23 Jul REVERSIBLE CROSS-LINKED HYDROGELS
Abstract
A hydrogel composition and methods of preparing and using the same are disclosed. The hydrogel composition comprises an oxidized polysaccharide, an d a cross-linker having at least two functional cross-linking groups. The cros s- linker reversibly cross-links the polysaccharide and is provided in an amoun t to provide dangling cross-linkers. The method of preparing a hydrogel comprises the steps of providing an oxidized polysaccharide, and providing a cross-linker having at least two functional cross-linking groups. The cross- linker is mixed with the polysaccharide at a concentration of the cross-link er sufficient to form a hydrogel wherein the cross-linker reversibly cross-link s the polysaccharide and has dangling cross-linkers. The hydrogels are useful, for example, for tissue engineering, cell transplantation and drug delivery applications.
Year: 2001
Country: CA
Doc No: 2392419