| abstract |
The present invention provides dynamically covalent polymeric hydrogel systems for encapsulating and stabilizing bioactive therapeutic agents (e.g., proteins, cells, viruses, and vaccines) from environmental stressors, obviating standard refrigeration requirements, and decreasing transportation and storage costs of temperature-sensitive biomolecules. Described herein are dynamic polymeric hydrogel compositions comprising a therapeutic agent and a combination of phenylboronic acid- and l,2-diol- modified multi-arm polyethylene glycol (PEG) polymer backbones. Methods of encapsulating and stabilizing bioactive therapeutic agents within the dynamic polymeric hydrogel compositions are also provided. Also described are methods for releasing stabilized therapeutic agents from hydrogel encapsulation. The covalently adaptable hydrogel release systems allow for discretionary administration of temperature-sensitive therapeutic agents, as well as the parenteral administration of highly concentrated amounts of therapeutic agents. |