Dynamically Restructuring Hydrogel Networks Formed with Reversible Covalent Crosslinks

Abstract

Dynamically restructuring hydrogel networks are formed from two water-soluble polymers by functionalization with phenylboronic acid (PBA) and salicylhydroxamic acid (SHA) moieties that interact through pH-sensitive and reversible covalent crosslinks (see figure). The networks can be tuned to display a wide range of pH-responsive properties, which can potentially be exploited for drug delivery systems in biological environments where similar acidic changes occur. Supporting information for this article is available on the WWW under http://www.wiley-vch.de/contents/jc_2089/2007/c2649_s.pdf or from the author. Please note: The publisher is not responsible for the content or functionality of any supporting information supplied by the authors. Any queries (other than missing content) should be directed to the corresponding author for the article.