Chain-Extendable Crosslinked Hydrogels Using Branching RAFT Modification

Editorial summary

This work investigates a strategy for extending polymer chains within an existing crosslinked hydrogel network using branching reversible addition–fragmentation chain-transfer chemistry. Hydroxyethyl methacrylate and acrylic acid formulations were used to compare network composition, subsequent chain growth and mechanical behavior. Incorporating acrylic acid directly and introducing it through later chain extension produced different material properties. Tensile measurements supported the ability of the chain-extension approach to modify network performance, while additional experiments examined interactions with a cationic polymer. The results describe a material-design method for adjusting hydrogel functionality and strength.