Dual Cross-Linking of Catechol-Alginate Hydrogels: A Strategy for Enhanced Stability and Sustained Drug Delivery
Journal
ACS Omega
Journal Volume
10
Journal Issue
12
Start Page
12505
End Page
12513
ISSN
2470-1343
2470-1343
Date Issued
2025-04-01
Author(s)
Zi-Ting Feng
Abstract
This study presents the development and characterization of a novel catechol-conjugated alginate (C-Alg) hydrogel system that combines Ca2+-mediated ionic cross-linking with laccase-catalyzed enzymatic cross-linking. While traditional Ca2+-mediated alginate hydrogels are known for their rapid gelation, they suffer from poor long-term stability in physiological conditions, limiting their effectiveness in medical applications. In the system developed here, the hydrogel initially formed upon mixing C-Alg with Ca2+, followed by gradual chemical catechol cross-linking through enzyme catalysis. The C-Alg hydrogels exhibited markedly improved mechanical strength and enhanced stability compared to those cross-linked with Ca2+ alone. This dual cross-linking approach also effectively slowed the release rates of model molecules with molecular weights ranging from several hundred to ten thousand. These advantages highlight the potential of C-Alg hydrogels as effective platforms for injectable drug delivery systems.
SDGs
Publisher
American Chemical Society (ACS)
Type
journal article