Simultaneously physically and chemically gelling polymer system utilizing a poly(NIPAAm-co-cysteamine)-based copolymer.

ABSTRACT: The objective of this work was to create an in situ physically and chemically cross-linking hydrogel for in vivo applications. N-Isopropylacrylamide (NIPAAm) was copolymerized with N-acryloxysuccinimide (NASI) via free radical polymerization. Poly(NIPAAm-co-NASI) was further modified to obtain poly(NIPAAm-co-cysteamine) through a nucleophilic attack on the carbonyl group of the NASI by the amine group of the cysteamine. Modification was verified by nuclear magnetic resonance. In addition to thermoresponsive physical gelling due to the presence of NIPAAm, this system also chemically gels via a Michael-type addition reaction when mixed with poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate. The presence of both physical and chemical gelation resulted in material properties that are much improved compared to

SUBMITTER: Robb SA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2892919 | biostudies-literature | 2007 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature