| 초록 |
Catechol-containing hydrogels are attractive materials in cell engineering due to their adhesion properties. Catechol moieties can be oxidized to react with proximal amine and/or other catechol groups. The crosslinking mechanism contributes to making porous hydrogels, but increasing the crosslinking density paradoxically decreases a porosity. Here, we easily developed a catechol hydrogel, called a cryogel, having large pores and improved elastic modulus by the freeze-thawing process. It depended on the freezing time and the number of freezing/thawing cycles due to the cryoconcentration. In a frozen state, the polymer became dislodge owing to ice formation to make thick polymer walls and large pores. The structure contributed to the energy dissipation mechanism where the cryogel showed sponge-like behavior. The cryogel also showed non-cytotoxicity and in vivo biocompatibility. Such catechol cryogel system may help to regulate mechanical strength and porosity in catechol hydrogel. |
