Thermosensitive triblock copolymer hydrogels for the controlled release of lysozyme

Abstract summary In this study, triblock copolymers composed of PEG ( p oly e thylene g lycol) flanked by thermosensitive pHPMAmlac p oly ( N -(2- h ydroxy p ropyl) m ethacryl am ide lac tate) blocks modified with methacrylate moieties are cross-linked by both physical and chemical methods to yield hydrogels with good mechanical properties and stability. These systems exhibit LCST (Lower Critical Solution Temperature) behaviour in aqueous solution, so they can be used as injectable in situ forming hydrogel. The excellent protein compatibility and the tunable structure of the polymer render these hydrogels highly promising materials for protein delivery.