Hydrolytically Degradable Micellar Hydrogels

摘要

Degradable and biologically inert hydrogel networks are described. The hydrogel networks are crosslinked and based on a biocompatible polymer that is chain extended with hydrophobic segments that include no more than 5 hydrophobic monomers to form a macromonomer that is then crosslinked to form a network that includes individual micelles throughout the crosslinked network. The hydrophobic segments of the macromonomer as well as other potentially toxic materials such as crosslink initiators can be sequestered in the micelles to better control degradation characteristics of the network as well as prevent toxicity to developing cellular structures of the network.

主权项

1. A biocompatible hydrogel network comprising:
a crosslinked macromonomer, the macromonomer including a biocompatible polymer and a hydrophobic segment at the termini of the biocompatible polymer, the hydrophobic segment including no more than 5 hydrophobic monomers; wherein the hydrogel network comprises a micelle that includes a core and comprises the crosslinked macromonomer such that the hydrophobic segment is sequestered in the core of the micelle.