Supramolecular hydrogels with reverse thermal gelation properties from (oligo)tyrosine containing block copolymers

Biomacromolecules. 2013 Jan 14;14(1):200-6. doi: 10.1021/bm301629f. Epub 2012 Dec 7.

Abstract

Novel block copolymers comprising poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and an oligo(tyrosine) block were synthesized in different compositions by N-carboxyanhydride (NCA) polymerization. It was shown that PEG2000-Tyr(6) undergoes thermoresponsive hydrogelation at a low concentration range of 0.25-3.0 wt % within a temperature range of 25-50 °C. Cryogenic transmission electron microscopy (Cryo-TEM) revealed a continuous network of fibers throughout the hydrogel sample, even at concentrations as low as 0.25 wt %. Circular dichroism (CD) results suggest that better packing of the β-sheet tyrosine block at increasing temperature induces the reverse thermogelation. A preliminary assessment of the potential of the hydrogel for in vitro application confirmed the hydrogel is not cytotoxic, is biodegradable, and produced a sustained release of a small-molecule drug.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Hot Temperature*
  • Hydrogels / chemistry*
  • Oligopeptides / chemistry*
  • Polyethylene Glycols / chemistry*
  • Polymers / chemistry*
  • Tyrosine / chemistry*

Substances

  • Hydrogels
  • Oligopeptides
  • Polymers
  • Polyethylene Glycols
  • Tyrosine