HYDROGEL AND METHOD FOR PRODUCING A HYDROGEL

Description

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a hydrogel and a method for producing a hydrogel.Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a hydrogel including a first network structure and a second network structure is known. The second network structure is entwined with the first network structure. Each of the first network structure and the second network structure is formed by polymerizing a monomer and performing a crosslinking. The hydrogel is disclosed in Patent Literature 1. Non-Patent Literature 1 discloses cross-linked styrene-divinylbenzene copolymers containing two inter-penetrating networks, and a method of serially polymerizing both cross-linked copolymers. Other examples of interpenetrating polymer networks (IPNs) are described in Non-Patent Literature 2 to 4.Citation ListPatent Literature

[0003] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent No. 4381297Non-Patent Literature

[0004] Non-Patent Literature 1: J.R. Millar, "Interpenetrating Polymer Networks", J. Chem. Soc., Vol. 1, 1960, pages 1311-1317 Non-Patent Literature 2: H.W. Roh, "Effect of cross-link density and hydrophilicity of PU on blood compatibility of hydrophobic PS / hydrophilic PU IPNs", JOURNAL OF BIOMATERIALS SCIENCE, vol. 10, 1999, pages 123-143 Non-Patent Literature 3: A. Rakovsky, "Poly(ethylene glycol)-based hydrogels as cartilage substitutes: Synthesis and mechanical characteristics", JOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE, vol. 112, 2009, pages 390-401 Non-Patent Literature 4: X. Lou, "Synthesis, physical characterization, and biological performance of sequential homointerpenetrating polymer network sponges based on poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate)", JOURNAL OF BIOMEDICAL MATERIALS RESEARCH, vol. 47, 1999, pages 404-411 Summary of InventionTechnical Problem

[0005] In the conventional hydrogel, the elastic modulus and the strength easily decrease under acidic conditions. In one aspect of the present disclosure, it is preferable to provide a hydrogel and a method of producing a hydrogel, in which the elastic modulus and the strength are hard to decrease under acidic conditions.Solution to Problem

[0006] In one aspect of the present invention, a hydrogel according to claim 1 is provided.

[0007] The hydrogel according to one aspect of the present invention is hard to be hydrolyzed at a crosslinking point under acidic conditions. Therefore, the hydrogel according to one aspect of the present invention is hard to decrease in elastic modulus and strength even under acidic conditions.

[0008] In another aspect of the present invention, a method for producing a hydrogel according to claim 5 is provided.

[0009] The hydrogel produced by the method for producing a hydrogel according to another aspect of the present disclosure is hard to be hydrolyzed at a crosslinking point under acidic conditions. Therefore, the hydrogel produced by the method for producing a hydrogel according to another aspect of the present disclosure is hard to decrease in elastic modulus and strength even under acidic conditions.Brief Description of Drawings

[0010] Fig. 1 is a graph showing a measurement result of an initial elastic modulus ratio X T of the hydrogel in each of Examples and Comparative Examples. Fig. 2 is a graph showing a relationship between the initial elastic modulus ratio X T of the hydrogel and T in Reference Example 1 and Comparative Example 2. Description of EmbodimentsExemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are described.1. Hydrogel

[0011] The hydrogel of the present disclosure includes a first network structure and a second network structure. The second network structure is entwined with the first network structure.

[0012] The first network structure and the second network structure each contain a polymer formed by polymerizing a monomer. A monomer constituting the first network structure is referred to as a first monomer. A monomer constituting the second network structure is referred to as a second monomer.

[0013] Examples of the first monomer and the second monomer include monomers having an electric charge. Examples of the monomer having an electric charge include 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid, acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, and salts thereof.

[0014] Examples of the first monomer and the second monomer include electrically neutral monomers. Examples of the electrically neutral monomer include acrylamide, N,N-dimethylacrylamide, N-isopropylacrylamide, vinylpyridine, styrene, methyl methacrylate, a fluorine-containing unsaturated monomer, hydroxyethyl acrylate, and vinyl acetate. Examples of the fluorine-containing unsaturated monomer include trifluoroethyl acrylate.

[0015] The first monomer and the second monomer may be different types of monomers, or may be the same type of monomers.

[0016] In the case where the first monomer and the second monomer are different types of monomers, for example, one of the first monomer and the second monomer is a monomer having an electric charge, and the other of the first monomer and the second monomer may be an electrically neutral monomer. In addition, both of the first monomer and the second monomer may be monomers having an electric charge. When both of the first monomer and the second monomer are monomers having an electric charge, different monomers may be selected from a group consisting of 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid, acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, and salts thereof. Both of the first monomer and the second monomer may be electrically neutral. When both of the first monomer and the second monomer are electrically neutral, different monomers may be selected from acrylamide, N,N-dimethylacrylamide, N-isopropylacrylamide, vinylpyridine, styrene, methyl methacrylate, the fluorine-containing unsaturated monomer, hydroxyethyl acrylate and vinyl acetate.

[0017] In the first network structure, the first monomer is polymerized to form a polymer. The first network structure is formed by crosslinking the polymer with a first crosslinking agent. 50 mol% or more of the first crosslinking agent is a crosslinking agent that does not contain a decomposable bond. As a result, hydrolysis at a crosslinking point is hard to occur even under acidic conditions. Since hydrolysis at the crosslinking point is hard to occur even under acidic conditions, the hydrogel of the present disclosure is hard to decrease in elastic modulus and strength even under acidic conditions. 60 mol% or more of the first crosslinking agent is preferably a crosslinking agent that does not contain a decomposable bond, and more preferably, 75 mol% or more of the first crosslinking agent is a crosslinking agent that does not contain a decomposable bond. The higher the ratio of the crosslinking agent without a decomposable bond of the first crosslinking agent is, the harder the elastic modulus and the strength of the hydrogel of the present disclosure is to decrease even under acidic conditions.

[0018] In the second network structure, the second monomer is polymerized to form a polymer. The polymer is crosslinked with the second crosslinking agent to form the second network structure. 50 mol% or more of the second crosslinking agent is a crosslinking agent that does not contain a decomposable bond. As a result, hydrolysis at a crosslinking point is hard to occur even under acidic conditions. Since hydrolysis at the crosslinking point is hard to occur even under acidic conditions, the hydrogel of the present disclosure is hard to decrease in elastic modulus and strength even under acidic conditions. 60 mol% or more of the second crosslinking agent is preferably a crosslinking agent that does not contain a decomposable bond, and more preferably, 75 mol% or more of the second crosslinking agent is a crosslinking agent that does not contain a decomposable bond. The higher the ratio of the crosslinking agent without a decomposable bond of the second crosslinking agent is, the harder the elastic modulus and the strength of the hydrogel of the present disclosure is to decrease even under acidic conditions. As the second crosslinking agent, the same one as the first crosslinking agent can be used.

[0019] In the first crosslinking agent and the second crosslinking agent, the decomposable bond means a bond which is easily hydrolyzed under acidic conditions. Examples of the decomposable bond include an ester bond, an amide bond, and a thioester bond. Examples of the first crosslinking agent that does not contain a decomposable bond and the second crosslinking agent that does not contain a decomposable bond each independently include divinylbenzene, divinylpyridine, divinylbiphenyl, and divinyl sulfone. A part of the first crosslinking agents contains a decomposable bond. A part of the second crosslinking agent contains a decomposable bond. The crosslinking agent containing a decomposable bond in the first crosslinking agent and the second crosslinking agent include N,N'-methylenebisacrylamide, ethylene glycol dimethacrylate. The first crosslinking agent and the second crosslinking agent may be the same crosslinking agent or different crosslinking agents.

[0020] A main chain constituting the first network structure and a main chain constituting the second network structure do not contain a decomposable bond. The main chain refers to a main chain of the polymer formed from the first monomer or a main chain of the polymer formed from the second monomer. When the main chain constituting the first network structure and the main chain constituting the second network structure do not contain a decomposable bond, hydrolysis of the main chain is hard to occur even under acidic conditions. Since hydrolysis of the main chain is hard to occur under acidic conditions, the elastic modulus and the strength of the hydrogel of the present disclosure are further hard to decrease even under acidic conditions.

[0021] In the hydrogel of the present disclosure, an initial elastic modulus ratio X defined by the following Formula (1) is preferably 50% or more. X = E 2 / E 1 × 100 (in Formula (1), E2 is an elastic modulus of the hydrogel after a treatment for 72 hours in an aqueous hydrochloric acid solution having a hydrochloric acid concentration of 0.05 mol / L and a temperature of 60°C. E1 is an elastic modulus of the hydrogel before the treatment.) When the initial elastic modulus ratio X is 50% or more, the hydrogel of the present disclosure is further hard to decrease in elastic modulus and strength even under acidic conditions.

[0022] The degree of crosslinking of the first network structure is, for example, preferably in the range of 1 mol% to 50 mol%. The degree of crosslinking means a value representing the ratio of the molar concentration of the crosslinking agent to the charged molar concentration of the monomer as a percentage unit. In practice, there may be a slight amount of the monomer that is not actually involved in the polymerization or a crosslinking agent that is not involved in the crosslinking, but in this case as well, the meaning of the degree of crosslinking in the present specification is as described above. The degree of crosslinking of the second network structure is, for example, preferably in the range of 0.001 mol% to 20 mol%. When the degrees of crosslinking of the first network structure and the second network structure are within the above ranges, the hydrogel of the present disclosure has a higher mechanical strength.

[0023] It is preferable that the first network structure has a high hardness and the second network structure has a high extensibility. When the first network structure has a high hardness and the second network structure has a high extensibility, the hydrogel of the present disclosure has a higher strength.

[0024] The degree of crosslinking of the second network structure is preferably smaller than the degree of crosslinking of the first network structure. When the degree of crosslinking of the second network structure is smaller than the degree of crosslinking of the first network structure, the first network structure has a high hardness, and the second network structure has a high extensibility. As a result, the hydrogel of the present disclosure has a high strength.

[0025] A component amount of the first monomer in the hydrogel of the present disclosure is referred to as M1 (mol). A component amount of the second monomer in the hydrogel of the present disclosure is referred to as M2 (mol). The molar ratio of M1 and M2 (hereinafter, M1: M2) is preferably in the range of 1:2 to 1:100, more preferably in the range of 1:3 to 1:50, and particularly preferably in the range of 1:3 to 1:30. When M1: M2 is within the above range, the mechanical strength of the hydrogel of the present disclosure can be further improved.

[0026] The water content of the hydrogel of the present disclosure is preferably from 10% to 99.9%. The compression stress at rupture of the hydrogel of the present disclosure is preferably 1 MPa to 100 MPa. The tensile stress at rupture of the hydrogel of the present disclosure is preferably 0.1 MPa to 100 MPa.

[0027] Examples of applications of the hydrogel of the present disclosure include, for example, artificial cartilages, artificial joints, artificial organs, cell culture substrates, drug delivery systems (DDS), contact lenses, intraocular lenses, hollow fibers, carriers for drug delivery, soft actuators used for a tip of a specific substance sensor or catheter, mats for preventing bedsore and decubitus, cushions, lubricants, stabilizers or thickeners for cosmetics, fuel cell materials, battery separators, diapers, sanitary articles, sustained release agents, materials of construction, building materials, and the like. Examples of the artificial organs include artificial blood vessels and artificial skin.2. Method for Producing Hydrogel

[0028] In a method for producing the hydrogel of the present disclosure, a first network structure is formed. The first network structure can be formed, for example, as follows. A first polymerization solution containing a first monomer, a first crosslinking agent, and a polymerization initiator is prepared. Next, the first monomer is polymerized and a crosslinking is performed with the first crosslinking agent to form the first network structure.

[0029] Next, a second network structure is formed. The second network structure can be formed, for example, as follows. A second polymerization solution containing a second monomer, a second crosslinking agent, and a polymerization initiator is prepared. Next, a gel having the first network structure is immersed in the second polymerization solution and stored in a immersed state. At this time, the second monomer and the second crosslinking agent are introduced into the first network structure to diffuse and infiltrate. Next, the gel having the first network structure is removed from the second polymerization solution. Next, the second monomer introduced into the first network structure is polymerized and a crosslinking is performed with a second crosslinking agent. As a result, a second network structure entwined with the first network structure is formed.

[0030] The first crosslinking agent and the second crosslinking agent used in the method for producing a hydrogel of the present disclosure are those described in the section of "1. Hydrogel". Therefore, the hydrogel produced by the method for producing a hydrogel of the present disclosure is hard to be hydrolyzed at a crosslinking point even under acidic conditions. As a result of being hard to be hydrolyzed at a crosslinking point even under acidic conditions, the hydrogel produced by the method for producing a hydrogel of the present disclosure is hard to decrease in elastic modulus and strength even under acidic conditions.

[0031] The polymerization initiators contained in the first polymerization solution and the second polymerization solution are not particularly limited, and can be appropriately selected depending on the type of the monomers. When the monomer is thermally polymerized, for example, a watersoluble thermal catalyst such as potassium persulfate, a redox initiator such as potassium persulfate-sodium thiosulfate, azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN), benzoyl peroxide (BPO), or the like can be used as the polymerization initiator. When the monomer is photopolymerized, for example, 2-oxoglutaric acid, benzophenone, hydrogen peroxide solution, or the like can be used as the polymerization initiator.

[0032] Solvents in the first polymerization solution and the second polymerization solution are not particularly limited, and can be appropriately selected. Examples of the solvent include water, an organic solvent, a mixed solvent of water and an organic solvent, and the like. Examples of the organic solvent include dimethyl sulfoxide, 2-methyl-2-propanol, and tetrahydrofuran. The solvents in the first polymerization solution and the solvent in the second polymerization solution are preferably the same. When the solvent in the first polymerization solution and the solvent in the second polymerization solution are the same, the first network structure and the second network structure are more easily entwined.

[0033] Examples of the method for polymerizing the first monomer include a thermal polymerization, a photopolymerization, and the like. Examples of light used in photopolymerization include ultraviolet rays or the like. Examples of the method for crosslinking the polymer formed from the first monomer by the first crosslinking agent include a thermal crosslinking, a photocrosslinking and the like. Examples of light used in the photocrosslinking include ultraviolet rays, and the like. The polymerization of the first monomer and the crosslinking using the first crosslinking agent may be performed at the same time, or the crosslinking may be performed after the polymerization.

[0034] Examples of the method for polymerizing the second monomer include thermal polymerization, photopolymerization, and the like. Examples of light used in photopolymerization include ultraviolet rays or the like. Examples of the method for crosslinking the polymer formed from the second monomer by the second crosslinking agent include thermal crosslinking, photocrosslinking and the like. Examples of light used in the photocrosslinking include ultraviolet rays, and the like. The polymerization of the second monomer and the crosslinking of the second monomer using the second crosslinking agent may be performed at the same time, or crosslinking may be performed after polymerization.3. Examples(3-1) Production of Hydrogel in Reference Example 1

[0035] 2-acrylamide-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid (AMPS), divinylbenzene (DVB), and 2-oxoglutaric acid were added to a mixed solvent to prepare a first polymerization solution. The concentration of 2-acrylamide-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid in the first polymerization solution was 1 mol / L. The concentration of divinylbenzene in the first polymerization solution was 0.04 moL / L. The concentration of 2-oxoglutaric acid in the first polymerization solution was 0.01 mol / L. The mixed solvent was a mixed solvent of pure water and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO).

[0036] The 2-acrylamide-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid corresponds to the first monomer. The divinylbenzene corresponds to the first crosslinking agent. The 2-oxoglutaric acid corresponds to the polymerization initiator.

[0037] Next, the first polymerization solution was deoxygenated using nitrogen gas. Next, the first polymerization solution was poured into a glass polymerization vessel. Next, the first polymerization solution was irradiated with ultraviolet rays using a UV lamp. The wavelength of the ultraviolet rays was 365 nm. The output of the UV lamp was 22 W. The output current of the UV lamp was 0.34 A. The ultraviolet irradiation was performed at room temperature for 8 hours. At this time, the 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid and divinylbenzene were polymerized and a crosslinking with divinylbenzene was performed to form an AMPS gel. The AMPS gel corresponds to the first network structure.

[0038] Next, N,N-dimethylacrylamide (DMAAm), divinylbenzene and 2-oxoglutaric acid were added to a mixed solvent to prepare a second polymerization solution. The concentration of N,N-dimethylacrylamide in the second polymerization solution was 2 mol / L. The concentration of divinylbenzene in the second polymerization solution was 0.002 mol / L. The concentration of 2-oxoglutaric acid in the second polymerization solution was 0.005 moL / L. The mixed solvent was a mixed solvent of pure water and dimethyl sulfoxide.

[0039] The N,N-dimethylacrylamide corresponds to the second monomer. The divinylbenzene corresponds to the second crosslinking agent. The 2-oxoglutaric acid corresponds to the polymerization initiator.

[0040] Next, the AMPS gel was immersed in the second polymerization solution. At this time, the second polymerization solution was introduced into the AMPS gel and diffused and infiltrated. Hereinafter, the AMPS gel in which the second polymerization solution is diffused and infiltrated is referred to as a diffusion / infiltration gel.

[0041] Next, the diffusion / infiltration gel was removed from the second polymerization solution and cut into an appropriate size. Next, the diffusion / infiltration gel was irradiated with ultraviolet rays using a UV lamp. The wavelength of the ultraviolet rays was 365 nm. The output of the UV lamp was 22 W. The output current of the UV lamp was 0.34 A. The ultraviolet irradiation was performed at room temperature for 8 hours. At this time, in the diffusion / infiltration gel, N,N-dimethylacrylamide and divinylbenzene, which are components of the second polymerization solution, were polymerized and a crosslinking with divinylbenzene was performed to form a second network structure. The second network structure was entwined with the first network structure. A hydrogel was obtained by the above steps. The obtained hydrogel was a double network gel in which the first network structure and the second network structure were formed independently. The obtained hydrogel was left to stand in pure water until the hydrogel arrives at an equilibrium swelling. Further, the hydrogel was washed with pure water until there is no unreacted monomer or the like in the hydrogel.(3-2) Production of Hydrogels in InventiveExamples 2 and 3 and Comparative Examples 1 and 2

[0042] Hydrogels in Inventive Examples 2 and 3 and Comparative Examples 1 and 2 were basically produced in substantially the same manner as in Reference Example 1. However, the first crosslinking agent and the second crosslinking agent are different from those in Reference Example 1. The total number of moles of the first crosslinking agent and the total number of moles of the second crosslinking agent are the same in Reference Example 1 and Inventive Examples 2 and 3 and Comparative Examples 1 and 2.

[0043] The first crosslinking agent and the second crosslinking agent in Inventive Example 2 each were a mixture of divinylbenzene and N,N'-methylenebisacrylamide (MBAA). N,N'-methylenebisacrylamide has an amide bond. The amide bond corresponds to the decomposable bond.

[0044] The molar ratio of divinylbenzene to N,N'-methylenebisacrylamide is hereinafter referred to as DVB / MBAA. The DVB / MBAA of the first crosslinking agent and the second crosslinking agent in Inventive Example 2 was 75 / 25, respectively.

[0045] The first crosslinking agent and the second crosslinking agent in Inventive Example 3 each were a mixture of divinylbenzene and N,N'-methylenebisacrylamide. The DVB / MBAA of the first crosslinking agent and the second crosslinking agent in Inventive Example 3 was 50 / 50, respectively.

[0046] The first crosslinking agent and the second crosslinking agent in Comparative Example 1 each were a mixture of divinylbenzene and N,N'-methylenebisacrylamide. The DVB / MBAA of the first crosslinking agent and the second crosslinking agent in Comparative Example 1 was 25 / 75, respectively.

[0047] The first crosslinking agent and the second crosslinking agent in Comparative Example 2 were only N,N'-methylenebisacrylamide.

[0048] In Table 1, for Reference Example 1, Inventive Examples 2 and 3 and Comparative Examples 1 and 2, a degree of crosslinking of the first network structure, a molar ratio of the crosslinking agent containing no decomposable bond in the first crosslinking agent, a degree of crosslinking of the second network structure, and a molar ratio of the crosslinking agent containing no decomposable bond to the second crosslinking agent, and M1: M2 (molar ratio) were shown. [Table 1]First Network StructureSecond Network StructureM1 : M2 (Molar Ratio)Degree Of CrosslinkingMolar Ratio of Crosslinking Agent containing no Decomposable Bond in First Crosslinking AgentDegree Of CrosslinkingMolar Ratio of Crosslinking Agent containing no Decomposable Bond in Second Crosslinking AgentReference Example 14%100 mol%0.1%100 mol%1:2Inventive Example 24%75 mol%0.1%75 mol%1:2Inventive Example 34%50 mol%0.1%50 mol%1:2Comparative Example 14%25 mol%0.1%25 mol%1:2Comparative Example 24%0 mol%0.1%0 mol%1:2Degree of Crosslinking: a value representing the ratio of the molar concentration of the crosslinking agent to the charged molar concentration of the monomer, as a percentage unit. M1: M2 (molar ratio): a molar ratio of charge amounts of the first monomer and the second monomer (3-3) Production of Single Network Hydrogels in Comparative Examples 3 and 4

[0049] A single network hydrogel in Comparative Example 3 was produced using the first polymerization solution in Reference Example 1. The single network hydrogel in Comparative Example 3 had a single network structure. In addition, a single network hydrogel in Comparative Example 4 was produced using the second polymerization solution in Reference Example 1. The single network hydrogel in Comparative Example 4 had a single network structure.(3-4) Compression Test

[0050] The hydrogel in Reference Example 1 and the single network hydrogels in Comparative Examples 3 and 4 were subjected to a compression test. For the compression test, a Tensilon universal testing machine manufactured by Orientec Co., Ltd. was used. The compression test method is as follows.

[0051] A test specimen was cut out from the gel. The test specimen was clamped by a compression test jig of the testing machine and compressed at a predetermined compression speed. The compression test jig is composed of two flat plates. The compression speed was a speed at which 10% of the thickness of the test specimen was compressed in one minute. The compression stress at rupture and the compression strain at rupture were measured under the above conditions. The initial elastic modulus was calculated from the inclination of the primary linear approximation in the initial strain portion of the stress-strain curve. The measurement results of the compression stress at rupture, the compression strain at rupture, and the initial elastic modulus of the hydrogels in Reference Example 1 and Comparative Examples 3 and 4 are shown in Table 2. [Table 2]Reference Example 1Comparative Example 3Comparative Example 4Compression Stress at Rupture (MPa)8.80.080.8Compression Strain at Rupture (%)882990Initial Elastic Modulus (MPa)0.60.20.01Degree of Swelling (%)96030

[0052] The initial elastic modulus and the compression stress at rupture of the hydrogel of Reference Example 1 were significantly higher than those of the single network hydrogels of Comparative Examples 3 and 4. From this result, it was confirmed that the hydrogel in Reference Example 1 was a double network gel.(3-5) Measurement of Degree of Swelling

[0053] For the hydrogel in Reference Example 1 and the single network hydrogels in Comparative Examples 3 and 4, the degree of swelling was obtained according to the following formula (2). The obtained degree of swelling is shown in Table 1 above. Degree of swelling = weight of swollen gel WW / dry gel weight WD

[0054] The hydrogel in Reference Example 1 had a lower degree of swelling than the single network hydrogels in Comparative Examples 3 and 4.(3-6) Deterioration test

[0055] The hydrogels in Reference Example 1, Inventive Examples 2 and 3 and Comparative Examples 1 and 2 were subjected to a deterioration test. A method of the deterioration test is as follows.

[0056] The elastic modulus of the hydrogel is measured immediately after a production of the hydrogel. The elastic modulus at this time is defined as E1. Next, the hydrogel is immersed in an aqueous hydrochloric acid solution having a hydrochloric acid concentration of 0.05 mol / L and a pH of 1.3 at 25°C for 24 hours. By this immersion, the aqueous hydrochloric acid solution infiltrates into the hydrogel. Next, the hydrogel is immersed in an aqueous hydrochloric acid solution having a hydrochloric acid concentration of 0.05 mol / L and a temperature of 60°C for T hours. T is in the range of 0 to 72. The hydrogel is then removed from the aqueous hydrochloric acid solution and the elastic modulus of the hydrogel is measured. The elastic modulus at this time is defined as E2 T . The initial elastic modulus ratio X T (%) defined by the following formula (3) is calculated. X T = E 2 T / E 1 × 100

[0057] The measurement result of the initial elastic modulus ratio X T is shown in Fig. 1. "60°C×72 hr" in Fig. 1 represents the initial elastic modulus ratio X T when T is 72 hours. The initial elastic modulus ratio X T when T is 72 corresponds to the initial elastic modulus ratio X.

[0058] The initial elastic modulus ratios X T of the hydrogels in Reference Example 1, Inventive Examples 2 and 3 were significantly higher than the initial elastic modulus ratios X T in the hydrogels in Comparative Examples 1 and 2.

[0059] A relationship between the initial elastic modulus ratios X T and T in the hydrogels in Reference Example 1 and Comparative Example 2 is shown in Fig. 2. In the hydrogel in Reference Example 1, even when T was increased, the initial elastic modulus ratio X T was hard to decrease. On the contrary, in the hydrogel in Comparative Example 2, the initial elastic modulus ratio X T significantly decreased as T increased.

Claims

1. A hydrogel comprising: a first network structure; and a second network structure entwined with the first network structure, wherein the first network structure contains a polymer crosslinked with a first crosslinking agent, the second network structure contains a polymer crosslinked with a second crosslinking agent, 50 mol% or more of the first crosslinking agent does not contain a decomposable bond, and 50 mol% or more of the second crosslinking agent does not contain a decomposable bond, wherein the decomposable bond is a bond which is easily hydrolyzed under acidic conditions, wherein a part of the first crosslinking agent and a part of the second crosslinking agent contain a decomposable bond, wherein the decomposable bonds in the first crosslinking agent and the second crosslinking agent each independently contain one or more selected from the group consisting of an amide bond, an ester bond, and a thioester bond; and wherein a main chain constituting the first network structure and a main chain constituting the second network structure do not contain a decomposable bond, wherein the decomposable bond is one or more selected from the group consisting of an amide bond, an ester bond, and a thioester bond.

2. The hydrogel according to claim 1 , wherein the first crosslinking agent and the second crosslinking agent that contain the degradable bond each independently contain one or more selected from the group consisting of N,N'-methylenebisacrylamide and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate.

3. The hydrogel according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the first crosslinking agent and the second crosslinking agent that do not contain the decomposable bond each independently contain one or more selected from the group consisting of divinylbenzene, divinylpyridine, divinylbiphenyl, and divinyl sulfone.

4. The hydrogel according to any one of claims 1 to 3, which has an initial elastic modulus ratio X of 50% or more, as defined by the following formula (1): X = E 2 / E 1 × 100 wherein in Formula (1), E2 is an elastic modulus of the hydrogel after a treatment for 72 hours in an aqueous hydrochloric acid solution having a hydrochloric acid concentration of 0.05 mol / L and a temperature of 60°C; and E1 is an elastic modulus of the hydrogel before the treatment.

5. A method for producing a hydrogel according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising: polymerizing a first monomer and performing a crosslinking with a first crosslinking agent to form a first network structure; introducing a second monomer and a second crosslinking agent into the first network structure; and polymerizing the second monomer, and performing a crosslinking with the second crosslinking agent to form a second network structure entwined with the first network structure, wherein 50 mol% or more of the first crosslinking agent does not contain a decomposable bond, and 50 mol% or more of the second crosslinking agent does not contain a decomposable bond, wherein the decomposable bond is a bond which is easily hydrolyzed under acidic conditions, wherein a part of the first crosslinking agent and a part of the second crosslinking agent contain a decomposable bond, wherein the decomposable bonds in the first crosslinking agent and the second crosslinking agent each independently contain one or more selected from the group consisting of an amide bond, an ester bond, and a thioester bond.

6. Use of the hydrogel according to one of claims 1 to 4, for making an artificial cartilage, artificial joints, artificial organs, cell culture substrates, drug delivery systems, contact lenses, intraocular lenses, hollow fibers, carriers for drug delivery, sustained release agents; soft actuators for a tip of a specific substance sensor or a catheter, mats for preventing bedsore and decubitus, cushions; lubricants, stabilizers or thickeners for cosmetics; fuel cell materials, battery separators, diapers, sanitary articles; or materials of construction or building materials.