Biocompatible cryogels of thermosensitive polyglycidol derivatives with ultra-rapid swelling properties

Novel thermosensitive macroporous cryogels, based on various hydrophobically modified high molar mass (HMM) polyglycidol precursors, were synthesized using the UV-irradiation technique. The method involved the preparation of a semi-dilute aqueous solution of thermosensitive poly(glycidol-co-ethyl glycidyl carbamate) (PGL-Et), subsequent freezing at a moderately negative temperature (−20 °C) and irradiation with UV light. All PGL-Et cryogels had a spongy-like structure of smooth polymer walls surrounding interconnected macroscopic pores. Consequently, the cryogels exhibited temperature triggered, reversible, ultra-rapid volume phase transition (VPT) from a swollen to deswollen state within 20–25 s. The VPT temperature of the PGL-Et cryogels was strongly dependent on the degree of modification of the PGL precursors and it decreased proportionally with increased ethyl glycidyl carbamate content. The PGL-Et cryogels were used as a scaffold for skin cell (fibroblast) adhesion. Adhesion and proliferation tests indicated that the gels were good supports for cell cultivation.