Catalog NumberHG9004675
CAS Number9004-67-5
CategoryPolymer Surfactants
Use as film-forming agent.
Use as thickening agent.
Use as sustained-release agent.
Use as adhesive.
Use as suspending agent.
Methylcellulose Hybrid Cross-Linked Hydrogels for Topical Drug Delivery
Pakulska, Malgosia M., et al. Advanced Materials 27.34 (2015): 5002-5008.
A hybrid physically and chemically crosslinked methylcellulose (MC) hydrogel was engineered using a design-of-experiment (DOE) approach, combining inverse thermogelling properties with thiol-maleimide covalent crosslinking to create an injectable, long-lasting platform for local drug delivery.
Experimental Protocol: MC was modified with thiol groups and chemically crosslinked with polyethylene glycol-bismaleimide (PEG-MI2) via Michael-type addition at physiological pH and room temperature. A face-centered central composite design with center points evaluated three independent variables: MC weight percent, total thiol content, and maleimide-to-thiol ratio. Outcome measures included initial shear storage modulus (G') at 37 degrees C, G' after 1 h, and maximum swelling. In vitro protein release was assessed using SDF1-alpha encapsulated in PLGA nanoparticles embedded in the hydrogel and affinity-based release of chondroitinase ABC. In vivo biocompatibility was tested via intrathecal injection in rats.
Performance Evaluation: The hybrid hydrogel (XMC) was a gel before injection (G' greater than G''), while physically crosslinked MC required 10 min to gel at 37 degrees C. XMC swelled less and stabilized within 6 h, with negligible mass loss over 35 days compared to substantial erosion in physically crosslinked controls. DOE-derived empirical equations (adjusted R2 > 0.985) enabled prediction of mechanical and swelling properties. SDF1-alpha was released in a sustained, zero-order profile for 28 days and retained bioactivity as measured by neural stem progenitor cell migration. Affinity-based release significantly prolonged chondroitinase ABC retention compared to unmodified XMC.
Methylcellulose/HPMC-K2SO4 Thermo- and pH-Responsive Hydrogels for Controlled-Release Fertilizer
Chen, Yi-Chun, et al. Science of the Total Environment 655 (2019): 958-967.
Thermo- and pH-responsive hydrogels based on methylcellulose (MC) and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) blended with potassium sulfate (K2SO4) were developed as biodegradable soil conditioners for water retention and controlled release of water-soluble fertilizer.
Experimental Protocol: Aqueous MC and HPMC solutions (1-4% w/v) were blended with K2SO4 (0-0.25 M). The gelation temperature was modulated by K2SO4 concentration exploiting the Hofmeister series salting-out effect. Swelling kinetics were studied in deionized water, and data were fitted to Schott's second-order kinetic model. Pore morphology was characterized by SEM. Water-holding and water-retention capacities were measured in sandy soil with 0.5-2% hydrogel treatment. Fertilizer (20-20-20 NPK) release was monitored via dialysis at pH 5, 7, and 9 at 25 and 35 degrees C, with Korsmeyer-Peppas modeling of release mechanisms. Plant growth toxicity was assessed per OECD 208 guidelines using Chinese cabbage.
Performance Evaluation: K2SO4 at 0.25 M decreased gelation temperatures of MC from 55.6 to 27.8 degrees C and HPMC from 67.4 to 35.1 degrees C, enabling room-temperature gelation. The equilibrium swelling ratio increased approximately 15-fold with K2SO4 incorporation, and swelling kinetics followed Schott's second-order model with improved initial swelling rates. SEM revealed pore size reduction from 26.8 to 14.7 um (MC) and from 21.5 to 14.2 um (HPMC) with K2SO4. Treatment with 0.5% hydrogel significantly improved water-holding and water-retention capacities of sandy soil. Fertilizer release was temperature- and pH-responsive: reduced release at 35 degrees C and below pH 7. Korsmeyer-Peppas modeling indicated Fickian diffusion and swelling-controlled release.
Methylcellulose Injectable Hydrogels with Silver Oxide Nanoparticles for Burn Wound Healing
Kim, Min Hee, et al. Carbohydrate polymers 181 (2018): 579-586.
A thermo-sensitive injectable methylcellulose (MC) hydrogel containing in situ-synthesized silver oxide nanoparticles was developed for burn wound healing, utilizing a one-pot synthesis where the silver precursor salt simultaneously served as a gelation accelerator and antimicrobial source.
Experimental Protocol: Silver acetate (CH3COOAg, 0.5-1.0 wt%) was dissolved in 8 wt% aqueous MC solution (DS 1.6-1.7) and stirred overnight. Silver oxide nanoparticles were synthesized in situ from Ag+ ions during MC hydrogelation, while residual acetate anions decreased the gelation temperature via the Hofmeister salting-out effect. Gelation behavior was monitored by rheometry (temperature sweep 20-40 degrees C, time sweep at 37 degrees C). Nanoparticle formation was confirmed by UV-vis, XRD, XPS, and SEM-EDX. In vitro Ag+ release was quantified by ICP-MS. Antimicrobial activity was tested against S. aureus, K. pneumoniae, and E. coli using the shaking flask method. Burn wound healing was evaluated in a rat dorsal second-degree burn model over 21 days.
Performance Evaluation: UV-vis spectroscopy confirmed silver oxide NP formation within 48 h. Acetate ions accelerated MC gelation: with 1.0 wt% silver acetate, gelation time at 37 degrees C was reduced substantially. XRD confirmed silver oxide with characteristic peaks at 27.9 and 32.3 degrees (2-theta). SEM showed uniform pore structure and even distribution of silver atoms. Both 0.5 and 1.0 wt% formulations achieved 99.9% bacterial reduction against all three strains within 1 h. Ag+ release was sustained over time.