Poly(Ethylene Glycol) Based Hydrogels for Intraocular Applications

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.

Evaluation of viscoelastic poly(ethylene glycol) sols as vitreous substitutes in an experimental vitrectomy model in rabbits

“…Future work will focus on cross-linking PEG following injection, so that the resulting viscoelastic insoluble gel is retained for a longer period in the vitreous body. This could be achieved by, for example, the use of PEG with thiol and acrylate functional groups to form cross-links in situ [29,30]. …”

Hydrogels in ophthalmic applications

“…In this review article, we pre-117 sent a general overview on ophthalmic applications of hydrogels 118 with special emphasis on drug delivery systems for the posterior 119 segment of the eye. We particularly focus on the different 120 gel-forming polymers, the physicochemical properties of the 121 resulting hydrogels, and the challenges associated with the prepa-122 ration of hydrogel-based drug delivery systems. Recent develop- 123 ments in the field of ophthalmic drug delivery are presented and 124 critically reviewed regarding the potential therapeutic benefits.…”

Protein Compatibility of Selected Cross‐linking Reactions for Hydrogels

“…Methoxy poly(ethylene glycol) maleimide, molecular weight 5 kDa (mPEG5k‐maleimide, Table ) and methoxy poly(ethylene glycol) 3‐(furan‐2‐yl)propanamide, molecular weight 5 kDa (mPEG5k‐furan, Table ) were synthesized according to previously published protocols . Methoxy poly(ethylene glycol) acrylamide, molecular weight 5 kDa (mPEG5k‐acrylamide, Table ) was synthesized from methoxy poly(ethylene glycol) amine as described by Browning et al…”