Ontology highlight
ABSTRACT:
SUBMITTER: Ding X
PROVIDER: S-EPMC5650238 | biostudies-other | 2017 Feb
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-other
Journal of materials chemistry. B 20161216 5
Here we define hydrogels crosslinked by weak bonds as physical hydrogels. They possess unique features including reversible bonding, shear thinning and stimuli-responsiveness. Unlike covalently crosslinked hydrogels, physical hydrogels do not require triggers to initiate chemical reactions for <i>in situ</i> gelation. The drug can be fully loaded in a pre-formed hydrogel for delivery with minimal cargo leakage during injection. These benefits make physical hydrogels useful as delivery vehicles f ...[more]