Novel hydrogels containing Nafion and poly(ethylene oxide) based block copolymers

We present a novel family of biocompatible hydrogels containing Nafion and poly(ethylene oxide) based block copolymers. In aqueous environment, thermodynamically stable ionomer-copolymer complexes are formed, as evident by light scattering and quartz crystal microbalance experiments. Moreover, incorporation of Nafion dramatically modifies the phase behaviour and the rheological properties of copolymer hydrogels. The hybrid systems not only undergo sharp and thermally reversible sol-gel transitions below the body temperature, thus retaining their injectable nature, but they also generate mechanically robust hydrogels. Moreover, ibuprofen was continuously released over a period of 26 days for the Nafion/Pluronic hydrogel, compared to only 3 days for the Nafion-free system. The hybrid gels are promising candidates for 3D-bioprinting and controlled drug release applications. [Display omitted] •Nafion-Pluronic gels release ibuprofen in a slow and controlled manner.•Nafion-Pluronic hydrogels retain their injectable nature.•Nafion based hydrogels show improved mechanical properties.•Nafion based hybrid gels are ideal for 3D-bioprinting applications.