Supramolecular hydrogels from inclusion complexation of α-cyclodextrin with densely grafted chains in micelles for controlled drug and protein release

Abstract

An amphiphilic Py-PCL-b-POEGMA copolymer was prepared by the combination of ring-opening polymerization (ROP) and atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). Based on the host–guest inclusion complexation of α-CD with densely grafted chains of the POEGMA shell in Py-PCL-b-POEGMA micelles, supramolecular micellar hydrogels were obtained by adding α-CD into Py-PCL-b-POEGMA micellar solutions. Resulting from the dissociation of α-CD from the ICs upon heating, the Py-PCL-b-POEGMA IC-based supramolecular hydrogels presented thermo-responsive properties. As they were heated, the IC-based hydrogels underwent gel–sol transformation because of the breakage of the physical cross-links. Benefiting from the fluorescent pyrene group in the Py-PCL-b-POEGMA copolymer, the system showed fluorescent properties. And the fluorescent intensity decreased obviously and regularly during the sol–gel transformation process, which makes it possible to detect the sol–gel transformation through sensing the fluorescent intensity of the system. Due to the biodegradable and biocompatible properties, the IC-based hydrogels were used as carriers for delivery systems. The hydrogels showed good properties for controlled release, and the release rate and level can be controlled by temperature.