-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization (SI-ATRP). The grafting reaction started from the surfaces of 2-bromoisobutyrate-functionalized silica particles in 2-propanol aqueous solution at ambient temperature using CuCl/CuCl₂/N,N,N′,N′,N″-pentamethyldiethylenetriamine (PMDETA) as the catalytic system. Based on thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) results, the grafting amount and grafting density of PNIPAM chains on the surface of silica were calculated to be 1.29 mg/m² and 0.0215 chains/nm², respectively. The gel permeation chromatography (GPC) result showed the relatively narrow molecular weight distribution (M_w/M_n=1.21) of the grafted PNIPAAm. The modified silica particles were applied as high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) packing materials to successfully separate three aromatic compounds using water as mobile phase by changing column temperature. Temperature-dependent hydrophilic/hydrophobic property alteration of PNIPAAm brushes grafted on silica particles was determined with chromatographic interaction between stationary phase and analytes. Retention time was prolonged and resolution was improved with increasing temperature. Baseline separation with high resolution at relatively low temperatures was observed, demonstrating dense PNIPAAm brushes were grafted on silica surfaces.     

PVDF-g-PNIPAAm温敏抗污染膜的制备及性能研究

通过自由基共聚将聚(N-异丙基丙烯酰胺)(PNIPAAm)接枝到了碱处理聚偏氟乙烯(PVDF)粉末上,合成接枝共聚物PVDF-g-PNIPAAm。以此为原材料通过相转化法制备温敏抗污染分离膜。通过调控反应时间,达到不同的PNIPAAm接枝率,研究了不同接枝率对膜结构及性能的影响。结果表明,随着反应时间的延长,PNIPAAm的接枝率逐渐增加。成膜过程中发挥致孔作用明显致使膜表面的微孔数目逐渐增加。此外,PNIPAAm的接枝率越高膜的亲水性越强,且温敏性能提高。由于室温下PNIPAAm的亲水性,膜表面易形成水化层,从而提高改性膜的抗蛋白质污染性能。     

Photoinduced graft polymerization of 2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine on silicone hydrogels for reducing protein adsorption

The biomimetic synthetic methacrylate monomer containing a phosphorylcholine group, 2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine (MPC), has been widely used to improve the surface property of biomaterials. In the current report, both hydrophilic and antifouling surfaces were prepared on silicone hydrogels with MPC grafted by UV-induced free radical polymerization. The MPC-grafted silicone hydrogels were characterized by graft yield and static water contact angle (SCA) measurements. According to the results, the graft yield reached a maximum at 5 min of UV exposure time and 8 wt% MPC concentration. The modified silicone hydrogels possessed hydrophilic surfaces with the lowest water contact angle of 20o. The oxygen permeability of the MPC-grafted silicone hydrogels was as high as the unmodified silicone hydrogel. The mechanical property of silicone hydrogels was maintained at about 95% of the tensile strength and elastic modulus after the MPC grafting. The results of the in vitro single protein adsorption on the MPC-grafted silicone hydrogels were in agreement with the SCA measurements. The smaller the water contact angle, the greater was the protein repelling ability. The MPC-grafted silicone hydrogel is expected to be a novel biomaterial which possesses excellent surface hydrophilicity, antifouling property, oxygen permeability and mechanical property.     

温度/pH敏感性荧光胶束的制备及性能研究

通过溴乙酰溴与9-氨基吖啶(9-AA)的酰胺化反应,合成了带有2个活性溴原子的新型荧光性引发剂9-AA-Br。核磁共振氢谱(1 H-NMR)测定表明其结构明确。以氯化亚铜(CuCl)/四氮杂十四员大环冠醚(Me6[14]aneN4)为催化体系,由9-AA-Br引发N-异丙基丙烯酰胺(NIPAAm)进行原子转移自由基聚合(ATRP),成功合成了结构明确、分子量可控的双臂型PNIPAAm大分子荧光探针,由紫外分光光度计测得其最低临界溶解温度(LCST)在32℃左右,且随着溶液浓度及聚合物分子量的增加而降低。温度低于LCST时,PNIPAAm大分子荧光探针在溶液中能进行自组装形成胶束,由透射电镜(TEM)观察表明,胶束的大小在500nm左右,该聚合物胶束还具有pH敏感性,在碱性条件下随着pH的增大,荧光发射峰变强。     

Thermoswitchable electrokinetic ion-enrichment/elution based on a poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) hydrogel plug in a microchannel

This paper reports a novel protocol consisting of the thermomodulated electrokinetic enrichment, elution, and separation of charged species based upon a thermoswitchable swelling-shrinking property of a poly(N-isopropylacrylamide), PNIPAAm, hydrogel. A 0.2-1 mm long PNIPAAm hydrogel plug was photopolymerized inside a glass microfluidic channel to produce a composite device consisting of the PNIPAAm hydrogel plug and the glass microchannel (abbreviated as plug-in-channel). After voltage was applied to the composite device, anions, such as FITC, could be enriched at the cathodic end of the PNIPAAm plug when the temperature of the plug was kept below its lower critical solution temperature (LCST, ～32 °C). The concentrated analytes could then be eluted by electroosmotic flow when the temperature of the plug was heated above the LCST. The mechanism of the thermoswitchable ion enrichment/elution process was studied with the results presented. The analytical potential of the composite device was demonstrated for the temperature-modulated preconcentration, elution, and separation of FITC-labeled amino acids.     

Formulation and characterization of chitosan-based hydrogel films having both temperature and pH sensitivity

Chitosan-based hydrogel films having both temperature and pH sensitivity were prepared by blending chitosan with temperature sensitive poly (N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm) and polyethylene glycol (PEG, Mw 2000). PEG was added to enhance film properties, such as thermal, mechanical and swelling properties. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) study indicated that the physically blended films exhibited a lower critical solution temperature (LCST) identical to that of pure PNIPAAm (around 32 °C). FT-IR data indicated that the temperature sensitivity is due to the PNIPAAm component in the film. The thermal analysis showed that chitosan and PNIPAAm were compatible and the blended films are apt to crystallize. The X-ray diffraction study further showed that the blended films had a higher crystallinity level than chitosan or PNIPAAm alone. The newly formed crystalline domains acted as physical crosslinkers and greatly increased the crosslinking level of the blended films, which, in turn, affected the swelling behavior and mechanical property of the blended films. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed that the blended swollen films exhibited a more porous structure at 37 °C (>LCST) than at room temperature (<LCST), though their swelling ratios were reduced as temperature increased from room temperature to 37 °C because of the dehydration nature of PNIPAAm at temperatures above its LCST. The results demonstrated that physically blended temperature sensitive films could be formulated, which are capable of producing more pores upon heating. The blended films were also found to be pH sensitive due to the fact that chitosan, one of the film components, has many pendant amino groups.     

纳米细菌纤维素/聚乙烯醇复合水凝胶在模拟体液中的疲劳行为

聚乙烯醇(PVA)复合水凝胶作为半月板及软骨等长期承重植入体,在生理环境中的疲劳行为关系到植入体的持久性和稳定性。采用弥散增强的方法将纳米细菌纤维素(BC)均匀分散在PVA水凝胶基体中,制备了纳米BC/PVA复合水凝胶。在模拟体液(SBF)环境中,采用压缩疲劳过程分析、疲劳前后刚度变化分析及疲劳前后尺寸稳定性分析3种方法,测试和评价了复合水凝胶的抗疲劳性能和力学稳定性。结果表明:纳米BC/PVA复合水凝胶在模拟人体环境中具有良好的抗疲劳性能,能够满足体内植入物的抗疲劳性能需求;纳米BC的加入可以有效提升复合水凝胶的力学稳定性和抗疲劳性能,但随着纳米BC含量的进一步升高,复合水凝胶的抗疲劳性能有所减弱,当PVA与纳米BC质量比为30∶1时,纳米BC/PVA复合水凝胶疲劳前期与后期最大位移变化量最小(0.002mm),疲劳前后刚度变化最小(5.41%),且疲劳前后尺寸稳定性最强,变形量仅为0.427mm,抗疲劳性能达到最佳。     

PNIPAAm/CMC半互穿网络水凝胶的合成及性质

以N-马来酰化壳聚糖为交联剂,N-异丙基丙烯酰胺(NIPAAm)为单体,羧甲基纤维素钠(CMC)为半互穿材料,在水溶液中通过自由基聚合制备了PNIPAAm/CMC半互穿网络水凝胶.所合成的水凝胶的低临界溶解温度(LCST)在33℃左右,CMC的加入对水凝胶的LCST无显著影响,但随着CMC用量的增加,水凝胶的温度敏感性...