pH/oxidation dual-responsive gelatin/PVA composite hydrogels cross-linked by a novel ferrocene-containing dialdehyde

摘要

A novel ferrocene-containing quaternary ammonium-type dialdehyde (Fc-(N+CHO)(2)) was synthesized and used as a cross-linking agent to prepare the gelatin/PVA composite hydrogel with pH and oxidation dual-responsiveness. The mechanical properties, thermal stability, morphology and swelling behavior of the hydrogel were fully studied. The hydrogel exhibited excellent oxidation and acid-triggered swelling (even decomposing) properties because of oxidation destruction of Fc in Fc-(N+CHO)(2) and its acid sensitive Schiff base cross-linkage with gelatin, which leads to the hydrogel as a smart carrier to load functional cargos in many fields including materials and medicine. (c) 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.