Methods for the formation of hydrogels using thiosulfonate compositions and uses thereof
View Patent ↗The present invention provides both crosslinked polymer compositions capable of forming hydrogels upon exposure to an aqueous environment and thiosulfonate hydrogel-forming components. The thiosulfonate hydrogel-forming components of the invention are preferably multi-arm thiosulfonate polymer derivatives that form a crosslinked polymer composition when exposed to a base without requiring the presence of a second cross-linking reagent, redox catalyst, or radiation. Methods for forming hydrogel compositions, as well as methods for using the hydrogels, are also provided.
1. A crosslinked polymer composition produced according to a method comprising:
providing a first composition comprising at least one thiosulfonate polymer derivative, wherein said at least one thiosulfonate polymer derivative has the formula,
wherein POLY is a water-soluble polymer, (n) is 3 to about 25, X is a linking group, Y is a moiety derived from a molecule having at least three nucleophilic groups, and R is hydrogen, or an organic radical;
exposing said first composition to a base under conditions sufficient to initiate crosslinking between said thiosulfonate functional groups; and
allowing said crosslinking to proceed to thereby form said crosslinked polymer composition,
and wherein said crosslinked polymer composition is substantially free from by-products of crosslinking agents or redox catalysts.
2. The crosslinked polymer composition of claim 1 , wherein said first composition further comprises at least one active agent.
3. The crosslinked polymer composition of claim 2 , wherein said at least one active agent is covalently linked to said at least one thiosulfonate polymer derivative.
4. The crosslinked polymer composition of claim 2 , wherein said at least one active agent is entrapped within the crosslinked polymer composition during said crosslinking.
5. The crosslinked polymer composition of claim 1 , capable of forming a hydrogel.
6. The crosslinked polymer composition of claim 1 , wherein said first composition is a single component hydrogel-forming composition.
7. The crosslinked polymer composition of claim 1 , wherein said crosslinked polymer composition exhibits a gel time of between about 1 minute and about 10 hours.
8. The crosslinked polymer composition of claim 1 , wherein the water-soluble polymer is a poly(ethylene glycol).