Dual‐functional electrospun poly(2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate)

Abstract

Poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (pHEMA) has been widely used in many biomedical applications due to its well-known biocompatibility. For tissue engineering applications, porous scaffolds that mimic fibrous structures of natural extracellular matrix and possess high surface-area-to-volume ratios are highly desirable. So far, a systematic approach to control diameter and morphology of pHEMA fibers has not been reported and potential applications of pHEMA fibers have barely been explored. In this work, pHEMA was synthesized and processed into fibrous scaffolds using an electrospinning approach. Fiber diameters from 270 nm to 3.6 μm were achieved by controlling polymer solution concentration and electrospinning flow rate. Post-electrospinning thermal treatment significantly improves integrity of the electrospun membranes in water. The pHEMA microfibrous membranes exhibited water absorption up to 280% (w/w), whereas the pHEMA hydrogel only absorbed 70% water. Fibrinogen adsorption experiments demonstrate that the electrospun pHEMA fibers highly resist nonspecific protein adsorption. Hydroxyl groups on electrospun pHEMA fibers were further activated for protein immobilization. A bovine serum albumin (BSA) binding capacity as high as 120 mg BSA/g membrane was realized at an intermediate fiber diameter. The pHEMA fibrous scaffolds functionalized with collagen I significantly promoted fibroblast adhesion, spreading, and proliferation. We conclude that the electrospun pHEMA fibers are dual functional, that is, they resist nonspecific protein adsorption meanwhile abundant hydroxyl groups on fibers allow effective conjugation of biomolecules in a nonfouling background. High water absorption and dual functionality of the electrospun pHEMA fibers may lead to a number of potential applications such as wound dressings, tissue scaffolds, and affinity membranes.

Photoinitiated chemical vapor deposition of cytocompatible poly(2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate) films

“…Poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (pHEMA) has been utilized extensively in biological and biomedical applications [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11] because it is nontoxic and possesses adequate mechanical strength. [12][13][14] Applications of pHEMA films include biosensors, [15][16][17][18] contact lenses, 19,20 controlled drug release, [21][22][23][24] and resistance to protein adhesion.…”

Effectiveness of non-biodegradable poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate)-based hydrogel particles as a fibroblast growth factor-2 releasing carrier

“…Here, the fabricated polymer consisted of 90% HEMA and 10% TMPT, and its water absorption ratio was 58.3%. Zhang et al [16] reported that the water absorption ratio of polyHEMA hydrogel in fiber form was 70%. In general, polymers composed of bi-functional monomers, such as dimethacrylate, have lower water absorbability compared with straight-chain polymers, such as polymethyl methacrylate, because the cross-linked structure interferes with water uptake [29,30].…”

“…A variety of hydrogels, including gelatin [11], polysaccharide [12], polyethylene glycol [13], and polyHEMA [14][15][16][17][18], have been used as carriers for drug delivery. Many of these hydrogels are biodegradable and thus inappropriate for use as a restorative material, which should maintain its integrity in a wet environment.…”

Non-biodegradable polymer particles for drug delivery: A new technology for “bio-active” restorative materials

“…In particular, for resin-based restorative materials, the use of a polymer-based carrier containing the active agents is effective. In the past, a variety of polymers, such as cellulose 12) , gelatin 13) , polysaccharide 14) , polyethylene glycol 15) , or poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (polyHEMA) [16][17][18][19] , have been reported as carriers for drug delivery. These polymers form biocompatible hydrogels with excellent water absorbability to facilitate the uptake of therapeutic agents.…”