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Injectable Supramolecular Polymer-Nanoparticle Hydrogels for Cell and Drug Delivery Applications
Published on: February 7, 2021
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Nucleopore-Inspired Polymer Hydrogels for Selective Biomolecular Transport
Yun Jung Yang1, Danielle J Mai1, Thomas J Dursch1
1Department of Chemical Engineering , Massachusetts Institute of Technology , Cambridge , Massachusetts 02139 , United States.
Biomacromolecules
|September 6, 2018
Summary
Researchers developed novel hydrogels inspired by nuclear transport for selective biomolecule delivery. These gels, called GRASP (gels for recognition and selective permeation), enhance transport through specific binding interactions.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Biophysics
- Chemical Engineering
Background:
- Biological systems exhibit highly specific and efficient biomolecular transport mechanisms.
- Existing synthetic materials lack the sophisticated control seen in natural systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel hydrogel material inspired by nuclear pore complex transport.
- To engineer materials capable of specific biomolecular recognition and controlled permeation.
Main Methods:
- Developed GRASP (gels for recognition and selective permeation) hydrogels using poly(ethylene glycol) networks with antibody-binding oligopeptides.
- Investigated molecular transport theory focusing on entropic repulsion and affinity-mediated diffusion.
- Synthesized hydrogels via simultaneous bioconjugation and polycondensation reactions.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated enhanced permeability of hydrogels for specific biomolecules via a 'walking mechanism'.
- Characterized hydrogel properties including elastic modulus, pore size, and biomolecular diffusivity.
- Successfully regulated transport of equally sized molecules, selectively permeating a monoclonal antibody from a polyclonal mixture.
Conclusions:
- GRASP hydrogels offer a new paradigm for controlling biomolecular transport with high specificity.
- Nucleopore-inspired hydrogel design enables tunable and selective permeation for advanced applications.
- This work provides a rational design strategy for creating smart hydrogels for molecular separation and delivery.
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