Engineered for adaptability: Dynamic oxidized alginate/PEI-mPEG biocompatible hydrogels with self-healing and controlled degradation
摘要
Dynamic hydrogels with reversible imine bonds hold great promise for biomedical applications. Nevertheless, precise modulation of their structural and biological features remains critical for successful biomedical translation. Here, dynamic hydrogels were prepared using oxidized alginate (OAlg) with either polyethyleneimine (PEI) or PEI-methoxy poly(ethylene glycol) (PEI-mPEG). The equilibrium water content, degradation rate, and mechanical properties were evaluated to determine the effects of polymer type and aldehyde-to-amine ratio. Biocompatibility studies revealed that OAlg/PEI-mPEG hydrogels exhibit superior cytocompatibility, while OAlg/PEI hydrogels showed cytotoxicity. These findings underscore the importance of material optimization to ensure the safe and effective use of dynamic hydrogels in biomedical applications.
Graphical abstract