In-situ injectable physically and chemically gelling NIPAAm-based copolymer system for embolization

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Medical Engineering

Background:

• Injectable hydrogels are crucial for minimally invasive procedures like endovascular embolization.
• Existing injectable materials often face challenges with swelling and mechanical stability post-injection.
• Developing advanced hydrogel systems with tunable properties is essential for improving embolic therapies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and characterize an injectable, physically and chemically cross-linking NIPAAm-based copolymer system.
• To evaluate the temperature-sensitive behavior, swelling properties, and elastic characteristics of the developed hydrogel.
• To assess the potential of this novel hydrogel for endovascular embolization applications.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of a NIPAAm-co-HEMA-acrylate copolymer functionalized with olefins.
• Formation of a temperature-sensitive hydrogel via Michael-type addition reaction with pentaerythritol tetrakis 3-mercaptopropionate (QT).
• Characterization of hydrogel properties including swelling, elastic modulus, and low-frequency behavior in PBS solution (pH 7.4).

Main Results:

• The synthesized poly(NIPAAm-co-HEMA-acrylate) formed a temperature-sensitive hydrogel upon mixing with QT.
• The hydrogel exhibited low swelling and improved elastic properties at low frequency compared to physically gelated systems.
• The material demonstrated characteristics suitable for injectable applications requiring controlled swelling and creep resistance.

Conclusions:

• A novel injectable, dual cross-linking NIPAAm-based hydrogel system was successfully developed.
• The hydrogel shows promising properties, including temperature sensitivity, low swelling, and enhanced elasticity.
• This material holds potential for use in endovascular embolization and other applications demanding injectable, stable hydrogels.