Author:
Zhang Kaiwen,Xue Kun,Loh Xian Jun
Abstract
Thermogels are also known as thermo-sensitive or thermo-responsive hydrogels and can undergo a sol–gel transition as the temperature increases. This thermogelling behavior is the result of combined action from multiscale thermo-responsive mechanisms. From micro to macro, these mechanisms can be attributed to LCST behavior, micellization, and micelle aggregation of thermogelling polymers. Due to its facile phase conversion properties, thermogels are injectable yet can form an in situ gel in the human body. Thermogels act as a useful platform biomaterial that operates at physiological body temperatures. The purpose of this review is to summarize the recent progress in thermogel research, including investigations on the thermogel gelation mechanism and its applications in drug delivery, 3D cell culture, and tissue engineering. The review also discusses emerging directions in the study of thermogels.
Funder
Agency for Science, Technology and Research
Subject
Polymers and Plastics,Organic Chemistry,Biomaterials,Bioengineering
Cited by
119 articles.
订阅此论文施引文献
订阅此论文施引文献,注册后可以免费订阅5篇论文的施引文献,订阅后可以查看论文全部施引文献