Sim Belynn, Chang Jun Jie, Lin Qianyu, Wong Joey Hui Min, Ow Valerie, Leow Yihao, Wong Yi Jing, Boo Yi Jian, Goh Rubayn, Loh Xian Jun
Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 2 Fusionopolis Way, #08-03 Innovis, Singapore 138634, Republic of Singapore.
School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore 639798, Republic of Singapore.
Biomacromolecules. 2024 Dec 9;25(12):7563-7580. doi: 10.1021/acs.biomac.4c01240. Epub 2024 Nov 18.
Ionic complexes of electrostatically charged biomacromolecules are key players in various biological processes like nucleotide transportation, organelle formation, and protein folding. These complexes, abundant in biological systems, contribute to the function, responsiveness, and mechanical properties of organisms. Coherent with these natural phenomena, hydrogels formed through the complexation of oppositely charged polymers exhibit unique attributes, such as rapid self-assembly, hierarchical microstructures, tunable properties, and protective encapsulation. Consequently, polyelectrolyte complex (PEC) hydrogels have garnered considerable interest, emerging as an up-and-coming platform for various biomedical applications. This review outlines the underlying principles governing PEC hydrogels. The classification of polyelectrolytes and the self-assembly of PEC hydrogels are discussed, including the factors influencing their self-assembly process. Recent developments of PEC hydrogels for biomedical applications, including drug delivery, tissue engineering, wound healing and management, and wearable sensors, are summarized. This review concludes with the prospective directions for the next generation of PEC hydrogel research.
带静电生物大分子的离子复合物是核苷酸转运、细胞器形成和蛋白质折叠等各种生物过程中的关键参与者。这些复合物在生物系统中大量存在，对生物体的功能、反应性和机械性能有重要作用。与这些自然现象一致，通过带相反电荷聚合物的络合形成的水凝胶具有独特的特性，如快速自组装、分级微观结构、可调性能和保护性封装。因此，聚电解质复合物（PEC）水凝胶引起了相当大的兴趣，成为各种生物医学应用中一个新兴的平台。本综述概述了PEC水凝胶的基本原理。讨论了聚电解质的分类和PEC水凝胶的自组装，包括影响其自组装过程的因素。总结了PEC水凝胶在生物医学应用方面的最新进展，包括药物递送、组织工程、伤口愈合与管理以及可穿戴传感器。本综述最后展望了下一代PEC水凝胶研究的方向。
