Hyperbranched phosphoramidate-hyaluronan hybrid: a reduction-sensitive injectable hydrogel for controlled protein...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Drug Delivery Systems

Background:

• Injectable hydrogels are promising for biomedical applications.
• Controlled release systems are crucial for effective drug delivery and tissue regeneration.
• Developing novel hydrogel matrices with tunable properties is an ongoing research area.

Purpose of the Study:

• To fabricate an injectable hybrid hydrogel (HPPAE-HA) using a Michael-addition reaction.
• To investigate the controlled release of bovine serum albumin (BSA) from the synthesized hydrogel.
• To explore the potential of HPPAE-HA hydrogels in tissue engineering and drug delivery.

Main Methods:

• In situ polymerization of acrylated hyperbranched polyphosphoramidate (HPPAE-AC) and thiolated hyaluronan (HA-SH) via Michael addition.
• Characterization of gelation times based on stoichiometric ratio, HA concentration, and pH.
• Assessment of disulfide bond cleavage and controlled BSA release using dithiothreitol (DTT).

Main Results:

• HPPAE-HA hydrogel formation was achieved with tunable gelation times (4-360 min).
• The hydrogel contains disulfide bonds, enabling triggered release.
• Significant reduction in BSA burst release (23.7% to 4.0%) and sustained release over 96 hours in 10 mM DTT.

Conclusions:

• A facile synthesis method for a disulfide-containing hybrid hydrogel (HPPAE-HA) was established.
• The hydrogel demonstrates controlled release capabilities, significantly reducing burst release and prolonging drug elution.
• HPPAE-HA hydrogels show promise for advanced applications in tissue engineering and drug delivery systems.