Effect of composition and method of preparation of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate/gelatin hydrogels on biological in vitro (cell line) and in vivo (zebrafish) properties

Abstract

We have studied the effect of compositions and methods of preparation on the physico-chemical and biocompatible behavior of the hydrogel matrices. Hydrogel matrices are synthesized by free radical polymerization of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate net and with gelatin. Highly porous hydrogel structures were obtained by porogenation, and by cryogenic treatment followed by freeze-drying. All samples were characterized for structural, morphological, absorption, degradation and in vitro (healthy human fibroblast cell line) and in vivo (zebrafish Danio rerio) biocompatible properties. The obtained results show that cryo samples, especially with gelatin show better, favorable absorption, morphological and biocompatible properties in comparison with PHEMA samples, which makes these materials highly attractive for biomedical uses.