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Updated: Jul 4, 2026
Magnetic and Thermal-sensitive Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)-based Microgels for Magnetically Triggered Controlled Release
Published on: July 4, 2017
Development of a fast-crosslinking hydrogel system doped with magnetic mesoporous nanoparticles for sustained
Han Lin1, Xiaolei Li1,2
1Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Hospital of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
Background:
Maintaining therapeutic fluoride ion concentrations is essential for preventing enamel demineralization and treating dental defects. However, achieving localized retention and sustained release in the dynamic oral environment remains a significant challenge.
Aims:
To develop a multifunctional fluoride ion delivery platform to bridge the gap between high-capacity ion loading and clinical stability at the target site.
Methods:
We engineered a hybrid delivery system by integrating fluoride adsorbing magnetic mesoporous nanoparticles (FSMNs) into an ultra-fast photocrosslinkable hyaluronic acid hydrogel matrix (HFMM/PEG). The HFMM polymer, featuring both methacrylic acid and norbornene groups, was synthesized to facilitate rapid in situ gelation via thiol ene click chemistry, allowing for sprayable application. The FSMN carriers were constructed with a Fe3O4 core and a mesoporous silica shell functionalized with chelated Ni2+ ions to maximize adsorption. Release kinetics were quantified over 168 h, and in vitro biocompatibility was evaluated using human gingival epithelial cells (HGECs).
Results:
The HFMM/PEG/FSMN-F- composite significantly decelerated release kinetics, with only 30%-34% of fluoride ions released within 3 h compared to over 60% in traditional fluoride-doped hydrogels. The system maintained a stable and therapeutic fluoride release for up to 168 h (1 week), reaching a cumulative release equilibrium of approximately 90%. Furthermore, in vitro evaluations using human gingival epithelial cells (HGECs) confirmed the scaffold's excellent biocompatibility and cell proliferation properties. In vitro anti-Streptococcus mutans studies demonstrated that the HFMM/PEG/FSMN-F- had robust caries prevention capacity.
Conclusion:
This hybrid hydrogel system bridged the gap between high-capacity ion loading and clinical retention, offering a promising strategy for the long-term prevention of white spot lesions (early caries) in orthodontic and restorative dentistry.
