Abstract

Thermoresponsive poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) hydrogels (PNIPAAm) have been widely used for controlled cell detachment. In this study, cell release is enhanced via deswelling with a two-pronged approach combining a double network (DN) design and micropatterning. PNIPAAm hydrogels are prepared as DNs comprised of a tightly crosslinked 1st network and a loosely crosslinked 2nd network. Moreover, the PNIPAAm DN hydrogels are prepared as both planar 1.5 mm-thick slabs as well as micropillar arrays (≈200 μm pillar diameter). Compared to the corresponding conventional single network (SN) hydrogels, DN hydrogels exhibit enhanced thermosensitivity and cell release efficiency, particularly for the micropillar arrays.

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