Synthesis, Characterization, and Potential Application of Cyclodextrin-Based Polyrotaxanes for Reinforced Atelocollagen Threads

Abstract

Preparing strong and flexible atelocollagen-based materials for biomedical applications is still a challenging task. To address this challenge, this study describes the synthesis and characterization of water-soluble polyrotaxanes (PRs) with different coverage ratios and molecular weights of axle polymers, and their potential applications for PR-reinforced atelocollagen threads (PRATs). A novel method was established for the syntheses of PRs with relatively low coverage ratio at the sub-gram scale, in which the aldehyde groups were employed as crosslinking sites for preparing the PRATs via reductive amination. The aldehyde groups were successfully quantified by 1H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy using 1,1-dimethylhydrazine as an aldehyde marker. Fourier-transform infrared and thermogravimetric analysis measurements supported the characterization of the PRs. Interestingly, tensile testing demonstrated that coverage ratio affected the mechanical properties of the PRATs more strongly than molecular weight. The insights obtained in this study would facilitate the development of soft materials based on atelocollagens and PRs.

Methylated Biochemical Fulvic Acid-Derived Hydrogels with Improved Swelling Behavior and Water Retention Capacity

“…In the past decades, water scarcity has become one of the foremost challenges for human beings with the rapid development of society and increasing population growth. In particular, this phenomenon is terribly serious in water-deficient regions, which has seriously affected the agricultural development and human living environment in various countries [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]. Various strategies, such as seawater desalination, atmospheric water harvesting (AWH) and water-retaining agents, are considered as the most universal strategies for freshwater production.…”

The Toughness-Enhanced Atelocollagen Double-Network Gel for Biomaterials

“…Atelocollagen, which is prepared by removing N- and C-terminal telopeptide regions, is also a promising biomaterial for its reduced immunogenicity [ 4 , 5 ]. We have previously demonstrated the potential application of atelocollagen in drug development, DDS, and regenerative medicine [ 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 ]. Most recently, we developed toughness-enhanced atelocollagen threads (i.e., anisotropic hydrogels) using slide-ring polymers, which demonstrated their potential as alternatives to tendon or ligament materials [ 10 , 11 ].…”

“…We have previously demonstrated the potential application of atelocollagen in drug development, DDS, and regenerative medicine [6][7][8][9][10][11]. Most recently, we developed toughness-enhanced atelocollagen threads (i.e., anisotropic hydrogels) using slide-ring polymers, which demonstrated their potential as alternatives to tendon or ligament materials [10,11].…”