An Injectable Double-Network Hydrogel for Cell Encapsulation

Further developing on the technique originally intended for the purpose of forming tough hydrogels, we showed in this study that the double-network system can also be used to synthesize an injectable gel. The gel was made up of poly (ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate, sodium alginic acid, and calcium chloride, and two networks, consisting of ionic and covalent networks, were found to co-exist in the gel. Additionally, the rheology studies showed that the mechanical properties of the gel only deteriorated under high strain, demonstrating the robustness of the gel upon injection. The results of a cell cytotoxicity test and a preliminary cell encapsulation study were promising, showing good cell compatibility and thus suggesting that the hydrogels could potentially be used for cell delivery.