Dual-reactive hydrogels functionalizable using "Huisgen click" and "Schiff base" reactions

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Biomaterials Engineering

Background:

• Hydrogels with reactive groups are key for creating functional materials via molecule conjugation.
• Developing versatile platforms for attaching diverse molecules is crucial for advanced material applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and fabricate a dual-reactive hydrogel system incorporating aldehyde and azide functionalities.
• To demonstrate the utility of distinct reactive sites for conjugating different molecules.
• To develop a sensing platform based on the dual-reactive hydrogel.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of dual-reactive hydrogels using methacrylate monomers with aldehyde and azide groups via free-radical polymerization.
• Utilizing a dimethacrylate crosslinker and hydrophilic PEG-based monomers.
• Employing Huisgen click and Schiff base reactions for molecule attachment.

Main Results:

• Successfully synthesized hydrogels with both aldehyde and azide reactive sites.
• Demonstrated selective conjugation of two different dye molecules using distinct click chemistries.
• Showcased the hydrogel's potential as a sensing platform, for example, in pH indication.

Conclusions:

• The dual-reactive hydrogel system offers a versatile platform for fabricating functional materials.
• The differential reactivity of aldehyde and azide groups allows for controlled conjugation of various molecules.
• This approach enables the development of novel sensing materials for diverse applications.