Thermoresponsive poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) hydrogels (PNIPAAm) have been widely used for controlled cell detachment. In this study, cell release is enhanced via deswelling with a two-pronged approach combining a double network (DN) design and micropatterning. PNIPAAm hydrogels are prepared as DNs comprised of a tightly crosslinked 1st network and a loosely crosslinked 2nd network. Moreover, the PNIPAAm DN hydrogels are prepared as both planar 1.5 mm-thick slabs as well as micropillar arrays (200m pillar diameter). Compared to the corresponding conventional single network (SN) hydrogels, DN hydrogels exhibit enhanced thermosensitivity and cell release efficiency, particularly for the micropillar arrays.
