Anomalous glucose-responsive rheological changes in a boronic acid-modified hyaluronan

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Hyaluronic acid is a biocompatible polymer with diverse applications.
• Boronic acids are known to interact with diols, including sugars.
• Developing responsive materials is crucial for advanced applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the glucose-responsive gelation/solation properties of 3-aminophenylboronic acid-modified hyaluronic acid.
• To understand the mechanism of crosslinking and reversibility.
• To explore potential applications in glucose-sensing or drug delivery.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of 3-aminophenylboronic acid-modified hyaluronic acid.
• Rheological measurements to assess gelation and solation transitions.
• Varying glucose concentrations to determine response thresholds.

Main Results:

• Anomalous glucose-responsive gelation observed between 5-20 mM glucose.
• Solation induced at glucose concentrations above 80 mM.
• Reversible binding of glucose to boronic acid sites facilitates crosslinking.

Conclusions:

• 3-aminophenylboronic acid-modified hyaluronic acid exhibits distinct glucose-dependent phase transitions.
• The material's reversible gelation/solation is mediated by glucose-boronic acid interactions.
• This system holds promise for developing novel glucose-sensitive hydrogels.