Zhong S., Wang X-Y, Wang Z.F., Zhuang T.T., Chen T.Y., Wang X-Y, Wang Z.F.
ABB US Corporate Research Center, US
Keywords: copolyester, crystallinity, injectable thermogel, rheology, sol-gel transition
PEG-PCT) has been successfully synthesized via ring opening polymerization. By adjusting initial monomer feeding ratio, TOSUO molar content in the hydrophobic block increases from 0% to 20% while the repeat units of the blocks remain the same. Analysis on the copolymers shows that TOSUO units disrupt crystal structure in the hydrophobic PCL block, and thus reduces its crystallinity and subsequently the hydrophobicity of the copolymer. As a result, properties of the copolymer aqueous thermogels are affected. Introduction of TOSUO component improves the sol stability and reduces the gelation temperature below 37 oC, suggesting its suitability to potential applications in injectable drug delivery. The study also indicates that one is able to tune the gel properties, such as gelation temperature, solution stability and gel mechanical stiffness, by de-novo designing copolymer chemistry to meet different application demands.
Journal: TechConnect Briefs
Volume: TechConnect Briefs 2021
Published: October 18, 2021
Pages: 153 - 156
Industry sector: Medical & Biotech
Topics: Biomaterials, Diagnostics & Bioimaging
ISBN: 978-0-578-99550-2