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Supramolecular Gelatin Networks Based on Inclusion Complexes.
Candy Löwenberg1, Giuseppe Tripodo1, Konstanze K Julich-Gruner1
1Institute of Biomaterial Science and Berlin-Brandenburg Centre for Regenerative Therapies, Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht, Teltow, 14513, Germany.
Macromolecular Bioscience
|August 19, 2020
Summary
New gelatin-based hydrogels functionalized with desaminotyrosine (DAT) or desaminotyrosyl tyrosine (DATT) and crosslinked with cyclodextrin (CD) dimers show enhanced stability at body temperature. These advanced biomaterials offer potential for self-healing and stimuli-responsive applications.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Supramolecular Chemistry
Background:
- Gelatin-based hydrogels are attractive for multifunctional biomaterials due to reshaping, self-healing, and stimuli-sensitivity.
- A key challenge is achieving stability of gelatin hydrogels at physiological body temperature.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop stable, gelatin-based supramolecular hydrogels using natural building blocks.
- To enhance the thermal stability and mechanical properties of gelatin hydrogels.
Main Methods:
- Functionalization of gelatin with desaminotyrosine (DAT) or desaminotyrosyl tyrosine (DATT) side chains.
- Crosslinking of functionalized gelatin with cyclodextrin (CD) dimers via inclusion complex formation.
- Rheological analysis to determine storage moduli and gel-sol transition temperatures.
Main Results:
- Supramolecular networks exhibited decreased water uptake (200-600 wt% for DAT, 200 wt% for DATT).
- Storage moduli increased up to 25.6 kPa compared to unmodified gelatin.
- Gel-sol transition temperature was elevated from 33 °C to 42 °C.
Conclusions:
- The developed system, based entirely on natural components, demonstrates improved thermal stability.
- These hydrogels show potential for applications requiring responsiveness to environmental changes or guest molecules.
