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Injectable Supramolecular Polymer-Nanoparticle Hydrogels for Cell and Drug Delivery Applications
Published on: February 7, 2021
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An adaptive supramolecular hydrogel comprising self-sorting double nanofibre networks.
Hajime Shigemitsu1,2, Takahiro Fujisaku1, Wataru Tanaka1
1Department of Synthetic Chemistry and Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan.
Nature Nanotechnology
|January 10, 2018
Summary
Researchers developed a novel hybrid hydrogel with two independent stimulus-responsive nanofiber networks. This adaptable material allows controlled changes in mechanical properties and protein release, mimicking cellular systems.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Supramolecular Chemistry
- Biomaterials
Background:
- Living cells utilize multicomponent systems for controlled assembly and disassembly of nanostructures in response to stimuli.
- Artificial creation of such independent, stimulus-responsive systems remains a significant challenge in soft materials science.
Purpose of the Study:
- To engineer a hybrid hydrogel with orthogonally responsive supramolecular nanostructures.
- To demonstrate independent control over material properties and functionality using distinct external stimuli.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of a self-sorting double network hydrogel composed of distinct nanofiber assemblies.
- Application of specific external stimuli (Na2S2O4 or bacterial alkaline phosphatase) to trigger responses in individual networks.
- Characterization of changes in mechanical properties and protein release rates.
Main Results:
- The hybrid hydrogel exhibits independent responses from its two nanofiber networks to different stimuli.
- Mechanical properties and encapsulated protein release rates are tunable by stimulus application.
- The order of stimulus application influences the overall properties of the hydrogel.
Conclusions:
- The developed hydrogel serves as an artificial multicomponent system with independently controllable supramolecular nanostructures.
- This platform offers potential for designing novel adaptive materials with tailored responses.
- Orthogonal stimulus-responsive hydrogels pave the way for advanced biomimetic materials.
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