This work describes the formation of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) microgels via a photopolymerized precipitation reaction. Precipitation reactions offer several advantages over traditional microsphere fabrication techniques. Contrary to emulsion, suspension, and dispersion techniques, microgels formed by precipitation are of uniform shape and size, i.e. low polydispersity index, without the use of organic solvents or stabilizers. The mild conditions of the precipitation reaction, customizable properties of the microgels, and low viscosity for injections make them applicable for in vivo purposes. Unlike other fabrication techniques, microgel characteristics can be modified by changing the starting polymer molecular weight. Increasing the starting PEG molecular weight increased microgel diameter and swelling ratio. Further modifications are suggested such as encapsulating molecules during microgel crosslinking. Simple adaptations to the PEG microgel building blocks are explored for future applications of microgels as drug delivery vehicles and tissue engineering scaffolds.

Download full-text PDF

Source
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4109318PMC
http://dx.doi.org/10.3791/51002DOI Listing

Publication Analysis

Top Keywords

molecular weight
12
polyethylene glycol
8
precipitation reaction
8
fabrication techniques
8
microgels
5
characteristics precipitation-formed
4
precipitation-formed polyethylene
4
glycol microgels
4
microgels controlled
4
controlled molecular
4

Similar Publications

Want AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?

Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!