Issue 1, 2017

Shaped stimuli-responsive hydrogel particles: syntheses, properties and biological responses

Abstract

The ability to create nano- and micro-sized hydrogel matrices of well-defined shapes can provide a powerful means not only to mimic the key properties of biological systems, but also to regulate shape-dependent particle biodistribution and cellular association, and to correspondingly optimize drug delivery carriers. This review focuses on stimuli-responsive hydrogel particles of non-spherical shapes ranging from filled porous networks to hollow capsules. We summarize a pool of current experimental approaches and discuss perspectives in the development of the synergistic combination of shape and stimuli-response in particulate hydrogels. Recent advances in the design and synthesis of the pH-, redox-, temperature-sensitive, mechanical force-, magnetic- and enzyme-responsive hydrogel particles of non-spherical shapes are presented. Examples of existing and emerging technologies for creating a variety of shapes with controlled hydrogel composition and size are highlighted. We also discuss the effects of shape on the physiochemical properties of these particles as well as their shape-regulated biological interactions including particle circulation time and biodistribution.

Graphical abstract: Shaped stimuli-responsive hydrogel particles: syntheses, properties and biological responses

Article information

Article type
Review Article
Submitted
20 oct. 2016
Accepted
17 nov. 2016
First published
17 nov. 2016

J. Mater. Chem. B, 2017,5, 9-35

Shaped stimuli-responsive hydrogel particles: syntheses, properties and biological responses

B. Xue, V. Kozlovskaya and E. Kharlampieva, J. Mater. Chem. B, 2017, 5, 9 DOI: 10.1039/C6TB02746F

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