G-POSS connected double network starch gels for protein release.

Starch is one of the most frequently preferred natural polymers in hydrogel synthesis. Herein, we combined two strategies of associating brittle and ductile networks in a structure and incorporating inorganic particles into the polymeric gel to design mechanically enhanced nanocomposite double network (DN) starch gels. For the first time in the literature, nanocomposite starch gels (s-NC) were designed by cross-linking starch chains with 8-armed glycidyl-polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (g-POSS) units.

Opportunities and Challenges of Switchable Materials for Pharmaceutical Use.

Switchable polymeric materials, which can respond to triggering signals through changes in their properties, have become a major research focus for parenteral controlled delivery systems. They may enable externally induced drug release or delivery that is adaptive to in vivo stimuli. Despite the promise of new functionalities using switchable materials, several of these concepts may need to face challenges associated with clinical use.

Cyclodextrin-linked PVP/PEG supramolecular hydrogels.

Herein, we developed supramolecular hydrogels by using cyclodextrin (CD) molecules as crosslinking domains to hold poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and poly(N-vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP) chains in a network structure. The presence of PVP surrounding α-CD-PEG inclusion complexes through hydrogen bonds resulted in water-insoluble gels. Feed ratios of the reaction components and the molecular weight of the PEG chains were found considerably essential to adjust the properties of the final networks.

Rheological characterization of starch gels: A biomass based sorbent for removal of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).

Environmental awareness increased the demand for the biomass based materials with superior properties instead of petroleum products. This study aims to prepare starch networks as sorbents for the removal of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Two types of crosslinker, epichlorohydrine (ECH) and glutaraldehyde (GA), were choosed for the preparation of Gel-E and Gel-G networks, respectively.

A multifunctional multimaterial system for on-demand protein release.

In order to provide best control of the regeneration process for each individual patient, the release of protein drugs administered during surgery may need to be timely adapted and/or delayed according to the progress of healing/regeneration. This study aims to establish a multifunctional implant system for a local on-demand release, which is applicable for various types of proteins. It was hypothesized that a tubular multimaterial container kit, which hosts the protein of interest as a solution or gel formulation, would enable on-demand release if equipped with the capacity of diameter reduction upon external stimulation.