Injectable Self-Healing Glucose-Responsive Hydrogels with pH-Regulated Mechanical Properties

Dynamically restructuring pH-responsive hydrogels are synthesized, employing dynamic covalent chemistry between phenylboronic acid and cis-diol modified poly(ethylene glycol) macromonomers. These gels display shear-thinning behavior, followed by a rapid structural recovery (self-healing). Size-dependent in vitro controlled and glucose-responsive release of proteins from the hydrogel network, as well as the biocompatibility of the gels, are evaluated both in vitro and in vivo.Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust (Award 2014PG-T1D002)National Institutes of Health (U.S.) (Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award F32DK101335)Wellcome Trust-MIT Postdoctoral Fellowshi