Starburst-like nanogels from vinyl-functionalized poly(lactic acid) and silk sericin via Aloe vera gel extract–mediated self-assembly: Toward multifunctional natural polymer nanomaterials
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Issued Date
2025-11-01
Resource Type
ISSN
01418130
eISSN
18790003
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-105016464682
Journal Title
International Journal of Biological Macromolecules
Volume
329
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
International Journal of Biological Macromolecules Vol.329 (2025)
Suggested Citation
Tuanchai A., Kitikhun P., Maneechan W., Pongsiri W., Charoensit P., Worajittiphon P., Sunintaboon P., Fajardo-Diaz J.L., Mahasaranon S., Karuwan C., Ross G.M., Viyoch J., Endo M., Ross S. Starburst-like nanogels from vinyl-functionalized poly(lactic acid) and silk sericin via Aloe vera gel extract–mediated self-assembly: Toward multifunctional natural polymer nanomaterials. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules Vol.329 (2025). doi:10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2025.147702 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/123456789/112283
Title
Starburst-like nanogels from vinyl-functionalized poly(lactic acid) and silk sericin via Aloe vera gel extract–mediated self-assembly: Toward multifunctional natural polymer nanomaterials
Corresponding Author(s)
Other Contributor(s)
Abstract
Nanogels based on crosslinked polymer networks have emerged as promising candidates for drug delivery owing to their tunable nanostructure, high water content, and inherent biocompatibility. In this study, sustainable nanogels were synthesized via redox-initiated polymerization from vinyl-functionalized poly(lactic acid) macromers (PLAM) and silk sericin crosslinkers (SSC), incorporating Aloe vera gel extract (AV) as a multifunctional, carbohydrate- and protein-rich additive. Multimodal characterization—including elemental mapping, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray diffraction (XRD)—revealed a dynamic self-assembly into starburst-like nanostructures under aqueous conditions. This morphology, prominently observed by day 3, arises from nanoscale phase separation between hydrophobic PLAM and hydrophilic SSC, while AV-derived polysaccharides and glycoproteins facilitate extensive hydrogen bonding and hydration-induced matrix rearrangement. The resulting architecture consists of a compact hydrophobic core with radiating arms embedded in hydrated amorphous domains. Protein release profiles exhibited an initial burst phase followed by sustained release, confirming efficient encapsulation and diffusion-controlled delivery. These findings highlight the role of supramolecular interactions and hydrophilic–hydrophobic balance in directing nanoscale morphology and drug release kinetics, positioning these starburst-like nanogels as sustainable platforms for controlled drug delivery and regenerative medicine applications.