Hydrogels produced from the self-assembly of synthetic polymers have an inexhaustible potential to serve as either a delivery matrix for a vast range of pharmaceutical, cosmetic and dietary products or as a therapeutic themselves. Recent developments in polymer chemistry have enabled polymers to be synthesized with well-controlled composition and architecture. Highly versatile orthogonal functionalization strategies also allow gelation of such polymers and containment of drug payload through one or a combination of the following association mechanisms such as hydrophobic interactions, ionic interactions, hydrogen bonding, physical entanglement of macromolecules and chemical cross-linking of the matrix. A series of amphiphilic ABA triblock copolymers, consisting of a hydrophilic PEG middle block flanked on both ends by hydrophobic polycarbonate blocks bearing hydrophobic functionalities, were synthesized. These polymers are capable of forming hydrogels depending on the hydrophobic/hydrophilic balance of the polymers and solvent composition. A key advantage of such gel systems is that they are formed solely based on intermolecular physical interactions and does not involve the formation of covalent bonds. Viscoelastic behavior of the gels can be adjusted in a facile manner by varying the polymer concentration and ratio between the constituent blocks. Through careful selection of suitable constituent blocks, the loading of diverse variety of drug payloads with different chemical and physical characteristics can be achieved. In addition to serving as a depot for therapeutic delivery, we have shown that the gel can also serve as the therapeutic. Antimicrobial hydrogels have been shown to have broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity as well as the ability to eradicate biofilms.

Industry-government partnership for the development of supramolecular hydrogels as therapeutics and therapeutic delivery agents

2019 Spring National Meeting

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.