Concentrations Of Hydrogel Research Articles

Cytocompatibility testing of hydrogels toward bioprinting of mesenchymal stem cells.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) represent a very attractive cell source for tissue engineering applications aiming at the generation of artificial bone substitutes. The use of three-dimensional bioprinting technologies has the potential to improve the classical tissue engineering approach because bioprinting will allow the generation of hydrogel scaffolds with high spatial control of MSC allocation within the bioprinted construct. In this study, we have performed direct comparisons between commercially available hydrogels in the context of their cytocompatibility toward MSCs and their physicochemical parameters with the aim to identify the most suitable hydrogel for drop-on-demand (DoD) printing of MSCs. In this context, we examined matrigel, fibrin, collagen, gelatin, and gelatin/alginate at various hydrogel concentrations. Matrigel, fibrin, collagen, and gelatin were able to support cell viability, but the latter showed a limited potential to promote MSC proliferation. We concentrated our study on fibrin and collagen hydrogels and investigated the effect of hydroxyapatite (HA) inclusion. The inclusion of HA enhanced proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of MSCs and prevented degradation of fibrin in vitro. According to viscosity and storage moduli measurements, HA-blends displayed physicochemical characteristics suitable for DoD printing. In bioprinting experiments, we confirmed that fibrin and collagen and their respective HA-blends represent excellent hydrogels for DoD-based printing as evidenced by high survival rates of printed MSCs. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 3231-3241, 2017.

Formulation and characterization of a novel, photoinitiated small intestinal sub-mucosal wound-healing hydrogel

Purpose: To design and characterize a novel 3-D photo-initiated small intestinal sub-mucosal (SIS) hydrogel for use as a scaffold. Methods: Two concentrations of hydrogel were used: 10 mg/mL SIS gel (designated as 1 % hydrogel) and 20 mg/mL SIS gel (designated as 2 % hydrogel). Cross-sections of the hydrogels were examined by scanning electron microscope. In vitro cell culture was carried out on the hydrogels, and cell count was obtained on each hydrogel at different time points. In addition, hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining was used to assess in vivo biodegradability of the gels, as well as tissue regeneration. Results: The 1 % hydrogel possessed a larger pore size (143 ± 22 μm) than the 2 % hydrogel (113 ± 17 μm) and showed significantly higher biodegradation rate (22.79 ± 2.47 % of gel left on day 5) than 2% hydrogel (35.37 ± 4.51 % of gel left on day 5) ( p < 0.05). However, results from cell culture showed that the 2 % hydrogel had better biocompatibility than 1 % hydrogel. In vivo data revealed that the gels supported cell growth (cell count on days 3 and 5 were 48.33 ± 17.61 and 105.67 ± 21.36, respectively). Conclusion: These results suggest that SIS hydrogels have a high potential for application in tissue regeneration. Keywords: Extracellular matrix, Small intestinal sub-mucosa, Hydrogel, Wound healing

343 - Cartilage repair by various concentrations of placenta-derived mesenchymal stem cells and hyaluronic acid hydrogels in a rabbit model

Purpose: The placenta-derived mesenchymal stem cells have great interest as a promising cell source for regenerative medicine due to non-invasive collection, readily availability, high expansion capacity, and low immunogenicity. We investigated the feasibility of transplanting placenta-derived MSCs and a hyaluronic acid (HA) hydrogel composite to repair full-thickness articular cartilage defects and determine whether the transplantation of various concentrations of placenta-derived MSCs with 4% hyaluronic acid (HA) hydrogel promoted articular cartilage repair in a rabbit model.

Lupin hull cellulose nanofiber aerogel preparation by supercritical CO2 and freeze drying

In this study, aerogels were prepared from cellulose nanofiber hydrogels obtained via ultrasonication of subcritical water-assisted treated lupin hull. The SCCO2 drying and freeze drying were evaluated for aerogel formation with initial hydrogel concentrations in the range of 1–2wt%. The effects of concentration and drying method on resultant aerogel properties (density, porosity, specific surface area, pore size and pore volume), crystallinity, thermal behavior and morphology were investigated. The SCCO2 drying was more advantageous in aerogel formation, allowing the production of aerogels with lower density (0.009–0.05g/cm3), and higher surface area (72–115m2/g) compared to freeze-dried aerogels at each concentration level investigated. The aerogel prepared from 1wt% hydrogel concentration using SCCO2 drying provided the lowest density of 0.009g/cm3, the highest porosity of 99% and the highest specific surface area of 115m2/g with high crystallinity index (72%) and thermal stability with degradation temperature of 310°C.

Cartilage repair by various concentrations of placenta-derived mesenchymal stem cells and hyaluronic acid hydrogels in a rabbit model

Cartilage repair by various concentrations of placenta-derived mesenchymal stem cells and hyaluronic acid hydrogels in a rabbit model

Reduction in Water Stress for Tree Saplings Using Hydrogels in Soil

The effect of soil amendment with hydrogel on reducing water stress was tested for Siberian elm (Ulmus pumila) and silver maple (Acer saccharinum) saplings. The trees were planted in soils with one of two concentrations of hydrogel (0.5% or 1% dry weight) as compared to the control soil (0% of hydrogel) and watered either daily, weekly, or bi-weekly. Growth was monitored by measuring height and stem diameter. Stress was monitored by measuring SPAD readings and normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), as proxy measures of chlorophyll content and photosynthetic activity, respectively. Water stress decreased NDVI (p < 0.05) but did not have a significant effect on SPAD readings. Soil with 0.5% concentration of hydrogel was positively associated with greater height and NDVI (p < 0.01) for both maple and elm trees. Hydrogels had a species-specific effect on SPAD readings. The interaction between hydrogel concentration and the watering regime had a significant effect on the height and NDVI (p < 0.01) of elms, but not maples. The improved performance of water-stressed tree saplings in hydrogel-amended soils was presumably due to the ability of hydrogels to absorb and then gradually release water and nutrients. This is of special interest for urban foresters, because water stress and nutrient deficiency are two important growth-limiting factors for street trees.

Quantifying 3D chemotaxis in microfluidic-based chips with step gradients of collagen hydrogel concentrations.

Cell migration is an essential process involved in crucial stages of tissue formation, regeneration or immune function as well as in pathological processes including tumor development or metastasis. During the last few years, the effect of gradients of soluble molecules on cell migration has been widely studied, and complex systems have been used to analyze cell behavior under simultaneous mechano-chemical stimuli. Most of these chemotactic assays have, however, focused on specific substrates in 2D. The aim of the present work is to develop a novel microfluidic-based chip that allows the long-term chemoattractant effect of growth factors (GFs) on 3D cell migration to be studied, while also providing the possibility to analyze the influence of the interface generated between different adjacent hydrogels. Namely, 1.5, 2, 2.5 and 4 mg ml-1 concentrations of collagen type I were alternatively combined with 5, 10 or 50 ng ml-1 concentrations of PDGF and VEGF (as a negative control). To achieve this goal, we have designed a new microfluidic device including three adjacent chambers to introduce hydrogels that allow the generation of a collagen concentration step gradient. This versatile and simple platform was tested by using dermal human fibroblasts embedded in 3D collagen matrices. Images taken over a week were processed to quantify the number of cells in each zone. We found, in terms of cell distribution, that the presence of PDGF, especially in small concentrations, was a strong chemoattractant for dermal human fibroblasts across the gels regardless of their collagen concentration and step gradient direction, whereas the effects of VEGF or collagen step gradient concentrations alone were negligible.

Sustained drug delivery system for insulin using supramolecular hydrogels composed of tri-block copolymers

Formulating a polypeptide gastrointestinal drug delivery system have been persistent challenges. To overcome these challenges, in situ-forming gels are more attractive because of their biodegradability and easy preparation and administration. In this study, biodegradable triblock copolymer polycaprolactone–polyethylene glycol–polycaprolactone [PCL–PEG–PCL (PCEC)] was synthesized under microwave irradiation and their gelation with different concentrations of α-cyclodextrin (CD) was investigated. PCEC was characterized by 1HNMR and gel permeation chromatography. The hydrogel and copolymer were also evaluated using differential scanning colorimetery, X-ray diffraction study and scanning electron microscopy. Also rheological properties were investigated. Four different concentrations of hydrogels consisting of the copolymer [5 and 7.5% (w/w)] and α-CD [10 and 14% (w/w)] were studied to evaluate insulin cumulative release profiles during 37 days. Finally, CD spectrum and sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) tests were performed to approve the stability of released insulin. It was demonstrated that the synthesis of PCEC via microwave irradiation was fast and efficient. Copolymer and α-CD concentrations are important in forming supramolecular hydrogels. Rheographs indicated the injectability and thixotropic behavior. In vitro release studies affirmed the sustained release profile of insulin. Both polymer degradation and drug diffusion are involved in it. Results of stability tests confirmed the stability of insulin following release.

INITIAL GROWTH OF SEEDLINGS OF Eucalyptus dunnii Maiden AS INFLUENCED BY THE ADDITION OF NATURAL POLYMER AND FARMING SUBSTRATES

ABSTRACT This study aimed to test different concentrations of natural polymer combined with different substrates in order to maximize the production and quality of Eucalyptus dunnii Maiden as well as the influence of the physical and chemical properties of the substrates. Experiments were conducted in a greenhouse in a randomized design with a 4 x 4 factorial arrangement for different substrates (factor "A") and water-retaining polymer concentrations (factor "B"). The physical and chemical properties of the substrates were also analyzed in each treatment. The seedlings height (H), neck diameter (D), shoot dry matter (SDM), root dry matter (RDM), total dry matter (TDM), H/D ratio and Dickson quality index (DQI) were measured after 90 days of sowing. Both the physical and chemical properties of the substrates have improved by the addition of hydrogel, especially those regarding to porosity, water availability and water holding capacity. In general, the water-retaining polymer concentrations of 2 and 4 g L-1 provided a better seedling growth. Seedlings largest neck diameter was observed at a hydrogel concentration of 6 g L-1. The use of hydrogel has resulted in higher height and neck diameter values when carbonized rice hulls were used as substrate. Therefore, hydrogel concentrations of 2 and 4 g L-1 may increase the quality of Eucalyptus dunnii seedlings and reduce their nursery time.

&lt;i&gt;In vitro&lt;/i&gt; regeneration of &lt;i&gt;Hypochaeris radicata&lt;/i&gt; L. from sodium alginate-encapsulated synthetic seeds

Synthetic seeds were produced from in vitro derived leaf, root and callus explants of Hypochaeris radicata (hairy cat’s-ear) by encapsulating different concentrations of sodium alginate hydrogel (1-6%) containing MS medium. The texture, conversion frequency and the effect of temperature on shoot emergence were evaluated. Among three explants attempted, in vitro derived leaf segments encapsulated beads stored at 25°C observed successful shoot regeneration above 80% in the standardized MS medium supplemented with 2mg/L BAP. The regenerated shoots were rooted well (73.54%) on MS medium with 1mg/L NAA. The high frequency of plant re-growth was found in four month old leaf segment encapsulated beads. Generally, four months stored beads of all explants at 25°C found to have higher regeneration rate in comparison with 2 and 6 months old encapsulated beads.

Application of carboxymethylcellulose hydrogel based silver nanocomposites on cotton fabrics for antibacterial property

In this study, fumaric acid (FA) crosslinked carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) hydrogel (CMCF) based silver nanocomposites were coated on cotton fabric for antibacterial property for the first time. The performance of the nanocomposite treated cotton fabric was tested for different mixing times of hydrogel solution, padding times and concentrations of silver. The cotton fabrics treated with CMC hydrogel based silver nanocomposites demonstrated 99.9% reduction for both Staphylococcus aureus (Sa) and Klebsiella pneumonia (Kp). After one cycle washing processes of treated cotton fabric, there is no significant variation observed in antibacterial activity. From SEM and AFM analyses, silver particles in nano-size, homogenously distributed, were observed. The treated samples were also evaluated by tensile strength, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis, fluid absorbency properties, and whiteness index. The treatment of cotton fabric with CMCF hydrogel did not affect the whiteness considerably, but increased the absorbency values of cotton.

Photocrosslinkable Gelatin Hydrogel for Epidermal Tissue Engineering.

Natural hydrogels are promising scaffolds to engineer epidermis. Currently, natural hydrogels used to support epidermal regeneration are mainly collagen- or gelatin-based, which mimic the natural dermal extracellular matrix but often suffer from insufficient and uncontrollable mechanical and degradation properties. In this study, a photocrosslinkable gelatin (i.e., gelatin methacrylamide (GelMA)) with tunable mechanical, degradation, and biological properties is used to engineer the epidermis for skin tissue engineering applications. The results reveal that the mechanical and degradation properties of the developed hydrogels can be readily modified by varying the hydrogel concentration, with elastic and compressive moduli tuned from a few kPa to a few hundred kPa, and the degradation times varied from a few days to several months. Additionally, hydrogels of all concentrations displayed excellent cell viability (>90%) with increasing cell adhesion and proliferation corresponding to increases in hydrogel concentrations. Furthermore, the hydrogels are found to support keratinocyte growth, differentiation, and stratification into a reconstructed multilayered epidermis with adequate barrier functions. The robust and tunable properties of GelMA hydrogels suggest that the keratinocyte laden hydrogels can be used as epidermal substitutes, wound dressings, or substrates to construct various in vitro skin models.

"On-off" thermoresponsive coating agent containing salicylic acid applied to maize seeds for chilling tolerance.

Chilling stress is an important constraint for maize seed establishment in the field. In this study, a type of “on-off” thermoresponsive coating agent containing poly (N-isopropylacrylamide-co-butylmethacrylate) (Abbr. P(NIPAm-co-BMA)) hydrogel was developed to improve the chilling tolerance of coated maize seed. The P(NIPAm-co-BMA) hydrogel was synthesized by free-radical polymerization of N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAm) and butylmethacrylate (BMA). Salicylic acid (SA) was loaded in the hydrogel as the chilling resistance agent. SA-loaded P(NIPAm-co-BMA) was used for seed film-coating of two maize varieties, Huang C (HC, chilling-tolerant) and Mo17 (chilling-sensitive), to investigate the coated seed germination and seedling growth status under chilling stress. The results showed that the hydrogel obtained a phase transition temperature near 12°C with a NIPAM to MBA weight ratio of 1: 0.1988 (w/w). The temperature of 12°C was considered the “on-off” temperature for chilling-resistant agent release; the SA was released from the hydrogel more rapidly at external temperatures below 12°C than above 12°C. In addition, when seedlings of both maize varieties suffered a short chilling stress (5°C), higher concentrations of SA-loaded hydrogel resulted in increased germination energy, germination percentage, germination index, root length, shoot height, dry weight of roots and shoots and protective enzyme activities and a decreased malondialdehyde content in coated maize seeds compared to single SA treatments. The majority of these physiological and biochemical parameters achieved significant levels compared with the control. Therefore, SA-loaded P(NIPAm-co-BMA), a nontoxic thermoresponsive hydrogel, can be used as an effective material for chilling tolerance in film-coated maize seeds.

Photo-crosslinkable hydrogel-based 3D microfluidic culture device.

We developed the photo-crosslinkable hydrogel-based 3D microfluidic device to culture neural stem cells (NSCs) and tumors. The photo-crosslinkable gelatin methacrylate (GelMA) polymer was used as a physical barrier in the microfluidic device and collagen type I gel was employed to culture NSCs in a 3D manner. We demonstrated that the pore size was inversely proportional to concentrations of GelMA hydrogels, showing the pore sizes of 5 and 25 w/v% GelMA hydrogels were 34 and 4 μm, respectively. It also revealed that the morphology of pores in 5 w/v% GelMA hydrogels was elliptical shape, whereas we observed circular-shaped pores in 25 w/v% GelMA hydrogels. To culture NSCs and tumors in the 3D microfluidic device, we investigated the molecular diffusion properties across GelMA hydrogels, indicating that 25 w/v% GelMA hydrogels inhibited the molecular diffusion for 6 days in the 3D microfluidic device. In contrast, the chemicals were diffused in 5 w/v% GelMA hydrogels. Finally, we cultured NSCs and tumors in the hydrogel-based 3D microfluidic device, showing that 53-75% NSCs differentiated into neurons, while tumors were cultured in the collagen gels. Therefore, this photo-crosslinkable hydrogel-based 3D microfluidic culture device could be a potentially powerful tool for regenerative tissue engineering applications.

Application of in-line viscometer for in-process monitoring of microcrystalline cellulose-carboxymethylcellulose hydrogel formation during batch manufacturing

Physical stability and consistent dose delivery of pharmaceutical suspension formulations comprised of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) and sodium carboxymethylcellulose (NaCMC) hydrogels is dependent on their rheological properties. To obtain the desired rheological characteristics, good control of the hydrogel dispersion in water is required. The goal of this study was to evaluate whether the XL7-100 Process Viscometer could be employed as a process analytical technology (PAT) tool to monitor the dispersion process in real time during batch manufacturing. Using this instrument, viscosity profiles were measured during the hydrogel processing for a range of operating conditions. It was confirmed that viscosity obtained by the XL7-100 Process Viscometer in the off-line mode, could be linearly correlated to that of the conventional Brookfield viscometer. In addition, the XL7-100 Process Viscometer was able to detect variations in the hydrogel concentrations as well as process conditions in real time. Under fixed operating conditions, the dynamic viscosity profile showed low variability and good inter-batch reproducibility for a properly dispersed hydrogel. For a well-validated mixing process, an off-trend in-line viscosity reading may be indicative of batch failure or poor dispersion homogeneity. Therefore, the in-line viscometer can be used in manufacturing to monitor the batch to batch consistency. However, it is not proven to be able to characterize the real-time structure formation of the hydrogel. It is recommended that the in-line viscometer be used as a complimentary tool along with the off-line rheometer for both efficient and effective in-process quality control of the MCC & NaCMC hydrogel dispersion.

Lipid Transfer in Oil-in-Water Isasome Emulsions: Influence of Arrested Dynamics of the Emulsion Droplets Entrapped in a Hydrogel

The transfer kinetics of lipids between internally self-assembled droplets of O/W emulsions is studied. The droplets (isasomes) consist of various liquid-crystalline phases or W/O microemulsions stabilized by a polymeric stabilizer F127. The various internal phases were identified by the relative peak positions in the small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) curves. An arrested system composed of isasomes embedded in a gel matrix actually provides an additional possibility to control these systems in terms of the release of various host molecules. These experiments have been applied to examine the kinetics of the internal phase reorganization imposed by the lipids' release and uptake by the droplets embedded in a κ-carrageenan (KC) hydrogel network. Increasing the concentration of the gelling agent slows down the transfer from one droplet to the other through the aqueous phase. We examined the region where the free diffusion is stopped. i.e., the point where the system changes from the ergodic to the nonergodic state and the kinetics is essentially slowed down. This effect can be balanced by the addition of small amounts of free polymeric stabilizer, which speeds up the kinetics. This is even possible in the case of highly arrested dynamics of the emulsion droplets, as found for the highest KC hydrogel concentrations forming nonergodic systems.

Effect of Trichloroacetic Acid Hydrogel on Self-Etch Adhesive Bond Strength to Dental Tissues

Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) is a soft tissue cauterizing agent applied to gingival margins prior to cervical tooth-colored restorations. The present in vitro study evaluated the effects of two different concentrations of TCA hydrogel as a hemostatic/preconditioning agent on the shear bond strength (SBS) of a self-etch adhesive to tooth structures. Thirty-six flat enamel and 36 flat dentin surfaces were prepared using human molars; each group was subdivided into three subgroups (n = 12). The groups were made ready as follows: In groups 1 (E1 and D1), the enamel (E) and dentin (D) surfaces were designated as control groups and remained intact. In groups 2 (E2 and D2), 35% TCA gel was applied to enamel and dentin surfaces for 30 seconds. In groups 3 (E3 and D3), 50% TCA gel was applied to enamel and dentin surfaces for 30 seconds. Clearfil SE Bond and Z100 composite resin were applied to the surfaces according to manufacturers' instructions. After 24 hours of incubation and thermocycling, the composite cylinders underwent an SBS test in a DARTEC test machine. Data were analyzed using the ANOVA and Scheffe's test (α=0.05). The mean SBS±SD in the study groups were 34.73±5.66, 35.32±7.3, 23.75±9.67, 20.94±9.84, 19.32±6.20, 23.50±6.63 MPa in the E1, E2, E3, D1, D2 and D3 groups, respectively. ANOVA revealed significant differences between the SBS values of enamel groups (p=0.001). There were no significant differences between the dentin groups (p=0.425). Application of 35 and 50% concentrations of TCA to dentin had no detrimental effect on the bond produced by two-step self-etch adhesive under study; however, application of only 35% TCA to enamel did not result in a detrimental effect on the same adhesive.

Hydrogel Microstructures: Characterization of Mass and Swelling of Hydrogel Microstructures using MEMS Resonant Mass Sensor Arrays (Small 16/2012)

Through photolithography, poly(ethylene glycol)diacrylate microstructures can be attached to microelectromechanical system resonant mass sensor arrays to enable the characterization of hydrogel mass and swelling. Mass values obtained coincide with the values obtained through imaging-based measures of microstructure volume for independent mass determination. The data shown on page 2555 indicate a size-dependent increase in gel mass with increasing fluid density; volume comparisons of a range of bulk hydrogel concentrations (5% to 100% v/v) show a non-linear swelling trend.

Formulation and in vitro evaluation of κ‐carrageenan‐pregelatinized starch‐based mucoadhesive gels containing miconazole

AbstractThe aim of this work was to investigate the effects of using κ‐carrageenan (κ‐Carr) with pregelatinized starch (PGS) in the improvement of swelling and erosion behaviors of mucoadhesive gels containing 2% of miconazole. Polymer blends containing carrageenan and PGS were used for the formulation, and the effect of varying polymer concentrations on the drug release was studied. The matrices were prepared using different biopolymer (starch hydrogel) concentrations. Swelling and erosion characteristics of the matrices were carried out in various media and their impact on drug release were studied. The swelling action of the gel matrix was controlled by the rate of its hydration in the medium. Release studies have showed that the swelling and erosion of matrices influence the drug release. In addition, the presence of κ‐Carr in the gel formula improves the bioadhesive properties. The release data showed a good fit into the power law or Korsmeyer–Peppas equation indicating the combined effects of diffusion and erosion mechanisms of drug release. Most of the formulations released miconazole by an anomalous (non‐Fickian) transport mechanism, except those matrices that contained PGS alone which showed zero‐order release.

Study on injectable paclitaxel loaded PCL/PEG/PCL thermosensitive hydrogels

Objective To construct an injectable controlled delivery system of paclitaxel based on thermosensitive PCL1250-PEG1500-PCL1250 hydrogels. Methods A thermosensitive PCL1250-PEG1500-PCL1250 triblock copolymer was synthesized by ring-opening polymerization of e-CL using PEG (Mw=l 500) as the initiator and Sn(Oct)2 as the catalyst. The synthesized PCL1250-PEG1500-PCL1250 copolymers were characterized for their composition,structure, and molecular weight via 1H NMR and GPC techniques. A series of Paclitaxel loaded hydrogels with various predesigned hydrogel concentrations and initial drug loadings were prepared to investigate their gelation ability, in vitro drug release behavior and in vivo biodegradability. Results The results calculated from 1H NMR and GPC indicated that EG/CL ratio(1.55) was consistent with the initial feed ratio(1.6), which offered a strong proof to their composition and molecular structure. The thermosensitive PCL1250-PEG1500-PCL1250 hydrogels exhibited a desirable sol-gel transition ability within the concentration range of 15%-30%. The in vitro release rate of paclitaxel from the paclitaxel/PCL1250-PEG1500-PCL1250 hydrogels was controllable by altering the hydrogel concentrations and initial drug loadings. The PCL1250-PEG1500-PCL1250 hydrogels showed a good in situ gelation ability after subcutaneously injected into mouse back. The in situ formed hydrogels gradually degradated with time and almost disappeared after 45 days in vivo. Conclusion Both the controllable drug release behavior and promising biodegradability of this new thermosensitive PCL1250-PEG1500-PCL1250 hydrogels paved a way to develop a novel delivery system for paclitaxel. Key words: Thermosensitive hydrogels; PCL1250-PEG1500-PCL1250copolymers; Paclitaxel; Controlled release; Biodegradability