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Updated: Aug 5, 2026
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Injectable Supramolecular Polymer-Nanoparticle Hydrogels for Cell and Drug Delivery Applications
Published on: February 7, 2021
Anion-π Interaction-Triggered Self-Healing Zwitterionic Hydrogel as an Immunocompatible Platform for Injectable
Zihao Zhu1, Zuping Xiong1, Kexin Chen1
1MOE Key Laboratory of Macromolecule Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, P. R. China.
Advanced Healthcare Materials
|July 28, 2026
Summary
Researchers developed an injectable zwitterionic supramacromolecular hydrogel (SSH) using mild conditions. This new hydrogel material shows promise for stabilizing proteins and delivering cells, improving therapeutic outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Supramolecular Chemistry
Background:
- Zwitterionic hydrogels are valuable for biomedical applications due to their hydration and bioinertness.
- Developing injectable zwitterionic hydrogels under mild, cytocompatible conditions is challenging.
- Weak polymer interactions limit stable network formation without modification or external crosslinking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To create an injectable zwitterionic supramacromolecular hydrogel (SSH) using a mild, spontaneous assembly process.
- To investigate the gelation mechanism and properties of the novel SSH.
- To evaluate the potential of SSH for cell encapsulation, protein delivery, and therapeutic applications.
Main Methods:
- Spontaneous assembly of poly(methacryloyloxyethyl sulfobetaine) (PSBMA) and poly(styrenesulfonate) (PSSNa).
- Molecular dynamics simulations to understand gelation mechanisms (anion-π interactions).
- Assessment of injectability, self-healing, antiadhesive properties, immunocompatibility, cell viability, protein stabilization, and in vivo wound healing.
Main Results:
- An injectable zwitterionic supramacromolecular hydrogel (SSH) was successfully formed via spontaneous polymer assembly.
- Anion-π interactions were identified as a key factor in forming a self-healing, physically crosslinked network.
- SSH demonstrated injectability, self-healing, antiadhesion, immunocompatibility, and high cell viability during encapsulation and injection.
- The hydrogel effectively stabilized and delivered basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), enhancing diabetic wound healing.
Conclusions:
- A novel, mild gelation strategy for injectable zwitterionic hydrogels was established using supramolecular assembly.
- The developed SSH exhibits desirable properties for biomedical delivery and cell-based therapies.
- This work offers a promising platform for advanced therapeutic delivery systems and regenerative medicine.
