Advanced crosslinking strategies in Pluronic F127-based hydrogels

A review of advanced crosslinking strategies identifies physical, chemical and hybrid approaches as routes for improving the mechanical performance and structural stability of Pluronic F127-based hydrogels. The article focuses on how the choice of crosslinking method affects gelation temperature, mechanical integrity, injectability and degradation kinetics, linking molecular design with rheological performance. Pluronic F127 is an amphiphilic copolymer that spontaneously self-assembles into micelles in solution, with a hydrophilic core and a hydrophobic corona.

These structures have been used to encapsulate and release hydrophobic and hydrophilic pharmaceutical compounds, as well as to co-deliver multiple drugs. Unlike another Pluronic type, F68, F127 can form micelles below body temperature. The review identifies low stability, degradation associated with solubilization in the bloodstream and poor mechanical robustness as continuing challenges for F127-based materials.

By contrast, physically crosslinked systems often display rapid structural recovery, including restoration of more than 80% of the storage modulus, or G′. Their potential limitation is long-term structural stability. Hybrid systems integrate physical and chemical mechanisms and are presented as emerging frameworks for next-generation hydrogels.

According to the review, these combined networks are intended to provide controlled rheology, sustained release and structural adaptability. The review also positions multifunctional Pluronic F127 platforms as relevant to drug delivery, regenerative medicine and bio-fabrication. The article is a review rather than a report of a new clinical study, and its scope is the design and evaluation of F127-based hydrogels through different crosslinking routes.

Its central contribution is a framework for comparing how physical interactions, chemical crosslinking and hybrid bonding influence rheology, mechanical integrity, injectability and degradation.

Subject of Research: Crosslinking strategies for improving the performance of Pluronic F127-based hydrogels

Article Title: Advanced crosslinking strategies in Pluronic F127-based hydrogels

Article References: Syed Ismail, S. N., Holilah, H., Suryanegara, L., Ramli, S. N., Mohd Noor, S. F., Bustami, Y., Ku Ishak, K. M., Azmi, N. N., & Abdul Hamid, Z. A. (2026). Advanced crosslinking strategies in Pluronic F127-based hydrogels. Journal of Materials Science, 61(40), 30435-30465. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10853-026-12720-0

Image Credits: AI Generated

DOI: 10.1007/s10853-026-12720-0

Keywords: Pluronic F127, hydrogels, crosslinking, micelles, drug delivery, rheology, injectability, mechanical properties, degradation, biomaterials, Advanced, strategies