[3PS-264]
Synthesis of a Thermoresponsive Hydrogel Based on Amphiphilic Copolymer Bearing Polyoxazoline End-Blocks
발표자김다혜 (단국대학교)
연구책임자김세영 (단국대학교)
Abstract
In this study, a thermoresponsive hydrogel with decent biocompatibility was developed based on a triblock copolymer, poly(2-isopropyl-2-oxazoline)-b-poly(ethylene oxide)-b-poly(2-isopropyl-2-oxazoline) (PiPOx-PEO-PiPOx). Both the central PEO block and the terminal PiPOx blocks are water-soluble at room temperature. However, above 40 °C, the PiPOx segments undergo a Lower critical solution temperature (LCST) transition, increasing hydrophobicity and promoting hydrophobic association. This thermoresponsive phase transition creates a network of nanosized physical crosslinks made from the PiPOx terminal block, leading to a well-defined sol-gel transition. Such behavior makes this hydrogel a promising potential for biomedical applications, including injection-based administration, controlled drug release, and static tissue engineering.