Fabrication of Multiresponsive Magnetic Nanocomposite Double‐Network Hydrogels for Controlled Release Applications
Cheng‐Hsun Lu, Yi‐Cheun Yeh
Abstract
Abstract Nanocomposite double‐network hydrogels (ncDN hydrogels) have been demonstrated as promising biomaterials to present several desired properties (e.g., high mechanical strength, stimuli‐responsiveness, and local therapy) for biomedicine. Here, a new type of ncDN hydrogels featuring definable microstructures and properties as well as multistimuli responsiveness for controlled release applications is developed. Amine‐functionalized iron oxide nanoparticles (IOPs_NH 2 ) are used as nanoparticle cross‐linkers to simultaneously connect the dual networks of gelatin (Gel) and polydextran aldehyde (PDA) through hydrogen bonding, electrostatic interactions, and dynamic imine bonds. The pH‐ and temperature‐responsive Gel/PDA/IOP_NH 2 ncDN hydrogels present a fast release profile of proteins at acidic pH and high temperature. Besides, IOP_NH 2 also contributes the magnetic‐responsiveness to the ncDN hydrogels, allowing the use of magnetic field to generate heat to facilitate the structural change of hydrogels and the subsequent applications. Taken together, a versatile ncDN hydrogel platform capable of multistimuli responsiveness and local heating for controlled release is developed for advanced biomedical applications.