In Vivo Redox-Responsive Sol-Gel/Gel-Sol Transition of Star Block Copolymer Solution Based on Ionic Cross-Linking

Yoshiyuki Nakagawa, Seiichi Ohta, Akira Sugahara, Masashi Okubo, Atsuo Yamada, Taichi Ito*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

15 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Redox-responsive hydrogels have the potential for application in various fields, including biomedical science. We have developed a redox-responsive star block copolymer hydrogel based on iron ion cross-linking. The addition of the ferric ion (Fe3+) induced gelation of the star block copolymer solution within a few seconds, whereas the addition of the ferrous ion (Fe2+) did not. The resulting hydrogels cross-linked using Fe3+ showed storage moduli (G′) of 26-1400 Pa and were stable under physiological conditions for as long as 1 month. The cross-linking between the star arms produced by the addition of Fe3+ enabled a fast, redox-responsive sol-gel/gel-sol transition. Furthermore, the hydrogel showed excellent injectability and biocompatibility in vivo, resulting in a rapid sol-gel/gel-sol transition in subcutaneous tissues in response to redox stimuli, such as the administration of ascorbic acid or hydrogen peroxide.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)5539-5548
Number of pages10
JournalMacromolecules
Volume50
Issue number14
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2017 Jul 25
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Organic Chemistry
  • Polymers and Plastics
  • Inorganic Chemistry
  • Materials Chemistry

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