Metal oxide nanoparticles as cross-linkers in polymeric hybrid hydrogels

A novel strategy is described for the preparation of polymeric hybrid hydrogels containing metal oxide nanoparticles as cross-linkers. TiO2 nanoparticles were functionalized by introducing amine groups onto their surfaces. The functionalized metal oxide nanoparticles were covalently bound to the polymer chains of carboxymethylcellulose and appeared to be organized as clusters with dimensions of 30 nm to 250 nm within the hydrogel. This synthesis method, based on the use of functionalized nanoparticles as cross-linkers, is of general application and it allows for the preparation of other kinds of nanoparticle/polymer hybrid hydrogels. These hybrid hydrogels may have potential applications as novel in vitro scaffolds for tissue engineering, in which the inorganic nanoparticles can simulate the nanostructured architecture of the extra-cellular matrix. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.