Researchers
Era Jain, Silviya Zustiak and Scott Sell.
Summary
This invention describes the components and process for making hydrogel microspheres by electrospraying a solution with a timed gelation. The microspheres are biocompatible and the mild processing conditions make them suitable for the encapsulation and delivery of bioactive components like cells or biologic drugs. Moreover, they can be non-degradable or biodegradable depending on the components’ chemical structures. The microspheres are composed of multiarm polyethylene glycol acrylates (PEG-Ac) or vinyl sulfones (PEG-VS) and dithiol crosslinkers whereby the gelation is controlled by Michael’s addition reaction.
Intellectual Property Status
- U.S. patent pending