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PLA-PEO-PLA hydrogels: Chemical structure, self-assembly and mechanical properties

  • University of Massachusetts

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

4 Scopus citations

Abstract

Poly(lactide)-block-poly(ethylene oxide)-block-poly(lactide) [PLA-PEO-PLA] triblock copolymers are known to form physical hydrogels in water. Their biodegradability makes them attractive for soft tissue scaffolds and drug delivery applications. In addition, they serve as an excellent model system for physical hydrogels or networks. Understanding their mechanical properties is an important objective. More recently, these non-covalent networks were converted to covalently cross-linked hydrogels that prevent the gel-to-sol transition upon exposure to infinite water. Specifically, this was accomplished by allowing the system to self-assemble followed by covalent capture of the self-assembled architecture.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationDegradable Polymers and Materials
Subtitle of host publicationPrinciples and Practice (2nd Edition)
PublisherAmerican Chemical Society
Pages313-324
Number of pages12
ISBN (Print)9780841228221
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 14 2012

Publication series

NameACS Symposium Series
Volume1114
ISSN (Print)0097-6156
ISSN (Electronic)1947-5918

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