Rheological analysis of the interplay between the molecular weight and concentration of hyaluronic acid in formulations of supramolecular HA/FmocFF hybrid hydrogels

Abstract

In this report, we evaluated the interplay between molecular weight and mass ratio of polymer during development of viscoelastic properties in HA/FmocFF hybrid supramolecular hydrogels. Rheology was the main tool to assess this complex relationship and the kinetics of network formation during self-assembly were correlated with inherent material properties. Formation of long-rang elastic interactions, ductility and plastic flow were strongly dependent on both size and concentration of polymer, providing a convenient application window to tune the flow properties of the hybrid hydrogels according to the intended application.