Hydrolytically degradable poly(ethylene glycol) hydrogel scaffolds with tunable degradation and mechanical properties.

ABSTRACT: The objective of this work was to create 3D hydrogel matrices with defined mechanical properties as well as tunable degradability for use in applications involving protein delivery and cell encapsulation. Therefore, we report the synthesis and characterization of a novel hydrolytically degradable poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) hydrogel composed of PEG vinyl sulfone (PEG-VS) cross-linked with PEG-diester-dithiol. Unlike previously reported degradable PEG-based hydrogels, these materials are homogeneous in structure, fully hydrophilic, and have highly specific cross-linking chemistry. We characterized hydrogel degradation and associated trends in mechanical properties, that is, storage modulus (G'), swelling ratio (Q(M)), and mesh size (xi). Degradation time and the monitored mechanical propert

SUBMITTER: Zustiak SP 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3050024 | biostudies-literature | 2010 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature