Switchable Release of Entrapped Nanoparticles from Alginate Hydrogels

Abstract

Natural biological processes are intricately controlled by the timing and spatial distribution of various cues. To mimic this precise level of control, the physical sizes of gold nanoparticles are utilized to sterically entrap them in hydrogel materials, where they are subsequently released only in response to ultrasound. These nanoparticles can transport bioactive factors to cells and direct cell behavior on-demand.

Keywords: gold nanoparticles; on-demand release; self-healing alginate; ultrasound.