Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)-Based Hydrogel Development
Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)-based hydrogel is a type of smart hydrogel that has received significant attention in the field of materials science, chemistry, and biomedical engineering. As a pioneer in hydrogel development, Matexcel is committed to developing customized poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)-based hydrogels for our global customers to meet their needs in a wide range of applications.
Introduction to Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)-Based Hydrogel
Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) is a widely used thermosensitive polymer (because it increases solubility with decreasing temperature and causes volume phase transition by forming hydrogen bonds) that has attracted attention in numerous fields. Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)-based hydrogels are soft and porous materials that can swell and deswell in response to changes in temperature. This unique property makes PNIPAM-based hydrogels useful for a variety of applications, including drug delivery, tissue engineering, and biosensors. PNIPAM-based hydrogels are typically synthesized via free radical polymerization of N-isopropylacrylamide monomers in an aqueous solution using a cross-linking agent. The resulting hydrogel can be tuned to have different mechanical and swelling properties by varying the concentration of monomer and crosslinker, as well as the reaction conditions.
PNIPAM-based hydrogels have several advantages over other types of hydrogels. They are biocompatible and biodegradable, which makes them suitable for use in biomedical applications. They also have a high water content, which allows for the diffusion of small molecules and nutrients. Additionally, their thermoresponsive behavior makes them responsive to changes in body temperature, which can be exploited for drug delivery. Nevertheless, they have intrinsic shortcomings such as limited loading capacity of actives, poor mechanical properties, and poor biodegradability. Formulation of PNIPAM with multiple functional components to develop hydrogel composites is an effective solution to overcome these drawbacks and will be of significant help in exploring their wider application potential.
Fig. 1 Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)-based ionic hydrogels. (Zhou X., et al., 2016)
Applications of Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)-Based Hydrogel in the Biomedicine
Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) is a thermoresponsive polymer that has gained considerable attention in the development of hydrogels due to its unique properties. This property makes it an attractive material for various biomedical applications, particularly in the field of drug delivery and tissue engineering.
- Drug delivery: PNIPAM-based hydrogels can be used as drug delivery vehicles, releasing drugs in response to changes in temperature. By incorporating drugs into the hydrogel matrix, the release of the drug can be controlled and sustained over time.
- Tissue engineering: PNIPAM-based hydrogels can be used as scaffolds for tissue engineering. The hydrogels can be used to create three-dimensional structures that mimic the extracellular matrix of native tissues, providing a suitable environment for cell growth and proliferation.
- Biosensors: PNIPAM-based hydrogels can be used as sensors for biological molecules such as proteins and enzymes. By functionalizing the hydrogel with specific ligands, the hydrogel can selectively capture and release the target molecule, which can be detected using various methods such as fluorescence or electrochemical measurements.
- Microfluidics: PNIPAM-based hydrogels can be used in microfluidic devices to control the flow of fluids. By incorporating PNIPAM into the channels of the device, the flow rate can be controlled by changing the temperature of the hydrogel.
- Smart coatings: PNIPAM-based hydrogels can be used as coatings on surfaces such as medical implants, to prevent fouling and infection. By changing the temperature of the hydrogel, the coating can release antimicrobial agents or other bioactive molecules.
Our Services
Matexcel leverages our advanced technology and extensive experience in hydrogel development to help our customers break through all the challenges in poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)-based hydrogel research and development. Our customized poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)-based hydrogel development services include, but are not limited to, the following.
- Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)-based Hydrogel Formulation Design Services
We offer customized poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)-based hydrogel formulation design services to tailor the physicochemical and functional properties of hydrogels to meet specific downstream application requirements. - Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)-based Hydrogel Modification Services
We offer customized modification services for poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)-based hydrogels, including but not limited to chemical and surface modification of the hydrogel or using cross-linking agents to increase its stability and mechanical strength. - Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)-based Hydrogel Analysis and Characterization Services
We provide a full range of analysis and characterization services in the development of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)-based hydrogels, as well as efficacy testing services for hydrogel samples.
Process of Our Service
Want to Learn More?
Matexcel is a promising hydrogel development company that helps customers explore the potential of hydrogels for further applications by providing high-quality, customized, one-stop hydrogel development and analysis services. By combining cutting-edge technology with proprietary innovations, we can provide high-quality solutions for the development and characterization of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)-based hydrogels. If you are interested in our services, please fill out the online inquiry form and tell us more about your project.
References
- Ansari MJ., et al. Poly(n-isopropylacrylamide)-based hydrogels for biomedical applications: a review of the state-of-the-art. Gels. 2022, 8(7):454.
- Zhou X., et al. Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)-based ionic hydrogels: synthesis, swelling properties, interfacial adsorption and release of dyes. Polymer Journal. 2016, 48(4):431-438.