G-POSS connected double network starch gels for protein release

Area of Science:

• Polymer Science
• Materials Science
• Biomaterials Engineering

Background:

• Starch is a widely used natural polymer for hydrogel synthesis.
• Developing mechanically robust hydrogels is crucial for advanced applications.
• Combining brittle and ductile networks with inorganic particles can enhance hydrogel properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and synthesize mechanically enhanced nanocomposite double network (DN) starch gels.
• To incorporate inorganic particles and create dual networks for improved material properties.
• To evaluate the potential of these starch nanocomposite gels for protein release.

Main Methods:

• Synthesized nanocomposite starch gels (s-NC) by cross-linking starch with 8-armed glycidyl-polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (g-POSS).
• Incorporated N,N-dimethylacrylamide (DMA) or 1-vinyl-2-pyrrolidinone (VP) to form d-NC-DMA and d-NC-VP gels.
• Characterized gel structure using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy and Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy.
• Analyzed morphology via SEM and mechanical properties through rheological tests, compression, and tensile analyses.
• Demonstrated in vitro protein release using BSA and amylase sensitivity.

Main Results:

• Successfully synthesized starch nanocomposite gels (s-NC) with homogeneously distributed g-POSS.
• Developed more stable d-NC-DMA and d-NC-VP gels with enhanced mechanical strength compared to s-NC.
• d-NC-DMA exhibited smaller pores and thicker pore walls, correlating with superior mechanical performance.
• Confirmed the potential for controlled protein (BSA) release from the starch gels.

Conclusions:

• Developed novel mechanically superior starch nanocomposite double network hydrogels.
• g-POSS cross-linking and dual network formation significantly enhance mechanical properties.
• These starch-based nanocomposite gels are promising for applications in controlled protein delivery systems.