Pseudo-double network hydrogels with unique properties as supports for cell manipulation

Pseudo-double network hydrogels based on vinylpyrrolidone and anionic methacrylic units were prepared, for the first-time, via a simple one step radical polymerization procedure using thermal or photoinitiation. These networks showed improved mechanical properties, in the hydrated state, compared with their single network cousins and were capable of hosting cells to confluence. Rapid cell detachment can be induced through simple mechanical agitation and the cell sheets can be transplanted easily without the need for a cell superstrate. The results reported in this work suggest that these hydrogels could be used as support systems for cell manipulation and are candidates to compete with the conventionally used thermoresponsive cell platforms based on poly-N-isopropylacrylamide (pNIPAm).