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pH-responsive physical gels from poly(meth)acrylic acid-containing crosslinked particles: the relationship between
Silvia S Halacheva1, Tony J Freemont, Brian R Saunders
1University of Manchester, Materials Science Centre, Grosvenor Street, Manchester, M1 7HS, UK. silviya.halacheva@manchester.ac.uk Brian.Saunders@manchester.ac.uk.
Journal of Materials Chemistry. B
|April 9, 2020
Summary
Novel biodegradable particle gels made from poly(methyl methacrylate-co-methacrylic acid) (PMMA-MAA) and poly(ethyl acrylate-co-methacrylic acid) (PEA-MAA) demonstrate high elasticity and ductility. These injectable gels show promise for tissue regeneration applications.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Regenerative Medicine
Background:
- Gels with high porosity, elasticity, and ductility are crucial for soft tissue regeneration.
- Biodegradable, pH-sensitive particle gels offer potential for cell delivery and load support.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate novel biodegradable, pH-sensitive particle gels based on PMMA-MAA and PEA-MAA.
- To evaluate the effect of crosslinking on gel properties, focusing on elasticity, ductility, and injectability.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of PMMA-MAA and PEA-MAA particles via solvent evaporation.
- Functionalization through bis-amide crosslinking of MAA groups with cystamine (CYS) or 3,3'-dithiodipropionic acid dihydrazide (DTP).
- Characterization of particle swelling via dynamic light scattering and gel properties of concentrated dispersions.
Main Results:
- Crosslinked particles swelled with increasing pH, forming elastic and ductile physical gels within the physiological pH range.
- Lightly crosslinked gels exhibited superior elasticity and ductility.
- DTP-crosslinked gels showed enhanced elasticity, thicker pore walls, and improved interconnectivity compared to CYS-crosslinked gels.
- PMMA-MAA/DTP gels achieved an elastic modulus of 100 kPa and a yield strain >100% at 5 wt% particle concentration.
Conclusions:
- The developed PMMA-MAA and PEA-MAA particle gels possess excellent mechanical properties, including high elasticity and ductility.
- The DTP crosslinker significantly improved gel performance, making them suitable for regenerative medicine.
- These injectable gels hold considerable potential for applications in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.
