Photo-Cross-Linked Pluronic F127 Hydrogels for Controlled Protein Delivery

Abstract

Hydrogels are promising platforms for controlled delivery of biomacromolecules due to their biocompatibility, water retention, and similarity to the extracellular matrix, which supports cell interaction and tissue integration. This study presents the development and characterization of diacrylated Pluronic F127-based hydrogels for biomedical applications, focusing on controlled protein release. Bovine serum albumin (BSA) was used as a model protein to assess release behavior under varying physiological conditions. The hydrogels were synthesized via photopolymerization, and their structural integrity, swelling capacity, and stability were analyzed. Release assays under different pH levels and BSA concentrations showed that both factors significantly affected the release profile. Depending on these conditions, the release followed either a first-order or biphasic pattern, indicating both diffusion- and matrix-driven mechanisms. This tunability highlights the system’s adaptability for specific therapeutic needs requiring precise temporal protein delivery. Physicochemical analyses and kinetic modeling confirmed that release behavior can be tailored through environmental and formulation parameters. These findings demonstrate the potential of Pluronic F127 hydrogels as versatile, customizable platforms for localized therapeutic protein delivery, with broad implications in regenerative medicine, targeted drug delivery, and other biomedical fields.