We physically cross-linked a thermoreversible poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) hydrogel (TG) within a crystalline colloidal array (CCA) to form an enabling photonic crystal material. The TG consists of a physically cross-linked network formed in a process reminiscent of the well-known freeze-thaw physically cross-linking process, but which avoids solvent freezing which invariably disorders the CCA. Th...

Nasal route had shown better systemic bioavailability due to its large surface area, porous endothelial membrane, high total blood flow, and avoidance of first-pass metabolism. Timolol maleate is a beta blocker used primarily in the treatment of hypertension. Drug undergoes extensive hepatic first-pass metabolism (80%). The drug has half-life of 4 hrs. Oral bioavailability of timolol maleate is...

Biopolymer gels exhibit strain stiffening that is generally not seen in synthetic gels. Here, we investigate the strain-stiffening behavior in collagen I gels that demonstrate elasticity derived from a variety of sources including crosslinking through telopeptides, bundling through low-temperature gelation, and exogenous crosslinking with genipin. In all cases, it is found that these gels exhib...

In this manuscript we report the crosslinking of pre-existing macromolecules in solution through the use of photoactive benzophenone chromophores. We show that a bifunctional crosslinker composed of two benzophenone chromophores as well as a single benzophenone chromophore crosslink poly (butadiene) and poly (ethylene oxide) in solution to form insoluble gels when irradiated with UV light. The ...