Intrinsically Thermoresponsive Hydrogels from Molecularly Engineered Chitosan
Xiaohan Zha1,2, Chen Wang1,2, Zhuoying Meng1
1Key Laboratory of Environment Controlled Aquaculture, Dalian Ocean University, Ministry of Education, Dalian 116023, China.
Gels (Basel, Switzerland)
|February 26, 2026
Summary
Researchers developed a novel, all-chitosan thermoresponsive hydrogel (TR-ICSgel) from alkylated chitosan (ICS). This bio-based material offers tunable properties and rapid degradation, addressing safety and environmental concerns in biomedical applications.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Chemical Engineering
Background:
- Thermoresponsive hydrogels are crucial for biomedical applications but often use petroleum-based polymers, posing biosafety and environmental risks.
- Chitosan, a natural polymer, offers biocompatibility but typically lacks inherent thermoresponsive properties.
- Developing fully bio-based, degradable smart hydrogels is essential for sustainable biomedical technologies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To create a fully degradable, all-chitosan thermoresponsive hydrogel (TR-ICSgel) using a molecular functionalization strategy.
- To investigate the tunable thermoresponsive behavior of the TR-ICSgel by adjusting alkylated chitosan (ICS) concentration.
- To evaluate the hydrogel's degradation characteristics, stability, and biocompatibility for potential biomedical use.
Main Methods:
- Molecular functionalization of chitosan to create thermoresponsive alkylated chitosan (ICS).
- Covalent crosslinking of ICS to form the thermoresponsive hydrogel (TR-ICSgel).
- Characterization of hydrogel properties including volume phase transition temperature (VPTT), swelling behavior, degradation rates (soil burial, buffer solution), and cell viability assays.
Main Results:
- Successfully synthesized a fully degradable, all-chitosan thermoresponsive hydrogel (TR-ICSgel) with tunable VPTTs.
- Demonstrated reversible hydrogel shrinkage-swelling above the VPTT due to enhanced hydrophobic interactions.
- Achieved rapid degradation (15-27 days) with rates controllable by ICS concentration, and maintained cell viability above 95%.
Conclusions:
- The developed TR-ICSgel offers a promising bio-based alternative to petroleum-derived hydrogels for biomedical applications.
- The study provides a viable strategy for creating smart, degradable hydrogels with enhanced biosafety and environmental friendliness.
- The tunable properties and excellent biocompatibility of TR-ICSgel support its potential for practical implementation in advanced therapies.
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