Dendritic macromers as in situ polymerizing biomaterials for securing cataract incisions.

Journal Article (Journal Article)

Dendritic macromers are attractive macromolecules for hydrogel formation since high cross-linking densities at low polymer concentration can be obtained, varied physical properties can be observed based on the macromer structure, and low viscous aqueous solutions can be injected in an in vivo site of irregular shaped to form a well-integrated polymer network. A peptide dendron possessing terminal cysteine residues was synthesized and characterized. When this peptide dendron was mixed with poly(ethylene glycol dialdehyde) in aqueous solution at pH = 7.4, a hydrogel spontaneously formed as a consequence of thiazolidine linkages between the macromers. Such in situ polymerized hydrogels are of interest for tissue engineering and wound-repair applications. To evaluate the potential use of this hydrogel sealant in ophthalmic surgeries, a 3-mm clear corneal incision (i.e., the wounds created during a typical cataract surgery) was successfully sealed.

Full Text

Duke Authors

Cited Authors

  • Wathier, M; Jung, PJ; Carnahan, MA; Kim, T; Grinstaff, MW

Published Date

  • October 13, 2004

Published In

Volume / Issue

  • 126 / 40

Start / End Page

  • 12744 - 12745

PubMed ID

  • 15469247

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

  • 0002-7863

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

  • 10.1021/ja045870l

Language

  • eng

Conference Location

  • United States