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The Synthesis of RGD-functionalized Hydrogels as a Tool for Therapeutic Applications
Published on: October 7, 2016
Thiol-ene click hydrogels for therapeutic delivery
Prathamesh M Kharkar1, Matthew S Rehmann2, Kelsi M Skeens2
1Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Delaware, 201 DuPont Hall, Newark, DE 19716, USA.
ACS Biomaterials Science & Engineering
|April 1, 2017
Summary
Thiol-ene hydrogels offer efficient, in situ drug delivery for therapeutics. Their tunable properties and controlled release mechanisms are key for clinical applications, including anti-inflammatory drugs and protein-based therapies.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Drug Delivery
Background:
- Hydrogels are increasingly utilized for targeted therapeutic delivery.
- Thiol-ene click chemistry enables rapid, efficient hydrogel formation in aqueous conditions.
- These hydrogels offer tunable properties and responsiveness to environmental cues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the diverse applications of thiol-ene hydrogels for therapeutic delivery.
- To provide an overview of thiol-ene click chemistry and relevant alkene chemistries.
- To discuss mechanisms for therapeutic cargo encapsulation and controlled release.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on thiol-ene hydrogels and their applications.
- Discussion of thiol-ene click chemistry principles and functionalization strategies.
- Analysis of hydrogel mesh size tuning and cargo tethering for controlled release.
Main Results:
- Thiol-ene hydrogels demonstrate broad clinical relevance, from spinal drug delivery to protein therapeutics.
- Various alkene chemistries support macromolecule functionalization and controlled hydrogel formation (e.g., Michael addition, radical reactions).
- Controlled release is achieved by tuning hydrogel mesh size and utilizing degradable linkers or affinity binding.
Conclusions:
- Thiol-ene hydrogels represent a versatile platform for the controlled delivery of various therapeutics, including small molecules, peptides, and biologics.
- The chemistry allows for precise control over hydrogel properties and drug release kinetics.
- Future utilization of thiol-ene hydrogels holds significant promise for advancing therapeutic delivery strategies.
