A smart protein delivery system for wound healing applications was developed using composite nanoparticle hydrogels that can release protein in a temperature-responsive manner. This system can also be formed in situ in the presence of ultraviolet light and Irgacure 2959 photoinitiator. The system consists of temperature-sensitive poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-acrylamide) (PNIPAM-AAm) nanoparticles embedded in a poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA) matrix. A factorial analysis was performed to evaluate the effects of PEGDA concentration (10% and 15% w/v) and PEGDA molecular weight (MW; 3.4 kDa and 8 kDa), as well as PNIPAM-AAm nanoparticle concentration (2% and 4% w/v) and temperature (23 degrees C and 40 degrees C) on the protein release profiles and swelling ratios of the hydrogels. Results indicate that PNIPAM-AAm nanoparticle concentration and temperature were the most important factors affecting the protein release during the burst release phase. Additionally, PEGDA MW was the most important factor affecting the protein release in the plateau region. It was also important in controlling the hydrogel swelling ratio. A dual-layered hydrogel was further developed to produce a protein delivery system with a better sustained release. These findings have improved our understanding of the composite hydrogel systems and will help in tailoring future systems with desired release profiles.
From the clinical editor: A smart protein delivery system for wound healing applications using composite nanoparticle hydrogels that can release protein in a temperature-responsive manner is reported in this paper. Systems like this may aid in optimal would healing in the surgical and trauma-related settings.