Hydrogen-bonding-driven spontaneous gelation of water-soluble phospholipid polymers in aqueous medium

Drug Delivery Strategies and Biomedical Significance of Hydrogels: Translational Considerations

Hydrogels are a promising and attractive option as polymeric gel networks, which have immensely fascinated researchers across the globe because of their outstanding characteristics such as elevated swellability, the permeability of oxygen at a high rate, good biocompatibility, easy loading, and drug release. Hydrogels have been extensively used for several purposes in the biomedical sector using versatile polymers of synthetic and natural origin. This review focuses on functional polymeric materials for the fabrication of hydrogels, evaluation of different parameters of biocompatibility and stability, and their application as carriers for drugs delivery, tissue engineering and other therapeutic purposes. The outcome of various studies on the use of hydrogels in different segments and how they have been appropriately altered in numerous ways to attain the desired targeted delivery of therapeutic agents is summarized. Patents and clinical trials conducted on hydrogel-based products, along with scale-up translation, are also mentioned in detail. Finally, the potential of the hydrogel in the biomedical sector is discussed, along with its further possibilities for improvement for the development of sophisticated smart hydrogels with pivotal biomedical functions.

Soft Bioelectronics Based on Nanomaterials

Recent advances in nanostructured materials and unconventional device designs have transformed the bioelectronics from a rigid and bulky form into a soft and ultrathin form and brought enormous advantages to the bioelectronics. For example, mechanical deformability of the soft bioelectronics and thus its conformal contact onto soft curved organs such as brain, heart, and skin have allowed researchers to measure high-quality biosignals, deliver real-time feedback treatments, and lower long-term side-effects in vivo. Here, we review various materials, fabrication methods, and device strategies for flexible and stretchable electronics, especially focusing on soft biointegrated electronics using nanomaterials and their composites. First, we summarize top-down material processing and bottom-up synthesis methods of various nanomaterials. Next, we discuss state-of-the-art technologies for intrinsically stretchable nanocomposites composed of nanostructured materials incorporated in elastomers or hydrogels. We also briefly discuss unconventional device design strategies for soft bioelectronics. Then individual device components for soft bioelectronics, such as biosensing, data storage, display, therapeutic stimulation, and power supply devices, are introduced. Afterward, representative application examples of the soft bioelectronics are described. A brief summary with a discussion on remaining challenges concludes the review.

Recent Advances in Fiber-Hydrogel Composites for Wound Healing and Drug Delivery Systems

In the last decades, much research has been done to fasten wound healing and target-direct drug delivery. Hydrogel-based scaffolds have been a recurrent solution in both cases, with some reaching already the market, even though their mechanical stability remains a challenge. To overcome this limitation, reinforcement of hydrogels with fibers has been explored. The structural resemblance of fiber-hydrogel composites to natural tissues has been a driving force for the optimization and exploration of these systems in biomedicine. Indeed, the combination of hydrogel-forming techniques and fiber spinning approaches has been crucial in the development of scaffolding systems with improved mechanical strength and medicinal properties. In this review, a comprehensive overview of the recently developed fiber-hydrogel composite strategies for wound healing and drug delivery is provided. The methodologies employed in fiber and hydrogel formation are also highlighted, together with the most compatible polymer combinations, as well as drug incorporation approaches creating stimuli-sensitive and triggered drug release towards an enhanced host response.

Synthesis, parameters, properties and applications of responsive molecularly imprinted microgels: a review

Responsive molecularly imprinted microgels (MIGs) have gained a lot of interest due to their responsive specificity and selectivity for target compounds. Study on MIGs is rapidly increasing due to their quick responsive behavior in various stimuli like pH and temperature. MIGs show unique property of morphology control on in-situ synthesis of nanoparticles in response of variation in reactant concentration. Literature related to synthesis, parameters, characterization, applications and prospects of MIGs are critically reviewed here. Range of templates, monomers, initiators and crosslinkers are summarized for designing of desired MIGs. This review article describes effect of variation in reactants combination and composition on morphology, imprinting factor and percentage yield of MIGs. Hydrolysis of similar templates using MIGs is also described. Relation between percentage hydrolysis and hydrolysis time of targets at different temperatures and template:monomer ratio is also analyzed. Possible imprinting modes of ionic/non-ionic templates and its series are also generalized on the basis of previous literature. MIGs are investigated as efficient anchoring vehicles for adsorption, catalysis, bio-sensing, drug delivery, inhibition and detection.

Controlled release of simvastatin from in situ forming hydrogel triggers bone formation in MC3T3-E1 cells

Simvastatin (SIM), a drug commonly administered for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia, has been recently reported to induce bone regeneration/formation. In this study, we investigated the properties of hydrogel composed of gelatin-poly(ethylene glycol)-tyramine (GPT) as an efficient SIM delivery vehicle that can trigger osteogenic differentiation. Sustained delivery of SIM was achieved through its encapsulation in an injectable, biodegradable GPT-hydrogel. Cross-linking of the gelatin-based GPT-hydrogel was induced by the reaction of horse radish peroxidase and H(2)O(2). GPT-hydrogels of three different matrix stiffness, 1,800 (GPT-hydrogel1), 5,800 (GPT-hydrogel2), and 8,400 Pa (GPT-hydrogel3) were used. The gelation/degradation time and SIM release profiles of hydrogels loaded with two different concentrations of SIM, 1 and 3 mg/ml, were also evaluated. Maximum swelling times of GPT-hydrogel1, GPT-hydrogel2, and GPT-hydrogel3 were observed to be 6, 12, and 20 days, respectively. All GPT-hydrogels showed complete degradation within 55 days. The in vitro SIM release profiles, investigated in PBS buffer (pH 7.4) at 37°C, exhibited typical biphasic release patterns with the initial burst being more rapid with GPT-hydrogel1 compared with GPT-hydrogel3. Substantial increase in matrix metalloproteinase-13, osteocalcin expression levels, and mineralization were seen in osteogenic differentiation system using MC3T3-E1 cells cultured with GPT-hydrogels loaded with SIM in a dose-dependent manner. This study demonstrated that controlled release of SIM from a biodegradable, injectable GPT-hydrogel had a promising role for long-term treatment of chronic degenerative diseases such as disc degenerative disease.

Tissue-compatible and adhesive polyion complex hydrogels composed of amphiphilic phospholipid polymers

To investigate the tissue adhesive function of a hydrogel composed of biocompatible amphiphilic polymers, polymers with various architectures were prepared from 2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine (MPC), electrolyte monomers and hydrophobic n-butyl methacrylate (BMA). A polyion complex (PIC) hydrogel was formed within a few minutes after aqueous solutions containing the cationic and anionic MPC polymers were mixed. Provided the electrical charge of the cationic and anionic MPC polymers was approximately balanced, the PIC hydrogel existed stably in a large amount of aqueous medium. The results of the fluorescence study of the MPC polymers suggested that dissociation was suppressed and that the electrostatic interaction was enhanced in the block and graft polymers compared to the random polymers. This is due to the strategically designed architectures and the hydrophobic BMA units. Based on the results of the cytotoxicity test, the cytotoxicity of the MPC polymers was lower than that of glutaraldehyde, a cross-linker contained in aldehyde-type tissue adhesives. The cationic MPC polymers demonstrated higher cytotoxicity compared to the anionic ones, which demonstrated no significant cytotoxicity at examined concentrations. The tissue adhesion of the PIC hydrogels was evaluated with a dura incision model. The results indicated that the tissue adhesion strength of the PIC hydrogel was lower than that of a commercially available fibrin glue. However, the tissue adhesion strength increased with an increase in the polymer concentration and could be controlled by the water content of the hydrogel. Although further investigation of the biocompatibility of the PIC hydrogels and control of the water content is crucial, it can be concluded that the PIC hydrogels formed by the amphiphilic MPC polymers can be promising tissue adhesives which demonstrate properties according to the architectures and chemical structures.

Hydrogels for tissue engineering and delivery of tissue-inducing substances

This manuscript presents hydrogels (HGs) from a tissue engineering perspective being especially written for those who are approaching this field by offering a concise but inclusive review of hydrogel synthesis, properties, characterization methods, and applications.

Prevention of Tissue Adhesion by a Spontaneously Formed Phospholipid Polymer Hydrogel

We investigated phospholipid polymer hydrogels containing Fe3+ ions (PMA/PMB/Fe hydrogel) for their use as antiadhesive materials in the healing tissues. These hydrogels were prepared from the aqueous solutions of poly(2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine (MPC)-comethacrylic acid) (PMA) and poly(MPC-co-n-butyl methacrylate) (PMB). The PMA/PMB hydrogel is formed by the intermolecular interactions between PMA and PMB, and it reversibly dissociates under physiological conditions. The addition of Fe3+ ions could control the gelation time and the dissociation time. Mechanical properties such as the gelation time and viscoelastic properties can be controlled by the FeCl3 concentration. With regard to biocompatibility, no evidence of inflammation was observed in vivo. Therefore, the PMA/PMB/Fe hydrogel has a potential to be used as an antiadhesive material.

Biocompatibility and drug release behavior of spontaneously formed phospholipid polymer hydrogels

Hydrogels containing 2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine (MPC) moieties were formed from aqueous solutions with water-soluble MPC polymers with carboxylic acid and alkyl groups because of hydrogen bonding formation. To investigate the biocompatibility and drug release behavior of the hydrogels, we used random- and block-type carboxylic acid MPC polymers, such as poly [MPC-co-methacrylic acid (MA)] (rPMA), poly[MPC-co-4-(2-methacryloyloxyethyl) trimellitic acid (MET)] (rPMT), poly (MA-block-MPC-block-MA) (bPMA) and poly(MET-block-MPC-block-MET) (bPMT), and alkyl MPC polymers, such as poly[MPC-co-n-butyl methacrylate] (PMB) and poly(MPC-co-benzyl methacrylate) (PMBz). We investigated the biocompatibility of the spontaneously formed MPC polymer hydrogels by a hemolysis test and an in vivo injection test. The random MPC polymers having carboxylic acid groups expressed more hemolytic activity compared to the block polymers. The results of the in vivo injection test also indicated low biocompatibility of the carboxylic acid polymers especially at high concentration. The alkyl MPC polymers, the PMB and PMBz showed excellent biocompatibility in both hemolysis and in vivo injection test. However, the hydrogels, the rPMA/PMB hydrogel (rABgel) and the rPMT/PMBz hydrogel (rTZgel) lowered the hemolytic activity of elemental polymers, the rPMA and rPMT. Thus, suppression of the ionization of the carboxylic acid groups is necessary for biocompatibility. We also investigated the drug release behavior with attention to the interaction between the polymer and the drugs. The release behavior of a relatively low-molecular-weight hydrophilic drug, 5-fluorouracil, did not depend on the structure of the polymers. The higher-molecular-weight drugs, ketoprofen and indomethacin, were released faster from the block polymer hydrogel than the random polymer hydrogel, the rABgel, while the highest-molecular-weight drug, doxorubicin, was released faster from the random polymer hydrogel. A probable reason for this is the difference in the molecular structure; that is, the separated hydrophilic and hydrophobic sections in the block polymers constructed pathways where a drug can diffuse. In addition, the rTZgel suppressed the release of a drug with a large number of aromatic rings probably because of the stacking effect. The results of the compression test also suggested the existence of the stacking effect between the rTZgel and the drugs. Based on these results, control of drug release is possible by selecting a reservoir with an appropriate chemical structure to interact with the drug. For example, release of a relatively linear-structured drug with less aromatic rings can be suppressed in the rABgel rather than in the rTZgel. Thus, it can be concluded that if the ionization is suppressed, these MPC polymer hydrogels can be used as a material for a drug reservoir that can be selected according to the drug.

Spontaneously forming hydrogel from water-soluble random- and block-type phospholipid polymers

The mixed aqueous solutions of two water-soluble phospholipid polymers, such as poly[2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine(MPC)-co-methacrylic acid(MA)] (rPMA) and poly[MPC-co-n-butyl methacrylate(BMA)] (PMB), spontaneously form a hydrogel at room temperature without any chemical treatment due to hydrogen bonding formation between the carboxyl groups. With the objective of enhancing the hydrogen bonding efficiency, we have focused on the density of the carboxyl groups by controlling the chemical structure and monomer unit sequence. Thus, a random and an ABA-block-type MPC copolymer having carboxylic acids, poly[MPC-co-4-(2-methacryloyloxyethyl) trimellitic acid(MET)] (rPMT) and poly(MA)-poly(MPC)-poly(MA) (bPMA), have been designed. The purpose of this study is to investigate the gelation mechanism and physical properties of a hydrogel composed of rPMA and PMB (ABgel), one of bPMA and PMB (bABgel), and one of rPMT and poly(MPC-co-benzyl methacrylate) (PMBz) (TZgel). The Raman spectroscopic analysis and the rheological study of the dissolution behaviors indicated that the TZgel formation occurred due to inter- and intra-molecular hydrogen bonding formation between the carboxyl groups in the rPMT. The gelation mechanism of the bABgel was investigated by the dynamic light scattering measurement, the scanning electron microscopy observation and the rheological study. The results showed that the bPMA chains aggregate in the aqueous medium and transform into a hydrogel network structure. The bPMA needed much more gelation time than the rPMA due to this transformation. There was no difference between the gelation periods of the ABgel and the TZgel. The compression strengths of the ABgel and the bABgel showed no significant difference, while that of TZgel was lower than ABgel. The reason for this is that the polymer chains and bulky side chains of rPMT inhibit rearranging into a planar conformation and forming hydrogen bondings. These results lead to the conclusion that the properties of these MPC polymer hydrogels can be controlled by not only the chemical structure of the polymer but also the monomer unit sequence containing carboxyl groups.

The characteristics of spontaneously forming physically cross-linked hydrogels composed of two water-soluble phospholipid polymers for oral drug delivery carrier I: hydrogel dissolution and insulin release under neutral pH condition

Hydrogels bearing a phospholipid polar group, 2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine (MPC), were prepared from two aqueous solutions of polymers, water-soluble poly[MPC-co-methacrylic acid (MA)] (PMA) and poly[MPC-co-n-butyl methacrylate (BMA)] (PMB). The hydrogel, which was formed by physical cross-linking spontaneously without any chemical reactions and/or any physical stimuli, showed a controllable insulin release through a pH change in the medium by changing the hydrogen bonds. In this study, the mechanical strength, erosion of the hydrogel caused by polymer dissociation, and the release of insulin were examined with attention to the following three parameters of the MPC polymer: molecular weight of the polymers, composition of PMA and PMB (PMA/PMB ratio), and polymer concentration inside the hydrogel. The hydrogel with the highest mechanical strength was obtained at a PMA/PMB ratio = 3/7 (v/v, by volume ratio) while the hydrogel with the slowest dissolution was obtained at a ratio of 5/5 (v/v). The release was in good match with the dissolution and followed anomalous transport for all, but the diffusion exponent n changed according to the PMA/PMB ratio. An increase in the polymer concentration inside the hydrogel caused an increase in the mechanical strength of the hydrogel. When the polymer concentration was more than 20 wt.%, the absorption of water under neutral pH condition (pH 6.8) was observed. The release of insulin was suppressed below 10% during the swelling process of the hydrogel under neutral pH condition, while release was accelerated during the erosion process of the hydrogel. The relationship between erosion of the hydrogel and the release of the insulin depended on the erosion process of the hydrogel but differed according to the PMA/PMB ratio.

Injectable biodegradable hydrogels composed of hyaluronic acid–tyramine conjugates for drug delivery and tissue engineering

The sequential injection of hyaluronic acid-tyramine conjugates and enzymes forms biodegradable hydrogels in vivo by enzyme-induced oxidative coupling, offering high potential as a promising biomaterial for drug delivery and tissue engineering.