Intelligent hydrogels, specifically environmentally responsive hydrogels, are emerging as promising biomaterials capable of responding to biological environments and processes. These materials offer tunability and biocompatibility, making them valuable for various biomedical applications, including tissue regeneration and controlled drug delivery.
Multiresponsive poly (methacrylic acid-co-N-vinylpyrrolidone) hydrogels were synthesized, incorporating biodegradable oligopeptide crosslinks. These hydrogels exhibit pH-responsive swelling and enzyme-catalyzed degradation, particularly targeted by trypsin in the small intestine. The hydrogels also demonstrated pH-dependent loading of insulin for oral delivery to the small intestine.
This technology presents significant opportunities for advancing drug delivery systems, particularly for oral administration of siRNA and nanoparticle therapeutics, with its precise control over release mechanisms and biocompatibility.
The University of Texas at Austin is seeking a commercial partner to license.