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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 15, 2026

Injectable Supramolecular Polymer-Nanoparticle Hydrogels for Cell and Drug Delivery Applications
09:39

Injectable Supramolecular Polymer-Nanoparticle Hydrogels for Cell and Drug Delivery Applications

Published on: February 7, 2021

Evaluation of novel injectable hydrogels for nucleus pulposus replacement.

J Vernengo1, G W Fussell, N G Smith

  • 1Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Biomaterials and Drug Delivery Laboratory, Drexel University. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA.

Journal of Biomedical Materials Research. Part B, Applied Biomaterials
|April 25, 2007
PubMed
Summary

Branched copolymers of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm) and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) show promise for nucleus pulposus replacement. Higher PEG content enhanced elasticity and water content, identifying PNIPAAm-PEG (4600 g/mol) as a leading candidate.

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Area of Science:

  • Biomaterials Science
  • Polymer Chemistry
  • Orthopedic Research

Background:

  • Intervertebral disc degeneration necessitates novel tissue engineering solutions.
  • Current treatments for nucleus pulposus (NP) defect lack ideal in situ formation and mechanical properties.
  • Branched copolymers offer tunable properties for potential NP replacement.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To synthesize and characterize branched PNIPAAm-PEG copolymers for NP replacement.
  • To investigate the influence of PEG molecular weight and content on copolymer properties.
  • To evaluate copolymer suitability for in situ formation and mechanical performance.

Main Methods:

  • Synthesis of PNIPAAm-PEG branched copolymers with varying PEG molecular weights and ratios.

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The Quantification of Injectability by Mechanical Testing
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The Quantification of Injectability by Mechanical Testing

Published on: May 13, 2020

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Last Updated: Jul 15, 2026

Injectable Supramolecular Polymer-Nanoparticle Hydrogels for Cell and Drug Delivery Applications
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Injectable Supramolecular Polymer-Nanoparticle Hydrogels for Cell and Drug Delivery Applications

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An Injectable and Drug-loaded Supramolecular Hydrogel for Local Catheter Injection into the Pig Heart
10:28

An Injectable and Drug-loaded Supramolecular Hydrogel for Local Catheter Injection into the Pig Heart

Published on: June 7, 2015

The Quantification of Injectability by Mechanical Testing
04:46

The Quantification of Injectability by Mechanical Testing

Published on: May 13, 2020

  • In vitro characterization of gel swelling, dissolution, and mechanical properties (compressive, stress relaxation) over 30-90 days.
  • Evaluation of elasticity and water content in relation to copolymer composition.

    • Main Results:

    • NIPAAm to PEG molar ratio did not significantly impact equilibrium swelling or compressive mechanics.
    • Increased PEG molecular weight and content led to higher equilibrium water content and decreased compressive modulus.
    • All branched copolymers exhibited enhanced stress relaxation compared to homopolymers.
    • PNIPAAm-PEG copolymers with higher PEG content (4600 and 8000 g/mol) demonstrated maximum elasticity.

    Conclusions:

    • PNIPAAm-PEG branched copolymers are viable candidates for nucleus pulposus replacement.
    • PEG molecular weight and content are critical for tuning gel elasticity and water retention.
    • PNIPAAm-PEG (4600 g/mol) shows optimal characteristics (high water content, stiffness, elasticity) for further evaluation.