Thermogels are aqueous solutions that undergo sol-to-gel transition as the temperature increases. They have extensively been investigated for their unique structures, transition mechanisms, and potential biomedical applications as an in-situ gel-forming systems. Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid), chitosan, polycaprolactone, polyphosphazene, poly(ethylene glycol)/poly(propylene glycol) multiblocks, poly(trimethylene carbonate), polycyanoacrylate, etc. have been developed as a biodegradable thermogel. Recently, we have developed polypeptide thermogels. Depending on the composition and molecular weight of the polypeptide, they develop unique secondary structures such as random coils, beta-sheets, and alpha-helix. Based on the control of these structures, sol-to-gel transition temperature and degradability of polypeptide could be controlled. In particular, the polypeptide thermogels are very promising for biomedical applications including tissue engineering, cell/stem cell therapy, and drug delivery due to the fact that 1) it has in-situ gel forming ability, 2) pH drop is not observed during the degradation of the polymer, 3) the polymer is stable in buffer, however, degraded after in-vivo application, and 4) a low polymer concentration is needed to form a robust gel. In this presentation, we will discuss the characteristics of biodegradable thermogels based on our experiences, and biomedical applications of the polypeptide thermogels as a three-dimensional matrix of cells.

Biodegradable thermogels and their biomedical applications

2019 Fall National Meeting

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