Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 14, 2026
09:39
Injectable Supramolecular Polymer-Nanoparticle Hydrogels for Cell and Drug Delivery Applications
Published on: February 7, 2021
8.7K
Nanogels with volume phase transition for biomedical applications.
Zheng Li1,2, Xiangliang Yang1,2,3,4,5, Zifu Li6,7,8,9,10
1Department of Nanomedicine and Biopharmaceuticals, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, P. R. China.
Nature Communications
|December 18, 2025
Summary
Nanogels exhibit unique volume phase transitions (VPT) controllable via hydrogen bonds. This research guides the rational design of nanogels for advanced biomedical applications like tumor targeting drug delivery.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Biomedical Engineering
- Polymer Chemistry
Background:
- Nanogels are 3D polymer networks crosslinked covalently and stabilized by hydrogen bonds.
- These nanogels exhibit unique volume phase transitions (VPT).
- VPT in nanogels is crucial for diverse biomedical applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the controllable features of nanogel VPT based on hydrogen bonds.
- To guide the rational design of nanogels for specific biomedical applications.
- To investigate the potential of VPT properties for enhancing tumor therapies.
Main Methods:
- Systematic analysis of nanogel VPT properties.
- Investigating the influence of monomer, comonomer, crosslinker, and structure on VPT.
- Studying the effect of deuteration and environmental stimuli on VPT.
- Exploring physicochemical properties around the volume phase transition temperature (VPTT).
Main Results:
- VPT features (shift, sharpness, range) can be precisely controlled.
- Control is achieved by regulating nanogel composition and environmental factors.
- Minimum physicochemical properties near VPTT show promise for tumor therapies.
Conclusions:
- Hydrogen bond-based control over nanogel VPT is demonstrated.
- Tailored nanogel design is feasible for applications like transcatheter arterial embolization and tumor targeting drug delivery.
- Exploiting VPT properties offers new therapeutic strategies for cancer treatment.
