Effect of polylimonene on the release behavior and physico-chemical properties of photo-cross-linkable alginate-based hydrogels

Author(s)

Vieira, Ronierik Pioli ; Schutz, Guilherme Frey ; Parmentier, Laurens ; Van Vlierberghe, Sandra

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS AND TECHNOLOGIES; v. 43, p. 14-pg., 2025-04-01.

Abstract

Herein, we report the synthesis and characterization of methacryloyl-modified sodium alginate (AlgMA)-based hydrogels incorporating an antioxidant limonene-derived oligomer (PLM) for potential biomedical applications. 1H NMR spectroscopy confirmed the successful synthesis of AlgMA, enabling hydrogel formation via in-situ photo-cross-linking in the presence of PLM. The effect of 2.5 %, 5 %, and 10 % PLM was meticulously assessed on the material's properties. High PLM loads tended to decrease the hydrogel storage modulus, changing from 4.4 kPa (AlgMA) to 2.2 kPa (AlgMA/PLM10), enabling tuning from stiff to softer materials. Both physical properties and HR-MAS 1H NMR spectroscopy results indicated a decrease in cross-linking efficiency upon increasing PLM concentration, with double bonds conversion ranging from 91 % to 68 % depending on PLM load. Moreover, cytotoxicity evaluations revealed AlgMA/PLM5 as an upper threshold to maintain cell viability above 70 %, while AlgMA/PLM2.5 showed improved cytocompatibility. PLM release from hydrogels followed Weibull kinetics, experiencing a burst release followed by a sustained release phase, allowing for quick application to deliver antioxidants. Overall, AlgMA-based hydrogels incorporating PLM offer tunable physico-chemical properties, retained antioxidant activity, and a release profile within a defined therapeutic window, showcasing their potential as novel biomaterials exhibiting antioxidant properties. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 22/03601-4 - Biopolymer-based hydrogels functionalized with photocrosslinkable moieties and incorporated with limonene oligomers toward multifunctional medical devices
• Grantee: Roniérik Pioli Vieira
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research
• FAPESP's process: 22/02728-0 - Development of films and hydrogels containing terpenes or derivative oligomers for active packaging and multifunctional medical devices applications
• Grantee: Roniérik Pioli Vieira
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Initial Project