DOI: 10.1093/chemle/upag165 ISSN: 0366-7022
Sequential crosslinking strategy for controllable shape fixation and recovery of poly(γ-glutamic) acid-based dual-crosslinked hydrogels
Sukulya Bunuasunthon, Passara Watcharachanchai, Yan-Ting Lin, Masahiko Nakamoto, Chun-Yen Liu, Varol Intasanta, Michiya MatsusakiAbstract
A bio-derived dual-crosslinkable polymer, poly(γ-glutamic acid) functionalized with alendronate (Aln) and methacrylate (MA) groups, was synthesized. A sequential photo and ionic crosslinking strategy enabled fixation of a mechanically compressed hydrogel through Ca2+-mediated ionic crosslinking. By varying the compressive strain, hydrogels with controllable geometry, microstructure, and mechanical stiffness were obtained. Etylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA)-mediated dissociation of the ionic crosslinks enabled reversible shape recovery. This strategy provides a simple approach for fabricating adaptable hydrogels with programmable physical properties.