Copolymer Hydrogels Research Articles

Nanostructure controlled sustained delivery of human growth hormone using injectable, biodegradable, pH/temperature responsive nanobiohybrid hydrogel.

The clinical efficacy of a therapeutic protein, the human growth hormone (hGH), is limited by its short plasma half-life and premature degradation. To overcome this limitation, we proposed a new protein delivery system by the self-assembly and intercalation of a negatively charged hGH onto a positively charged 2D-layered double hydroxide nanoparticle (LDH). The LDH-hGH ionic complex, with an average particle size of approximately 100 nm, retards hGH diffusion. Nanobiohybrid hydrogels (PAEU/LDH-hGH) were prepared by dispersing the LDH-hGH complex into a cationic pH- and temperature-sensitive injectable PAEU copolymer hydrogel to enhance sustained hGH release by dual ionic interactions. Biodegradable copolymer hydrogels comprising poly(β-amino ester urethane) and triblock poly(ε-caprolactone-lactide)-poly(ethylene glycol)-poly-(ε-caprolactone-lactide) (PCLA-PEG-PCLA) were synthesized and characterized. hGH was self-assembled and intercalated onto layered LDH nanoparticles through an anion exchange technique. X-ray diffraction and zeta potential results showed that the LDH-hGH complex was prepared successfully and that the PAEU/LDH-hGH nanobiohybrid hydrogel had a disordered intercalated nanostructure. The biocompatibility of the nanobiohybrid hydrogel was confirmed by an in vitro cytotoxicity test. The in vivo degradation of pure PAEU and its nanobiohybrid hydrogels was investigated and it showed a controlled degradation of the PAEU/LDH nanobiohybrids compared with the pristine PAEU copolymer hydrogel. The LDH-hGH loaded injectable hydrogels suppressed the initial burst release of hGH and extended the release period for 13 days in vitro and 5 days in vivo. The developed nanohybrid hydrogel has the potential for application as a protein carrier to improve patient compliance.

MMP9-sensitive polymers mediate environmentally-responsive bivalirudin release and thrombin inhibition.

MMP9-responsive bivalirudin-HPMA copolymers were synthesized for direct, local administration in rat spinal cord contusion injury models. Polymer-conjugated bivalirudin peptides maintained activity while demonstrating enzyme-mediated release upon MMP9 exposure and prolonged release from hyaluronic acid/methylcellulose (HAMC) hydrogels compared to free bivalirudin peptide. Localized administration of bivalirudin copolymers in vivo at the site of rat spinal cord injury decreased cellular proliferation and astrogliosis, suggesting the bivalirudin copolymer and HAMC hydrogel system are a promising therapeutic intervention for reducing immediate inflammatory responses and long term scarring.

Прищеплені кополімери полівінілпіролідону та м’які контактні лінзи на їхній основі

The graft polymerization of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate in presence of polyvinylpyrrolidone, which occurs through a stage of complex formation between the reactants, was investigated. The basic performance properties of hydrogel copolymers depending on their composition were investigated. A hydrogel polymeric material “Akrylan-LPI” for soft contact lenses was developed. Clinical testing confirmed the effectiveness of using of such lenses for vision correction as well as for eye injuries and burns treating.

Investigation on the ion pair amphiphiles and their in vitro release of amantadine drug based on PLGA–PEG–PLGA gel

The amantadine drug and oleic acid surfactant are used to form amantadine-based ion pair amphiphiles based on proton transfer reaction between the drug and the surfactant molecules. The ion pair amphiphiles are characterized by 1H-nuclear magnetic resonance, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction. Self-assembly properties of amantadine-based ion pair amphiphiles are studied by surface tension determination, transmission electron microscopy, zeta potential, and dynamic light scattering. The aggregation behavior studies indicate that the as-prepared ion pair amphiphiles can self-assemble into vesicles with the size of 200–300 nm in aqueous solution. The drug release results show that the amantadine release rate could be well controlled by incorporating the amantadine-based ion pair vesicles in poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid)-poly (ethylene glycol)-poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA–PEG–PLGA) copolymer hydrogel. The drug release from the AT–OA vesicle-loaded PLGA–PEG–PLGA hydrogel is significantly inhibited in comparison with the AT-loaded PLGA–PEG–PLGA hydrogel. The present work thus demonstrates that the vesicle-loaded hydrogel is a good candidate for the drug delivery system with long-term controlled drug release behavior.

A Novel Triple-Responsive Hydrogels Based on 2-(Dimethylamino) Ethyl Methacrylate by Copolymerization With 2-(N-morpholino) Ethyl Methacrylate

A novel triple responsive copolymer hydrogels composed of 2-(dimethylamino) ethyl methacrylate and 2-(N-morpholino) ethyl methacrylate monomers were prepared through free radical polymerization. The structure and morphology of the hydrogels were examined by using infrared spectroscopy (ATR-IR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). It was found that poly (DMAEMA-co-MEMA) hydrogels exhibited pH-dependent smart swelling and shrinking behavior in buffer solutions which is ascribed to the protonation/deprotonation of the tertiary amine pendant groups of both monomers. The copolymerization of more hydrophobic MEMA monomer with hydrophilic DMAEMA monomer created associated micro domain in the hydrogel structure which is able to induce reversible phase transition of the hydrogel. Therefore, poly (DMAEMA-co-MEMA) hydrogels displayed rapidly responses to the increasing temperature and divalent salt effects by shrink-type behavior. Such a multi-responsive network structure would be very beneficial for biomedical applications.

PH and Thermo Sensitive Superabsorbent Poly (N-Hydroxymethylacrylamide-co-Itaconic Acid) Hydrogels: Synthesis, Characterization and Kinetic Studies

In this study, itaconic acid (IA) was co-polymerized with N-hydroxymethylacrylamide (NHMAA) by free radical solution polymerization to prepare pH and thermo sensitive superabsorbent hydrogels. The polymerization process was carried out at 25°C by using ammonium persulfate (APS) and N,N,N’,N’-tetramethylethylenediamine (TMEDA) as initiating system and ethyleneglycoldimethacrylate (EGDMA) as a crosslinking agent. The effects of copolymer composition, crosslinking agent concentration, pH and temperature on swelling capacity and kinetic parameters were investigated. The copolymer hydrogels were characterized by using swelling studies and FT-IR analyses. The equilibrium degree of swelling of hydrogels was found to increase as pH value of the swelling solution varied from 2 to 12 and temperature from 45 to 25°C. The dynamic swelling studies have showed that, the diffusion exponent(n) and the diffusion coefficient(k) both increase with increasing content of itaconic acid.

Smart hydrogel-functionalized textile system with moisture management property for skin application

In this study, a functional textile-based material for topical skin application was fabricated by coating a thermoresponsive hydrogel onto one side of absorbent nonwoven fabric. The thermoresponsive hydrogel was synthesized easily through coupling of poly (ethylene glycol) (PEG) and poly (ϵ-caprolactone) (PCL) with hexamethylene diisocyanate (HMDI) as a chemical linker. The chemical structure of the as-prepared triblock copolymer hydrogel was unraveled by FTIR and 1H NMR analysis. The hydrogel showed a temperature-triggered sol-gel transition behavior and high potential for use as drug controlled release. When the surrounding temperature was close to the skin temperature of around 34 °C, it became a moisture management system where the liquids including sweat, blood, and other body fluids can be transported unidirectionally from one fabric side with the hydrophobic hydrogel coating to the untreated opposite side. This thereby showed that the thermoresponsive hydrogel-coated textile materials had a function to keep topical skin area clean, breathable, and comfortable, thus suggesting a great potential and significance for long-term skin treatment application. The structure and surface morphology of the thermoresponsive hydrogel, in vitro drug release behavior, and the mechanism of unidirectional water transport were investigated in detail. Our success in preparation of the functional textile composites will pave the way for development of various polymer- or textile-based functional materials that are applicable in the real world.

PH-sensitive hydrogels based on (meth)acrylates and itaconic acid

Novel hydrogels based on 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA), itaconic acid (IA) and different poly (alkylene glycol) (meth)acrylates (PAGM) (P(HEMA/IA/PAGM)) were synthesized. We investigated the influence of different PAGM components, with acrylic or methacrylic acid residues in the main chain and ethylene glycol (EG) and/or propylene glycol (PG) units in pendant chains of varying length, on the nature and inherent properties of P(HEMA/IA/PAGM) copolymeric hydrogels. Swelling studies revealed pH sensitive behavior of P(HEMA/IA/PAGM) samples. Hydrogel structure and morphology were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), which confirmed their chemical structure and differences in pore size. The shear modulus values for P(HEMA/IA/PAGM) hydrogels were close to that of PHEMA, but slightly lower than the value for P(HEMA/IA). Cephalexin (CEX) drug release profiles from P(HEMA/IA/PAGM) samples showed a marked dependence on the PAGM component. The presence of IA also influenced the release rate of CEX, leading to a faster release when IA was combined with the more hydrophilic PAGM component. An in vitro assay of P(HEMA/IA/PAGM) cytotoxicity showed good cell viability. The results obtained indicate that P(HEMA/IA/PAGM) hydrogel properties were significantly dependent on the PAGM component, meaning that the type of side chains can be used to tune the characteristics of such biomaterials. These properties make P(HEMA/IA/PAGM) copolymeric hydrogels applicable in biomedical and biotechnological fields and controlled drug delivery.

A lattice molecular thermodynamic model for thermo-sensitive random copolymer hydrogels

Recent advances in polymer chemistry have enabled the design of a wide range of copolymer hydrogels consisting of stimulus-responsive blocks and other functional blocks used in many fields. In this work, a new molecular thermodynamic model is developed based on our previous work for the swelling behavior of temperature-sensitive random copolymer hydrogels. The influences of polymer species, the molar fraction f, and the cross-linking degree on the swelling behaviors of copolymer hydrogels are investigated. The calculated swelling curves of PNIPAm-ENAG copolymer hydrogels have been compared with the corresponding experimental results. It is shown that the results obtained by model are quite consistent with the experimental data, and this indicates the validity of our model.

Layer-by-Layer Assembled Hybrid Materials for Sustainable Applications

Organic / inorganic hybrids are widely used in nature to mimic biological functions providing a specific morphology and functionality to materials and surfaces. In this review, we focus on construction, properties and application of Layer-by-Layer assembled hybrid materials. Use of polyelectrolytes, block copolymers and block copolymer micelles, hydrogels and functional nanoparticles, nanotubes, clays and active chemicals (corrosion inhibitors, biocides, growth factors) for the formation of Layer-by-Layer assemblies is in focus. The Layer-by-Layer assembled hybrids are sensitive to a great variety of chemical, physical, biological and mechanical stimuli and demonstrate pronounced morphological (thickness, permeability, roughness etc.) and compositional (release of low molecular weight compounds, pH buffering effect) changes on demand. Here we highlight construction, properties and application of Layer-by-Layer assembled hybrid materials. Use of polyelectrolytes, block copolymers and block copolymer micelles, hydrogels and functional nanoparticles, nanotubes, clays and active chemicals (corrosion inhibitors, biocides, growth factors) for the formation of Layer-by-Layer assemblies is in focus. The Layer-by-Layer assembled hybrids are responsive to chemical, physical, biological and mechanical stimuli and demonstrate pronounced morphological (thickness, permeability, roughness etc.) and compositional (release of low molecular weight compounds, pH buffering effect) changes on demand. This review is focused on sustainable applications of the Layer-by-Layer assembled hybrids in active corrosion protection, design of bioactive and self-healing interfaces, and construction of encapsulation systems as an effective platform for biomedical applications including cell encapsulation and tissue growth, and formation of multifunctional sensors. We also demonstrate that a combination of Layer-by-Layer approach with other techniques of hybrid material preparation such as atomic / molecular layer deposition can improve functional properties of stimuli responsive hybrids and broadens the area of their applications.

Cetyl gellan copolymer micelles and hydrogels: In vitro and pharmacodynamic assessment for drug delivery

In this study, gellan polymer was conferred amphiphilic character by conjugating alkyl carbon chain (C16) to its backbone via etherification reaction. The amphiphilic copolymer self-assembled into water and formed spherical micellar structures with a mean diameter of 832nm. Copolymer micellization caused a considerable rise in solubility of simvastatin in water. Later on, the micelle-incorporated drug and pure drug were loaded into aluminium gellan hydrogel beads and characterized. Scanning electron microscopy revealed spherical shape of the beads. The drug entrapment efficiency of the beads (917–927μm) was found to be 90–94%. Higher dissolution efficiency and consequently, higher rate of drug dissolution was evident in phosphate buffer solution (pH 6.8) than in HCl solution (pH 1.2). The changes in drug release rate as a function of pH correlated with the swelling behaviour of beads. The release of drug was controlled by anomalous diffusion mechanism. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction analyses suggested compatibility of drug in the beads. The gellan beads, loaded with micellar drug, reduced 83.45% LDL-cholesterol level in rabbit model following 18h of oral administration. Thus, the gellan beads containing micellar drug showed their potential in controlling drug release rate and improving pharmacodynamic activity.

Thermoresponsive hydrogels from alginate-based graft copolymers

Three samples of sodium alginate grafted by amino-terminated PNIPAM (low and high molecular weight poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)) and a random P(NIPAM-co-NtBAM) (NtBAM: N-tertiary butyl acrylamide) copolymer, were synthesized via the carbodiimide chemistry and their temperature-induced hydrogelation capability was evaluated by rheology. All the samples showed thermothickening behaviour depending on concentration, ionic strength and hydrophobic comonomer content, incorporated to the PNIPAM thermo-sensitive pendant chains. The main result of this study was that a slight hydrophobic enrichment (just 15mol% NtBAM) of PNIPAM was sufficient to shift the gelation temperature well below the physiological temperature at 32°C and at the lowest polymer concentration studied (i.e. 10wt%). The consequence of that was that the ALG-g-P(NIPAM-co-NtBAM) graft copolymer hydrogel exhibited the best rheological thermo-responsive properties and might be used as injectable hydrogel for potential applications in biomedicine.

Equilibrium swelling of (N-isopropyl acrylamide + hydrophobic comonomer) gels in aqueous solutions of ethanol

The equilibrium swelling behavior of nine N-isopropyl acrylamide (NIPAAm) based copolymeric hydrogels containing the hydrophobic comonomer octadecyl acrylate (ODA) in aqueous solutions of ethanol was investigated experimentally at 298K. The gels were produced by free radical polymerization in the solvent ethyl acetate using methylenebisacrylamide (MBA) for crosslinking. The mole fraction of octadecyl acrylate in the polymerizing substance yODA was varied between 0.01 and 0.3. The mole fraction of the crosslinker was either 0.01 or 0.02. The swelling behavior of such hydrogels in aqueous solutions of ethanol depends on its ODA content. As long as the concentration of ODA in (NIPAAm+ODA)-hydrogels is small (yODA<0.05) the swelling behavior is dominated by NIPAAm, i.e., the gels are swollen in aqueous solutions at low as well as at high concentrations of ethanol, but they are collapsed at intermediate concentrations. When the ODA-content in a (NIPAAm +ODA)-hydrogel is high (for example, yODA=0.3) the gels are collapsed in water and aqueous solutions of ethanol and swell only slightly when the mass fraction of ethanol increases to more than 0.9. (NIPAAm+ODA)-hydrogels with an intermediate concentration of ODA (0.05≤yODA<0.3) reveal a transition from a shrunken to a swollen state when the mass fraction of ethanol in the aqueous solvent is increased. In addition to the experimental work the swelling behavior was modeled with a previously described thermodynamic model. The calculation results are in good agreement with the experimental data.

Radiation syntheses of Pectin/acrylamide (PEC/PAM) and Pectin/Diethylaminoethylmethacrylate (PEC/DEAMA) hydrogels as drug delivery systems

Different pH responsive copolymer hydrogels based on pectin were prepared by the effect of radiation. The physical and chemical properties of prepared hydrogels were studied by FTIR, and TGA. Also, the prepared hydrogels were evaluated for the possible use as drug delivery system for chlortetracycline HCL as model drug. The results revealed that the swelling ratios and the release behavior of hydrogels depend mainly on the pH of the medium and the hydrogel composition.

PH- and temperature-responsive hydrogels of acrylic acid, N-isopropylacrylamide and a non-ionic surfmer: phase behaviour, swelling properties and drug release

Copolymer hydrogels composed of N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAM), acrylic acid (AA) and the non-ionic surfactant monomer (surfmer) ω-methoxy poly(ethylene oxide)40undecyl-α-methacrylate (PEO-R-MA-40) were prepared and studied with regard to swelling behaviour and drug release behaviour. The gels were prepared upon γ-irradiation of the corresponding aqueous comonomer solution in a one-step reaction. Transparent, stable hydrogels were obtained. Studies of light transmission indicate a dual pH- and T-responsive behaviour, which originates from the AA and NIPAM content of the gels, respectively. Presence of large amounts of surfmer increases the phase transition temperature, but also increases the network density, which lowers the permeability of the gels. Swelling properties and release of ibuprofen (Ibu) were studied in simulated gastric fluid (SGF, pH 1) and phosphate buffer solution (PBS, pH 6.8). It was found that swelling and release are controlled by the nature and quantity of comonomers, pH, temperature and ionic strength of the aqueous phase. Swollen gels shrink in SGF and PBS, whereas dry gels exhibit a strong swelling both in SGF and PBS. Copolymer gels of AA and surfmer exhibit a strong, linear release of Ibu in SGF and PBS. If NIPAM is copolymerized in the gel, the drug release is decelerated in SGF probably due to formation of hydrogen bonds between NIPAM and Ibu at low pH. For example, a gel composed of 10 % (w/w) NIPAM, 1 % (w/w) AA and 1.5 % (w/w) surfmer exhibits a release of 10 % within 2 h in SGF and 58 % within 20 h in PBS.

The use of polyacrylate-polyalcohol copolymer hydrogel in the endoscopic treatment of primary vesicoureteral reflux in children

Background/purposeIt is still under discussion which is the best tissue augmenting substance for the endoscopic treatment of children with vesicoureteral reflux (VUR). We describe our preliminary experience (September 2009–November 2011) with polyacrylate-polyalcohol copolymer hydrogel (PPCH). MethodsThis is an observational, descriptive, prospective study which included 81 female and male patients (age 1–14 years) diagnosed with unilateral (n=45) and bilateral (n=36) primary VUR comprising a total of 117 refluxing renal units (RRU). Complex cases were excluded from the study. All patients were clinically and radiologically evaluated and those who met the inclusion criteria were treated endoscopically with a single subureteral injection of PPCH by a single surgeon. 11 patients (13.5%) had a pathological 99mTc-DMSA before treatment. The volume of injected product was measured in all cases. Results were considered successful if 6months postinjection, conventional voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG) revealed VUR was cured (Grade 0). Follow-up ranged from 7 to 32months. ResultsThe overall resolution rate based on the number of RRUs studied was 92.3% (108/117). The mean injected volume of PPCH per patient was 0.6ml. One patient with obstructive anuria required vesicoureteral reimplantation. Other complications were persistent, self-limiting hematuria (n=2); lumbar pain (n=4) and urinary tract infection with normal VCUG (n=4). ConclusionsOur short term data show PPCH provides a high level of reflux resolution in selected patients. Long term follow-up is required.

Experimental investigation and modeling of the anti-cancer drug delivery from poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co Acrylic acid) copolymeric hydrogels

The diffusion mechanism of a model anti-cancer drug in cross-linked poly(N-isopropylacrylamide/acrylic acid) (P(NIPAAm/AA) copolymeric hydrogels was studied. The crosslinking ratiowas constant but acrylic acid ratio ranged from 10:1 to 10:3. P(NIPAAm/AA) copolymeric hydrogels were synthesized by redox-initiated free radical polymerization in water at room temperature The presence of poly(ethyleneglycol) in the hydrogel formulation resulted the higher mechanical strength. Use of acrylic acid resulted in higher hydrogel swelling. Drug size was also found to be a significant factor. 5-FU is used as amodel anti-cancer drug. The effect of 5-FU solution on swelling characteristics P(NIPAAm/AA) copolymeric hydrogels have also been studied. The percent swelling, equilibrium swelling, diffusion constant values are evaluated for P(NIPAAm/AA) copolymeric hydrogels at 1.5% of 5-FU solution at room temperature Based on the release kinetic of the 5-FU drug, the hydrogels displayed a non-Fickian diffusion mechanism. According the diffusion kinetic data in hydrogels became clear that diffusion kinetic data were best described by Peppas model. Permeation from P(NIPAAm/AA) copolymeric hydrogels followed a Super Case II transport mechanism, most likely driven by macro molecular chain relaxation and swelling of hydrophilic polymers.

Study of Swelling Properties and Thermal Behavior of Poly(N,N-Dimethylacrylamide-co-Maleic Acid) Based Hydrogels

Hydrogels copolymers N,N-dimethylacrylamide (DMA) and maleic acid (MA) were prepared by free-radical polymerization at 56°C in aqueous solution, using N,N-methylenebisacrylamide (NMBA) as cross-linking agent and potassium persulfate (KPS) as initiator. The effects of comonomer composition, cross-linker content, and variation of pH solutions on the swelling behavior of polymers were investigated. The obtained results showed an increase of the swelling of poly(N,N-dimethylacrylamide-co-maleic acid) (P(DMA-MAx)) as the content of maleic acid increases in the polymeric matrix, while they indicate a great reduction of the degree of swelling as the cross-linking agent ratio increases. It was also shown that the swelling of copolymer hydrogels increased with the increase of pH and the maximum extent was reached at pH 8.7 in all compositions. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) revealed the existence of hydrogen bonding interactions between the carboxylic groups of MA and the carbonyl groups of DMA. Differential scanning calorimetry analysis (DSC) showed an increase of the glass-transition temperature (Tg) as concentrations of MA and NMBA increased. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) of copolymers was performed to investigate the degradation mechanism.

Lidocaine carboxymethylcellulose with gelatine co-polymer hydrogel delivery by combined microneedle and ultrasound

A study that combines microneedles (MNs) and sonophoresis pre-treatment was explored to determine their combined effects on percutaneous delivery of lidocaine from a polymeric hydrogel formulation. Varying ratios of carboxymethylcellulose and gelatine (NaCMC/gel ranges 1:1.60–1:2.66) loaded with lidocaine were prepared and characterized for zeta potential and particle size. Additionally, variations in the formulation drying techniques were explored during the formulation stage. Ex vivo permeation studies using Franz diffusion cells measured lidocaine permeation through porcine skin after pre-treatment with stainless steel MNs and 20 kHz sonophoresis for 5-and 10-min durations. A stable formulation was related to a lower gelatine mass ratio because of smaller mean particle sizes and high zeta potential. Lidocaine permeability in skin revealed some increases in permeability from combined MN and ultrasound pre-treatment studies. Furthermore, up to 4.8-fold increase in the combined application was observed compared with separate pre-treatments after 30 min. Sonophoresis pre-treatment alone showed insignificant enhancement in lidocaine permeation during the initial 2 h period. MN application increased permeability at a time of 0.5 h for up to ∼17 fold with an average up to 4 fold. The time required to reach therapeutic levels of lidocaine was decreased to less than 7 min. Overall, the attempted approach promises to be a viable alternative to conventional lidocaine delivery methods involving painful injections by hypodermic needles. The mass transfer effects were fairly enhanced and the lowest amount of lidocaine in skin was 99.7% of the delivered amount at a time of 3 h for lidocaine NaCMC/GEL 1:2.66 after low-frequency sonophoresis and MN treatment.

Cell-laden photocrosslinked GelMA-DexMA copolymer hydrogels with tunable mechanical properties for tissue engineering.

To effectively repair or replace damaged tissues, it is necessary to design three dimensional (3D) extracellular matrix (ECM) mimicking scaffolds with tunable biomechanical properties close to the desired tissue application. In the present work, gelatin methacrylate (GelMA) and dextran glycidyl methacrylate (DexMA) with tunable mechanical and biological properties were utilized to prepared novel bicomponent polymeric hydrogels by cross-linking polymerization using photoinitiation. We controlled the degree of substitution (DS) of glycidyl methacrylate in DexMA so that they could obtain relevant mechanical properties. The results indicated that copolymer hydrogels demonstrated a lower swelling ratio and higher compressive modulus as compared to the GelMA. Moreover, all of the hydrogels exhibited a honeycomb-like architecture, the pore sizes decreased as DS increased, and NIH-3T3 fibroblasts encapsulated in these hydrogels all exhibited excellent viability. These characteristics suggest a class of photocrosslinkable, tunable mechanically copolymer hydrogels that may find potential application in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine applications.