Abstract
Hydrogels are attractive materials for biomedical applications due to their versatility and excellent biocompatibility. In this study, we report the preparation of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) based hydrogels for intraocular applications. We synthesized branched PEG-succinimidyl propionates (10 kDa molecular weight) and different types of PEG-amines (linear and branched, 2 and 10 kDa molecular ...
Abstract
Hydrogels are attractive materials for biomedical applications due to their versatility and excellent biocompatibility. In this study, we report the preparation of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) based hydrogels for intraocular applications. We synthesized branched PEG-succinimidyl propionates (10 kDa molecular weight) and different types of PEG-amines (linear and branched, 2 and 10 kDa molecular weight). Transparent hydrogels were formed in situ upon chemical reaction of these macromers. The gels were characterized by oscillatory rheometry and NMR experiments. By varying the concentration of macromers, the functionality of the PEG-amine, and the conditions during cross-linking, gels with adequate gelation times of approx 5-10 min and gel strengths of approx 350-1500 Pa were obtained. The cross-linked hydrogels showed no cytotoxic effects and may be used as vitreous substitutes or intraocular drug release systems.
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