Prevention of tissue adhesion by a spontaneously formed phospholipid polymer hydrogel

We investigated phospholipid polymer hydrogels containing Fe³⁺ ions (PMA/PMB/Fe hydrogel) for their use as antiadhesive materials in the healing tissues. These hydrogels were prepared from the aqueous solutions of poly(2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine (MPC)-co-methacrylic acid) (PMA) and poly(MPC-co-n-butyl methacrylate) (PMB). The PMA/PMB hydrogel is formed by the intermolecular interactions between PMA and PMB, and it reversibly dissociates under physiological conditions. The addition of Fe³⁺ ions could control the gelation time and the dissociation time. Mechanical properties such as the gelation time and viscoelastic properties can be controlled by the FeCL₃ concentration. With regard to biocompatibility, no evidence of inflammation was observed in vivo. Therefore, the PMA/PMB/Fe hydrogel has a potential to be used as an antiadhesive material.