Multifunctional hydrogels based on β-cyclodextrin with both biomineralization and anti-inflammatory properties.

In this study, a series of carboxylated hydrogels are synthesized using β-cyclodextrin, epichlorohydrin and succinic anhydride. It is found that the carboxyl groups on the β-cyclodextrin hydrogels could facilitate the biomineralization process in the simulated body fluid. The new generated minerals are apatite and similar to that of bones. Meanwhile, the carboxylated β-cyclodextrin hydrogels can also load and release anti-inflammatory drug (using indomethacin as a model) in a controlled manner during the biomineralization process for 28 days. The carboxylated β-cyclodextrin hydrogels also have low cytotoxicity and are promising for bone tissue engineering.