Developing Zwitterionic Hydrogel for Biomedical Applications

Abstract

Ultra-low fouling zwitterionic hydrogels offer unique advantages over conventional biomaterials in biomedical applications. By exclusively using zwitterionic monomer and crosslinker, pure zwitterionic hydrogels can be prepared with highly tunable mechanical properties and functionalities for diverse applications. This thesis summarizes the recent work in zwitterionic hydrogels. Firstly, zwitterionic hydrogel can repair itself independent of time after damage under physiological conditions due to a new mechanism, "zwitterionic fusion". In addition, we explored the properties of zwitterionic hydrogels in controlling the self-renewal and differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells. Finally, by developing a biodegradable zwitterionic hydrogel, we realized ex vivo expansion of mesenchymal stem cells and hematopoietic stem cells without differentiation.