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Uniform zwitterionic polymer hydrogels with a nonfouling and functionalizable crosslinker using photopolymerization
Louisa R Carr1, Yibo Zhou, Jordan E Krause
1Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.
Biomaterials
|June 28, 2011
Summary
Zwitterionic hydrogels exhibit enhanced mechanical strength and stability. New functionalizable crosslinkers allow for tailored material properties on a nonfouling background.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Biomaterials Engineering
Background:
- Zwitterionic hydrogels offer nonfouling properties and high hydration.
- Previous crosslinkers resulted in hydrogels with good mechanical properties.
- Uniformity of the polymer network is crucial for mechanical performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To improve the mechanical properties of zwitterionic hydrogels through photopolymerization.
- To develop a new functionalizable crosslinker for advanced hydrogel applications.
- To assess the biostability of zwitterionic hydrogel systems.
Main Methods:
- Photopolymerization technique for enhanced network uniformity.
- Synthesis of novel functionalizable carboxybetaine dimethacrylate crosslinkers.
- Mechanical testing (compressive modulus up to 90 MPa).
- Biostability assessment in oxidative, acidic, and basic environments.
Main Results:
- Photopolymerization significantly improved mechanical properties, reaching a compressive modulus of 90 MPa.
- A new functionalizable crosslinker was successfully synthesized and incorporated.
- The resulting hydrogels maintained nonfouling characteristics.
- Zwitterionic hydrogel systems demonstrated excellent stability across various environments.
Conclusions:
- Photopolymerization is an effective method to create highly uniform and mechanically robust zwitterionic hydrogels.
- The developed functionalizable crosslinker enables versatile modifications of high-strength, nonfouling hydrogels.
- These advanced hydrogels possess superior biostability, making them suitable for demanding applications.
