Macroscopic Adhesion of Thermoreversible ABC Triblock Copolymer‐Based Hydrogels Via Boronic Acid–Sugar Complexation

Abstract

Two complementary thermoreversible ABC triblock copolymers containing either phenylboronic acids with low pK values or galactosyl groups in the hydrophilic B blocks are synthesized by sequential reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer polymerization and subsequent modification of the functional groups. Both ABC triblock copolymers undergo reversible sol-to-gel transitions upon temperature change and form physically cross-linked hydrogels under physiological conditions. Furthermore, the spontaneous adhesion of these thermoreversible hydrogels via the formation of boronic esters between the phenylboronic acid and galactosyl groups under physiological conditions is realized for the first time.

Cross‐Linking Building Blocks Using a “Boronate Bridge” to Build Functional Hybrid Materials

“…Tamate et al. also reported assembling thermoreversible hydrogels constructed using an ABC‐type triblock copolymer containing PBA moiety in the B block and the same polymer containing galactosyl moiety in the B block . Two kinds of thermoreversible hydrogels adhered to each other by the boronate‐galactose interaction under physiological conditions.…”

“…Winblade et al also reported a strategy to block adhesion of cells to extracellular matrices using the same polymers. [33] A tissue culture polystyrene dish was coated with the copolymer, preventing adhesion of rabbit lens epithelial cells to the surface. The polymer also enhanced surgical lysis of peritoneal adhesions in rats.…”

Strong Cationic Radical Initiator‐Based Design of a Thermoresponsive Hydrogel Showing Drastic Volume Transition

“…[1][2][3][4][5][6] In the past few decades, various gel functions, including stimuli response, self-oscillation, self-healing, high mechanical strength, and biomolecular recognition, have been developed. [7][8][9][10][11][12][13] Moreover, researchers have attempted strategic control of the gel structure, [14][15][16][17][18] because the molecular design of polymer networks plays a significant role in the development of various gel functionalities. www.advancedsciencenews.com www.mcp-journal.de…”

Interfacial Thermoreversible Chemistry on Functional Coatings: A Focus on the Diels–Alder Reaction

“…In this review, we specially focused on smart materials which respond to thermal stimulus. [14][15][16][17][18] Thermally reversible materials fit into two categories: ones based on reversible weak interactions and those based on reversible covalent bonds. [19] Thermoreversible systems based on weak interactions mainly exist in materials that are able to create and break polar bonds or hydrogen bonds according to the surrounding temperature; the latter interactions entail for instance the formation of reversible chitosan/pectine hydrogels [20] or the formation of smart silica-rubber nanocomposites.…”