Title
Thermoresponsive double network cryogels from dendronized copolymers showing tunable encapsulation and release of proteins
Author
Xiaoqing Feng, Jie Liu, Gang Xu, Xiacong Zhang, Xinyan Su, Wen Li, Afang Zhang
Year
2018
Journal
Journal of Materials Chemistry B
Abstract
A seires of double-network cryogels (DNCs) were prepared from oligoethylene glycol (OEG)-based dendronized copolymer as the first network and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as the second network. The dendronized copolymers were constituted with dendritic OEG units, as well as triethoxysilyl, amine or carboxyl groups. The dendritic OEGs ensured the characteristic thermoresponsiveness, and triethoxysilyl groups were for crossslinking, while amino and carboxyl groups were designed to provide charged species for specifically interacting with proteins. PVA behaves as mutual support which ensure the stability and mechanical properties of the cryogels. These DNCs showed good thermoresponsiveness and biocompatibility. When temperature increased above their cloud points (Tcps), the cryogels became hydrated with enhanced hydrophobicity, and thus their porous structures shrunk. This property was utilized to mediate encapsulation and release of proteins. The loading and release efficiency to different proteins were found to be dominated by hydrophilic to hydrophobic transitions of the first network, and at the same time, the properties of proteins. At room temperature, the cryogel could efficiently capture model proteins, while above Tcps, more than 80% of lysozyme could be released in 24 h with the enzyme activity remaining unchanged. These series of smart cryogels based on thermoresponsive dendronized copolymers may have promising applications for reversible capture of enzymes or proteins.
Instrument
J-815
Keywords
Circular dichroism, Secondary structure, Polymers, Biochemistry, Materials