Temperature-responsive Hydrogels Synthesized from Photo-Polymerizable Poloxamer Macromers for Topical Skin Moisturizing

Abstract

Temperature-responsive hydrogels were fabricated by the photo-polymerization of bis-acryloyl poloxamer tri-block copolymers, and their temperature-responsive behavior and physiological effect on skin were investigated. For this, poloxamer macromers were prepared by end-capping both terminal hydroxyl groups of poloxamer tri-block copolymers with acrylates. They were then photo-polymerized to generate polymeric hydrogels with structural integrity that allowed excellent stability against dilution in an aqueous environment. The resulting hydrogels exhibited dramatic reversible swelling behavior upon changes in temperature. A demonstration experiment, in which the hydrogels were applied topically to the skin, showed that they shrank rapidly as a result of the increase in temperature, owing to the contact with the skin surface, highlighting their effectiveness for instantaneously moisturizing the skin.