Feng Zengguo

Synthesis and characterization of biodegradable hydrogels based on photopolymerizable acrylate-terminated CL-PEG-CL macromers with supramolecular assemblies of α-cyclodextrins

Abstract A series of polypseudorotaxanes were synthesized from α-cyclodextrins (α-CDs) threaded onto photopolymerizable CL-PEG-CL oligomers bearing acrylate terminals. The corresponding supramolecular structured hydrogels were prepared from these polypseudorotaxanes in a mixed solvent of H 2 O and DMSO via in situ photopolymerization under UV irradiation. The structure and properties of the gels were characterized by FTIR, TGA–DTG and WAXD. The results show that α-CDs are threaded and immobilized onto the network chains of the hydrogel with crosslinking junctions as stoppers topologically, and the feed molar ratio of α-CDs to the macromers affects the hydrogel structure and the water distribution in the hydrogel. These supramolecular structured hydrogels may be good candidates for biomaterial applications.