Natural
polymer-based hydrogels are excellent for encapsulating
hydrophilic drugs, but they are mechanically weak and degrade easily.
In this communication, we exploit the electrostatic interaction between
nanosilicates (nSi) and gelatin methacrylate (GelMA) to form a mechanically
tough nanocomposite hydrogel for pharmaceutical drug delivery. These
hydrogels, prepared at subzero temperatures to form cryogels, displayed
macroporous structures, which favors cell infiltration. The designed
tough cryogel also showed a slower rate of degradation. Furthermore,
we encapsulated the small molecule metformin and sustained the drug
release under physiological conditions. Cryogel-loaded metformin reduced
the effect of endothelial cell injury caused by nutrient deprivation in vitro. Finally, we hypothesize that this versatile nanocomposite
material will find use in diverse biomedical applications.
Some weeks ago, we learned that the matriarch of a family, my good friend Anna, is dying. She is 75 and has inoperable esophageal cancer, and the doctors say it will only take a few more weeks or months. Anna is dying the way I want to die–at home, surrounded and lovingly tended by her family: her devoted husband of 54 years, her three daughters, her three worshipful sons-in-law, her adoring granddaughters. All of them see her every day. All of them are a part of a mutual struggle to give Anna a “good death” Anna, too, is a part of it. And, in a very small way, I am part of it, because I have been invited to be. Every few days, I walk next door and spend a few minutes talking to Anna.
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