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Review
. 2016 Jun;44(6):1946-58.
doi: 10.1007/s10439-016-1637-z. Epub 2016 May 9.

Methods for Generating Hydrogel Particles for Protein Delivery

Allen L Liu  1   2   3 , Andrés J García  4   5
Affiliations
Review

Methods for Generating Hydrogel Particles for Protein Delivery

Allen L Liu et al. Ann Biomed Eng. 2016 Jun.

Abstract

Proteins represent a major class of therapeutic molecules with vast potential for the treatment of acute and chronic diseases and regenerative medicine applications. Hydrogels have long been investigated for their potential in carrying and delivering proteins. As compared to bulk hydrogels, hydrogel microparticles (microgels) hold promise in improving aspects of delivery owing to their less traumatic route of entry into the body and improved versatility. This review discusses common methods of fabricating microgels, including emulsion polymerization, microfluidic techniques, and lithographic techniques. Microgels synthesized from both natural and synthetic polymers are discussed, as are a series of microgels fashioned from environment-responsive materials.

Keywords: Growth factor; Hydrogel; Microgel; Microparticle; PEG; PNIPAM; Protein delivery.

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Conflict of interest statement

Statement No conflicts of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Advantages of microgels as a delivery vehicle as compared to bulk hydrogels. (A) Microgels have a less traumatic route of administration, as they can be injected via needle or catheter as compared to a more-involved surgery to implant a bulk hydrogel. (B) Microgels conform to the defect or cavity in which they are placed, which results in superior coverage of the defect as compared to preformed bulk hydrogels. (C) Microgels have the potential to be simultaneously delivered with other microgels carrying different therapeutics.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Strategies to control protein release from microgels. Control over mesh size, the ability to utilize protease-degradable crosslinkers, and incorporation of stimuli-responsive polymers all modulate protein release.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Summary of common microgel synthesis schemes.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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