Thermo-sensitive Pluronic F127 hydrogels with functionalized nitric oxide-releasing end groups

Abstract

The main objective of this project is the development of new F127 hydrogels functionalized with terminal S-nitrosothiol (SNO) groups. The modified F127 (F127-SNO) hydrogels are expected to retain their thermo-sensitive property, undergoing gelation with the increase in temperature and to be capable of releasing NO thermally and photochemically. The first step in this development will be the chemical modification of F127 based on its reaction with 3,3-dithiodipropionil chloride in the presence of triethylamine, to yield F127-SS. The next reaction steps will be the reduction of F127-SS with D,L-dithiothreitol (DTT) to yield thiol end-caped F127 (F127SH) and the S-nitrosation reaction of the F127SH solutions using a N2O3-based nitrosation system. The kinetics of NO release from F127SNO will be monitored in real time by chemiluminescence. Micellization and gelation processes will be investigated using High Sensitivity Differential Scanning Calorimetry (HSDSC) and in situ SAXS measurements carried out at the SAXS1 beamline of the Brazilian synchrotron source, LNLS, Campinas, Brazil. (AU)