<i>In situ</i> formed thermogelable hydrogel photonic crystals assembled by thermosensitive IPNs
Xiaoxiao Li, Xiaoxiao Li, Di Zhao, Kenneth J. Shea, Xueting Li, Xueting Li, Xihua Lu
Abstract
, the photonic crystals assembled by these IPNs do not disappear but are "immobilized" in the in situ formed hydrogel matrix. Moreover, these colorful IPN dispersions exhibit outstanding syringe-injectability, immediately turning from an aqueous solution into an insoluble hydrogel as they are injected into PBS at 37 °C. Plus, a protein-release study showed that these injectable hydrogels show extended release times and slower release rates in comparison with dilute nanogel dispersions. In brief, these in situ formed hydrogels with brilliant structural colors have potential in optical applications, e.g., color displays, crystal immobilization, and biological applications, e.g., 3D cell culture and drug delivery.