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A photo-triggered hydrogel for bidirectional regulation with imaging visualization.

Teng Ma1, Shupei Sheng1, Xia Dong1

  • 1Tianjin Key Laboratory of Biomedical Materials, Key Laboratory of Biomaterials and Nanotechnology for Cancer Immunotherapy, Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, 300192, P. R. China. dongxiatj@163.com lvfeng2002@163.com.

Soft Matter
|July 29, 2020
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Summary

Researchers developed a novel photo-triggered hydrogel for bidirectional regulation. This smart hydrogel can switch between soft and stiff states using different light wavelengths, enabling precise control for biomedical applications.

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Area of Science:

  • Materials Science
  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Polymer Chemistry

Background:

  • Developing functional hydrogels with on-demand, bidirectional control remains a significant challenge.
  • Intelligent hydrogels are crucial for advanced biomedical applications requiring precise manipulation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To create a photo-triggered hydrogel capable of bidirectional regulation of its mechanical properties (softening and stiffening).
  • To demonstrate in vivo control and tracking of the hydrogel for potential biomedical uses.

Main Methods:

  • Fabrication of a thermosensitive hydrogel using IR820-α-cyclodextrin and polyethylene glycol methyl acrylate.
  • Utilizing near-infrared (NIR) irradiation for photothermal-induced softening (gel to sol) via IR820.
  • Employing UV laser irradiation for photo-crosslinking-induced stiffening.

Main Results:

  • The hydrogel demonstrated reversible softening under NIR light and stiffening under UV light.
  • Bidirectional regulation of hydrogel stiffness was achieved in vivo by switching irradiation wavelengths.
  • In vivo fluorescence imaging, enabled by IR820, allowed for tracking of the hydrogel's location and status.

Conclusions:

  • A novel photo-triggered hydrogel with bidirectional stiffness control was successfully developed.
  • The controlled and visible nature of this hydrogel offers potential for precise treatments in various biomedical fields.
  • This technology advances the development of on-demand functional hydrogels for targeted therapies.