3D printing of nitric oxide-releasing hybrid hydrogels based on poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) and polysilsescoyxane

Abstract

The multiple physiological actions of nitric oxide (NO), including the vasodilation and the acceleration of wound healing, have motivated the development of biomaterials for local NO re-lease. Poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (PHEMA) hydrogels are widely used for the manufacturing of contact lenses. More recently the presence of vinyl groups in the monomer has allowed the 3D printing of constructs for specific applications. The main aim of the present project is the development of NO-releasing hybrid-organic-inorganic hydrogels based on PHEMA and polysilsesquioxane for light-assisted 3D printing. The hydrogels will be prepared from the hydrolysis and condensation of the triethoxysilyl groups chemically bound to the 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate molecules, generating silsesquioxane nanostructures containing surface methacrylate groups and further charged with the NO donor S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO). The hydrogels will be characterized regarding their compressibility, swelling capacity morphology, and NO release profiles. (AU)