Metal and light free “click” hydrogels for prevention of post-operative peritoneal adhesions

Abstract

This study presented a facile method to prepare two PEG derivatives with multi-thiols or multi-enes by polycondensation on a large scale using scandium trifluoromethanesulfonate (Sc(OTf)₃) as highly efficient and chemoselective catalyst. A novel type of biodegradable and biocompatible PEG hydrogel was easily obtained through the thiol–ene “click” reaction under physiological conditions. ¹H NMR spectra and GPC were used to characterize the chemical compositions and molecular weights of the two PEG derivatives. FT-IR and rheological experiments were used to investigate the gelation behavior of the PEG hydrogel. Degradation studies revealed a precursor concentration-dependent degradation behavior of the resultant PEG hydrogel. In vitro cell viability assay showed the excellent biocompatibility of the two precursors and also the resultant hydrogel. Furthermore, the rat model of abdominal sidewall defect-cecum abrasion suggested that the PEG hydrogel developed in the present study is a promising physical barrier for the prevention of post-operative peritoneal adhesion.