Biocompatible cryogels of thermosensitive polyglycidol derivatives with ultra-rapid swelling properties

• Published in: European polymer journal 2011-05, Vol.47 (5), p.981-988
• Main Authors: Petrov, Petar, Utrata-Wesołek, Alicja, Trzebicka, Barbara, Tsvetanov, Christo B., Dworak, Andrzej, Anioł, Jacek, Sieroń, Aleksander
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adhesion; Applied sciences; Cell adhesion; Crosslinking and degradation; Cryogels; Derivatives; Exact sciences and technology; Fibroblasts; Mathematical models; Physicochemistry of polymers; Polyglycidol; Polymers and radiations; Precursors; Scaffolds; Thermosensitive; Thermosensitivity; Walls
• ISSN: 0014-3057; 1873-1945
• DOI: 10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2011.03.010

Novel thermosensitive macroporous cryogels, based on various hydrophobically modified high molar mass (HMM) polyglycidol precursors, were synthesized using the UV-irradiation technique. The method involved the preparation of a semi-dilute aqueous solution of thermosensitive poly(glycidol-co-ethyl glycidyl carbamate) (PGL-Et), subsequent freezing at a moderately negative temperature (−20°C) and irradiation with UV light. All PGL-Et cryogels had a spongy-like structure of smooth polymer walls surrounding interconnected macroscopic pores. Consequently, the cryogels exhibited temperature triggered, reversible, ultra-rapid volume phase transition (VPT) from a swollen to deswollen state within 20–25s. The VPT temperature of the PGL-Et cryogels was strongly dependent on the degree of modification of the PGL precursors and it decreased proportionally with increased ethyl glycidyl carbamate content. The PGL-Et cryogels were used as a scaffold for skin cell (fibroblast) adhesion. Adhesion and proliferation tests indicated that the gels were good supports for cell cultivation.