Abstract: The present invention provides dynamically covalent polymeric hydrogel systems for encapsulating and stabilizing bioactive therapeutic agents (e.g., proteins, cells, viruses, and vaccines) from environmental stressors, obviating standard refrigeration requirements, and decreasing transportation and storage costs of temperature-sensitive biomolecules. Described herein are dynamic polymeric hydrogel compositions comprising a therapeutic agent and a combination of phenylboronic acid- and 1,2-diol-modified multi-arm polyethylene glycol (PEG) polymer backbones. Methods of encapsulating and stabilizing bioactive therapeutic agents within the dynamic polymeric hydrogel compositions are also provided. Also described are methods for releasing stabilized therapeutic agents from hydrogel encapsulation.

Abstract: A photodegradable polymeric system is presented that can be employed to entrap and stabilize bioactive therapeutics such as proteins and vaccines from environmental stressors. This system would obviate the need for refrigeration and would decrease transportation and storage costs of temperature-sensitive therapeutics. By using a photosensitive release system, users can administer temperature-sensitive compounds at their discretion. This photodegradable system will also permit the potential to stabilize temperature-sensitive therapeutics in a liquid suspension, eliminating the need for reconstitution.