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Tough hydrogel module towards an implantable remote and controlled release device.
Zhi Wei Kenny Low1, Yifei Luo, Kangyi Zhang
1Institute of Materials Research and Engineering, 2 Fusionopolis Way, Innovis, #08-03, Singapore 138634. lohxj@imre.a-star.edu.sg.
Biomaterials Science
|December 18, 2019
Summary
Researchers developed a novel tough hydrogel from poly (vinyl alcohol) and pectin for on-demand drug delivery. This material enables triggered burst release and shows promise for implantable controlled release devices.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Drug Delivery Systems
Background:
- Controllable drug delivery systems offer precise dosing for improved healthcare.
- Existing systems often lack the mechanical robustness and precise control required for advanced applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a tough, physically crosslinked hydrogel for triggered burst drug release.
- To investigate the material properties and performance of the novel hydrogel for implantable applications.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of an interpenetrating network hydrogel using poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and ionic pectin (CaP).
- Characterization of mechanical properties (tensile modulus, fracture energy).
- Evaluation of triggered burst release via heating and integration with electronic devices.
- Assessment of cell adhesion, viability, and proliferation.
- In vivo implantation tests.
Main Results:
- The PVA-CaP hydrogel exhibited a threefold increase in tensile modulus and fracture energy compared to pristine PVA.
- Heating induced crosslink dissociation, enabling triggered burst release of a payload.
- The material demonstrated improved cell adhesion and proliferation, supporting a favorable cellular environment.
- Implantation tests confirmed the material's biocompatibility and tissue conformity.
Conclusions:
- The developed PVA-CaP hydrogel is a mechanically robust and tunable material for on-demand drug delivery.
- The system allows for localized and remotely triggered burst release, suitable for implantable devices.
- The material's biocompatibility and mechanical properties make it a promising candidate for advanced biomedical applications.
