Modulation of functional pendant chains within poly(ethylene glycol) hydrogels for refined control of protein release

Abstract

Hydrogels are highly attractive vehicles for diverse therapeutic proteins because of their controlled release and stable encapsulation. The release rates can be controlled by simply alternating the crosslinking density. However, it can also change their porosity and mechanical properties. In this study, we propose the ideal hydrogel system to overcome undesired changes in mechanical properties while controlling the release rate. Poly(ethylene glycol) dimethacrylate (PEGDA) hydrogels presenting pendant chains with end functional PEG monomethacylate (PEGMA) with varying physical properties were fabricated for controlling the release rates of proteins having various isoelectric points (pI). The pendant chains of the PEG hydrogels provide negative carge, positive charge and hydrophbicity, respectively, to the hydrogels. The release of proteins having different pI are controlled by electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions.