%0 journal article
%@ 0391-3988
%A Steinhilber, D., Haag, R., Sisson, A.L.

%D 2011
%J The International Journal of Artificial Organs
%N 2
%P 118-122 
%R doi:10.5301/IJAO.2011.6399
%T Multivalent, biodegradable polyglycerol hydrogels
%U https://doi.org/10.5301/IJAO.2011.6399
2 
%X In this paper we describe the preparation of disulfide crosslinked polyglycerol hydrogels by the ring-opening crosslinking polymerization of glycerol and polyethylene glycol-based polyepoxides and Na2S2. Multivalent polyglycerol hydrogels were prepared by acid-catalyzed hydrolysis of remaining epoxide functionalities. Additionally, a near infrared fluorescent dye was encapsulated in the hydrogel network. Our hydrogels show complete degradation in reducing environments and a controlled release of the fluorescence dye was observed. These hydrogels are interesting scaffolds for bioactive substances, which can be released, triggered by the hydrogel degradation.