Hydrogel Research Articles

Gelatin/alginate hydrogel scaffolds prepared by 3D bioprinting promotes cell adhesion and proliferation of human dental pulp cells in vitro

To evaluate the cytotoxicity of gelatin/alginate hydrogel scaffolds prepared by 3D bioprinting in human dental pulp cells (HDPCs) and compare the cell adhesion and proliferation of the cells seeded in the biomaterial using two different methods. HDPCs isolated by tissue block culture and enzyme digestion were cultured and passaged. Gelatin/alginate hydrogel scaffolds were printed using a bioplotter, and the cytotoxicity of the aqueous extracts of the scaffold material was tested in the third passage of HDPCs using cell counting kit-8. Scanning electron microscopy and trypan blue were used to assess the adhesion and proliferation of the cells seeded in the scaffold material at a low or high concentration. The aqueous extract of the scaffolds at different concentrations showed no obvious cytotoxicity and promoted the proliferation of HDPCs. The scaffolds had a good biocompatibility and HDPCs seeded in the scaffold showed good cell growth. Cell seeding at a high concentration in the scaffold better promoted the adhesion of HDPCs and resulted in a greater cell number on the scaffold surface compared with low-concentration cell seeding after a 5-day culture (P<0.05). Gelatin<alginate hydrogel scaffolds prepared by 3D bioprinting has a good biocompatibility and promotes the proliferation of HDPCs, and can be used as a scaffold material for tooth regeneration. Cell seeding at a high concentration can better promote cell adhesion to the scaffold material.

Construction of three-dimensional culture model of human neuroendocrine tumor BON-1 and H727 cell lines

Objective To provide new methods for the study of human neuroendocrine tumor cells in vitro by establishing three-dimensional culture models. Methods Agarose gel, alginate/polyacrylamide copolymer (ALG/PAAm) hydrogel and polyethylene glycol (PEG) crosslinked poly methyl vinyl ether maleic acid alt (PMVE-alt-MA) hydrogel were prepared. Three-dimensional culture models of human neuroendocrine tumor H727 and BON-1 cell lines based on these three materials were constructed, and the morphological changes of the models were observed by a microscope every 24 h. Results The shapes of H727 and BON-1 cells with three-dimensional culture were different from those of two-dimensional culture. After cultured for one week, H727 cells formed different multicellular spheroids with sphere diameter of 350-450, 150-250 and 50-100 μm on agarose gel, ALG/PAAm hydrogel and in PEG crosslinking PMVE-alt-MA hydrogel respectively. And BON-1 cells grew up into multicellular spheroids with sphere diameter of 150-200 μm in PEG crosslinking PMVE-alt-MA hydrogel, but they just formed irregularly shaped multicellular aggregates on the other two culture materials. Conclusion The three materials could be applied for constructing three-dimensional culture models of BON-1 and H727 cell lines. Due to their advantages and disadvantages, the appropriate culture material would be selected according to specific experimental requirements. Key words: Neuroendocrine tumor cell; Three-dimensional culture model; Culture material

Properties of a non-toxic, self-healing X-ray radiation shielding bandage developed using smart gel

For the first time, we report a novel process for developing novel, non-toxic, self-healing as well as X-ray radiation shielding, smart material in the form of a bandage, which is capable of performing a dual function. Firstly, it is capable of shielding X-ray radiation and secondly possesses a self-healing matrix which on exposure to X-ray radiation repairs itself. The structural and compositional designing ensures dynamicity of the gel-like polymeric networks as well as effective interdiffusion and interaction of dangling chains on the damaged surface of developed smart shielding material. The nanohydro gel matrix of the developed smart gel has been further used for the impregnation of cotton flannel fabric to form novel, non-toxic, self-healing as well as an X-ray radiation shielding bandage. The developed smart shielding bandage was evaluated for its diagnostic X-ray attenuation as well as self-healing characteristics and found to possess highly effective properties. The developed shielding smart bandage possesses excellent X-ray attenuation properties for the energies of X-ray photons, i.e., 60, 80 and 100 kVp and therefore can be successfully used as radiation shielding material. It is found that the exposure of 100 kVp X-ray radiation for a duration of 40 ms leads to the complete self-healing of the matrix of the developed smart shielding bandage. Also, the developed smart shielding bandages were characterized by using various complementary techniques like TGA, DSC, FESEM and AFM for studying the chemical compatibility of complementary cellulosic species of cotton flannel fiber with hydro gel matrix. The developed smart shielding bandage is highly functional and can be widely oriented as it can be easily used and put on (1) body parts (2) windows (3) doors (4) the lining of instrumental parts, etc. and thus has a broad application spectrum ranging from diagnostic X-ray and CT scanner rooms to other strategic radiation shielding installations.

Controlled swelling and in vitro release of insulin from konkoli grafted polymethylacrylaminde hydrogel

The extended study of konkoli grafted polymethylacrylaminde (KG-g-poly (MAAm) hydrogel synthesized in our earlier work from methacrylamide (MAAm) grafted and N,N-methylenebisacrylamide (N,N-MBAAm) crosslinked Konkoli ( Maesopsis eminni ) galactomannan (KG), is necessary to establish its potential application as an oral insulin delivery system. In this study, the kg-g-poly (MAAm) Hydrogel swelling in typical pH media show an initial rapid swelling before stabilizing. The hydrogel attains its parabolic peak swelling in distill water (pH = 7). Swelling rises from a lower pH medium (pH = 2.2), and in a medium with a slight pH above this (pH = 7.4), swelling starts dropping. Comparing the media for the insulin release studies, the cumulative release drops to its parabolic trough in the distill water medium (pH = 7). A higher cumulative release was recorded at a lower pH (pH = 2.2), and the highest cumulative release was recorded at a higher pH (pH = 7.4). The kinetics and mechanisms of these processes were presented while using the descriptive statistic of regression to fit the results from the processes to a power law. The release of insulin from kg-g-poly (MAAm) Hydrogel was also shown to increase with increase in glucose concentration in the media with an initial rapid release in all solutions, while in a typical intestinal pH media range, higher release at all concentrations was recorded at pH = 6.8.

Application of Sodium Alginate Hydrogel

Application of Sodium Alginate Hydrogel

Xanthan Gum a Versatile Biopolymer: Current Status and Future Prospectus in Hydro Gel Drug Delivery

Xanthan Gum a Versatile Biopolymer: Current Status and Future Prospectus in Hydro Gel Drug Delivery

JoVE Monthly Highlights: April 2017

Here's a look at what's coming up in the April 2017 issue of JoVE: The World's Premier Video Journal The plight of the honeybee holds our first spotlight this month. Pesticides brought back to colonies by workers foraging on contaminated flowers can be spread throughout honeybee colonies, severely impacting health of larvae and adults, and potentially causing colony collapse. In JoVE Environment, our Authors describe feeding methods in which an insect growth regulator and commonly used pesticide - PPN - is fed both to individual honeybees and an entire colony, in a manner that can be applied to any potentially harmful chemicals or pathogens. A technique enabling a better understanding of the challenges facing these critical pollinators leaves us buzzing. From food-producing pollinators to clean water...in JoVE Bioengineering this month, our Authors present methods to prepare low-cost, efficient membranes for water purification. Here, zwitterionic hydrogels are produced using SBMA* crosslinked to polyethylene glycol diacrylate to improve mechanical strength. When impregnated into a highly porous hydrophobic support, the resultant tightly bound layers prevent antifouling of the membranes by physically preventing attachment to the surface. These properties combined allow for production of energy efficient and long lasting filters to meet increasing demand for clean water. Something we can all toast to, cheers! In JoVE Behavior, our Authors demonstrate a procedure of exposure manipulation involving sorting novel and familiar objects paired with an acoustic signal, to reveal the powerful shaping role of experience in recognizing human language. At 3-4 months infants broadly recognize both human and nonhuman primate vocalizations as cues to support object categorization, but by 6-to 7-months only human vocalizations are utilized. This method shows that merely exposing infants to nonhuman primate vocalizations can preserve this early-established link, whereas the same effect is not observed when the child is exposed to backwards speech. Finally, as the first buds of spring emerge, our last video highlight this month gives a fascinating glimpse into the private life of plants. In JoVE Developmental Biology, our Author uses confocal microscopy to show how the intricate inflorescences of the Arabidopsis plant develop in real time. Moreover, the demonstrated procedure allows expression of multiple genes to be visualized at once, aiding in the elucidation of the complex genetic networks, which unravel simultaneously to specify the identities of the different floral organs. Blooming marvelous! You've just had a sneak peek of the April 2017 issue of JoVE. Visit the website to see the full-length articles, plus many more, in JoVE: The World's Premier Video Journal.

Swellable hydrogels and cross linking Agents - Their role in drug delivery system

Hydrogels are cross linked polymers with the ability to swell in an aqueous medium. Cross linking in hydrogels occurs by chemical or physical means depending on the polymer properties and experimental conditions. PH-Responsive Polymers containing carboxyl groups or amino groups respond to the pH changes by changing their size in the swollen state. At low pH values, the carboxyl containing anionic polymers display minimum ionization and hence reduced hydration. Once the pH of the swelling medium rises above the pKa of the polymer, the carboxyl groups start to ionize and hydrate, which results in polymer expansion and hence higher swelling. On the contrary, cationic polymers containing amino groups (quaternary ammonium salts) display a stronger ionization and hence higher swelling at low pH. Higher cross-link density increases the surface area and pore volume whereas decreases the pore size of polymer beads and vice-versa for lower cross-link density polymer. Further, rigid cross-linker maximizes whereas flexible cross-linker lowers both thermo stability and glass transition temperature

Novel hybrid system based on hydrodynamic cavitation for treatment of dye waste water: A first report on bench scale study

In this article, a first report on novel hybrid technique (hydrodynamic cavitation+hydro gels packed bed adsorption) has been reported for dye degradation and subsequent adsorption of dye molecules. Initially, hydrodynamic cavitation (HC) was employed for the degradation of crystal violet dye molecules and subsequent adsorption of dye molecules have been carried out by adopting synthesized polymer hydro gels. Poly-acrylic acid (PAA)/nano composite hydro gels have been synthesized via ultrasound assisted emulsion polymerization technique. Modified bentonite clay was used as a cross-linker during the synthesis of PAA in the presence of ultrasound for the uniform dispersion of bentonite clay in the hydro gel matrix and to improve the adsorption capacity of the hydro gels. The morphology of synthesized hydro gels has been studied by XRD and TEM analysis. Operational parameters such as effect of inlet pressure on CV dye removal, effect of bentonite clay content in PAA hydro gel, effect of quantity of hydro gel loading in packed bed, effect of pH, and effect of inlet flow rate to the packed bed on integral removal of crystal violet dye in the hybrid system have been investigated. The combined process of hydrodynamic cavitation and packed bed hydro gel demonstrated the higher percentage removal of the crystal violet dye as compared to packed bed hydro gel alone. Synergistic effect of combined technique was evaluated based on the total organic carbon removal from the dye solution.

Structural Hierarchy in DNA Hydrogels

Sol gel transition in aqueous DNA solutions was probed to determine the gelation time tgel and temperature Tgel It was remarkable to observe that Tgel linearly increased from to deg C and tgellinearly decreased from to s with increase in DNA concentration The hydrogels were studied by using small angle neutron scattering SANS DNA le w v to determine the underlying hierarchy of length scales From structure factor profile analysis three distinct signatures were obtained a nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp Radius of gyration Rg asymp plusmn nm which assigned a length of nm to DNA strand b nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp Geometry of scattering moiety defined by the value of alpha asymp plusmn indicating Gaussian chain behavior c nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp nbsp Correlation length xi increased from to nm and the inter chain spacing d decreased from to nm with increase in DNA concentration Physical networks were formed for concentration c ge w v and the system involved at least five identifiable length scales A revisit has shown that hierarchical structure of DNA hydrogel owes its origin to considerable self organization at the molecular level dependent on biopolymer concentration

Role of Biological Scaffolds, Hydro Gels and Stem Cells in Tissue Regeneration Therapy

Present review article emphasize role of biological scaffolds hydrogels and stem cells intissue engineering mainly in regeneration or repairing of damaged tissues Highly porous scaffold biomaterials are developed which act as templates for tissue regeneration and potentially guide the growth of new tissue Present article also describes de cellularization cell printing vascularization integration of cross linking of methods for scaffolding of biomaterials toreproduce and recapitulate complexity in engineered tissues It also explains different scaffold types polymer hydrogels which are necessary for formation of microstructure cell attachment differentiation tissue vascularization and integration It also explains use of induced pluripotent stem cells iPSCs and engineered MSCs as new diagnostic and potential therapeutic tools to remove sustained damage and complications from organ failures These engineered MSCs assist in making self assembling supramolecular hydrogels which have larger applications in cell therapy of intractable diseases and tissue regeneration No doubt development of more advanced biomaterials growth factors and stem cell derived products factors and tissue transplantation methods based on cell regeneration programming will revolutionize the clinical therapeutics This article suggest to identify new biomaterials biomolecules such as growth factors scaffolds integration adhesion and regulatory molecules and cell secreted factors which can induce major metabolic and signaling pathways during phase of tissue repairing and induction of regeneration This innovative research area needs many conceptual improvements in organ therapies methods and technological advancement to scale more services to the human society

Effect of hyaluronic acid initial concentration on cross-linking efficiency of hyaluronic acid - based hydrogels used in biomedical and cosmetic applications.

This work was aimed to explore the potential effect of hyaluronic acid (HA) initial concentration (7.0 - 14.0 % w/v) on cross-linking efficiency of HA hydrogels cross-linked with 1,4-butanediol diglycidyl ether (BDDE). The results revealed that the hydrogel prepared at 10.0 % HA concentration exhibited a slower degradation rate, a lower swelling ability and more regular porosity than those prepared at either lower or higher HA concentration. After four days incubating with hyaluronidase, the content of NAG (N-acetyl glucosamine) remaining in the 10.0 HA hydrogel was 25.1±1.9 % with respect to the total NAG content found in the original mass. In contrast, the hydrogels prepared at 7.0 % and 14.0 % HA concentration showed a less remaining content of NAG equaled to approximately 15.9±5.4 % and 19.5±2.6 % respectively. On the other hand, the swelling ability of tested hydrogels was steadily decreased with the increase of HA initial concentration until the 10.0 % HA hydrogel and then showed an opposite trend. Based on this finding, the 10.0 % HA hydrogel exhibited the lowest swelling ratio which was observed at 129±3.2 g/g in distilled water and at 116±2.4 g/g in phosphate buffer saline (PBS). The SEM images showed various morphologies within the entire range of tested hydrogels. However, the hydrogel prepared at 10.0 % HA concentration was more homogenous and appeared with narrower pore-size distribution ranged in diameter from less than 50 μm to approximately 300 μm. Finally, the effect of HA initial concentration was investigated by FTIR which confirmed that the 10.0 % HA hydrogel was subject to a greater loss of (- OH) at 3343 cm-1 than other hydrogels except the 11.0 % HA hydrogel. This phenomenon was probably attributed to the formation of pendants that allowed the 11.0 % HA hydrogel to appear with a lower peak intensity than the 10.0 % HA hydrogel in the FTIR spectra. In conclusion, the HA initial concentration plays a crucial role in determining the cross-linking efficiency of HA hydrogels cross-linked with BDDE.

Preparation and Properties of Double Network Hydrogels Based on Gellan Gum and Polyethylene Glycol Acrylate

Preparation and Properties of Double Network Hydrogels Based on Gellan Gum and Polyethylene Glycol Acrylate

Cardiotoxicity occurred in aged C57BL/6nia mice given a formulation containing poloxamer 407 hydrogel.

Cardiotoxicity occurred in aged C57BL/6nia mice given a formulation containing poloxamer 407 hydrogel.

Development of Antifouling Materials Using Hydrogels against Barnacles

Development of Antifouling Materials Using Hydrogels against Barnacles

Hydrogels in maxillofacial prosthesis

Background: There is a growing need for prosthetic replacements in humans due to various reasons. Oro-facial deformities contribute more for these treatment modalities due to impairment in both function and esthetics. Biomaterials play an important role in replacing any form of defects. Selection of a good biomaterial is of prime importance as these materials determine the success of the treatment outcome. Acrylic resins and silicones are the most popular materials for replacing the lost tissues as far as the maxillofacial prosthesis is concerned. But these materials only help in covering the defect and give a very little therapeutic effect. Acrylic resins are very rigid materials and are less tolerated by the ailing patients. Silicones have very poor edge strength and colour retaining capacity. Purpose of Study: Hydrogels are hydrophilic gels which can be manipulated using polymeric network, are considered suitable maxilla facial materials. Hydro gels in dentistry can readily replace silicones as they have good physical, chemical and biological properties. They can also act as drug delivering devices which aids in healing of the defect and carriers for growth factors by which they stimulate the bone and tissue growth and they can be modified for their rigidity to have a good edge strength more recently. All these factors facilitate the hydrogels to serve as a good maxillofacial prosthesis material. Summary and Conclusion: Hydrogels are biocompatible materials which act as both therapeutic and replacement devices for the oro facial defects and can improve the patient's perception towards the positive outcome of the treatment.

Synthesis and drug release profile of a dual-responsive poly(ethylene glycol) hydrogel nanocomposite

This work describes the synthesis, characterization and application of a pH- and magnetic-responsive PEG hydrogel (HG) nanocomposite as a platform for drug delivery.

3D Printing Process for Hydro Gel with the Three-dimensional Micro Tubes to Mimic Vascular Network

3D Printing Process for Hydro Gel with the Three-dimensional Micro Tubes to Mimic Vascular Network

Natural and Sustainable Raw Materials for Sanitary Napkin

The present paper highlights the issue of non-biodegradability of personal hygiene product and how it has become a serious environmental concern all over the world. Emphasis is given to use naturally available absorbent fibres such as organic cotton, banana fibre, jute, bamboo etc., which are widely available and biodegradable in nature having low carbon footprint which not only makes it eco-friendly but also reduces the cost of sanitary pad. And to enhance the retention of fluid cellulose based hydro gel can be used instead of synthetic super absorbent polymer. Sustainability of hygiene product can be attained by replacing petroleum based raw material with an ecofriendly one.

Development and experimental research on the physical model of male pelvic organ group

Objective To develop the physical model of male pelvic organ group and conduct corresponding prostate puncture experiments. Because sufficient research and plenty of surgical training is very important for improving the surgical treatment effect of prostate puncture surgery, in which the deformation of needle and tissue has significant influences on surgical precision. Methods Based on the magnetic resonance images, the 3D reconstruction of human pelvic organs group was performed, and then the monomer organ moulds were designed. The monomer organ models were made by a new type of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) hydrogel which is a biomimetic material and can simulate biomechanical properties of different tissues by adjusting the proportion of components. The monomer organ models were assembled to simulate the internal environment of pelvic cavity based on the human anatomical structure, and the experiments of insertion force and deformation were conducted. Results The results of insertion force experiments indicated that the mechanical properties of the proposed model of pelvic organ group were coincident with the force variation in real surgury. During the insertion deformation experiments, the deformation of needle and organs could be clearly observed in the ultrasound images, which indicates that the pelvic organ group has good ultrasonography compatibility. Conclusions The proposed physical model of male pelvic organ group can meet the requirements of experiment research and surgical training of prostate puncture, which provides foundation for improving precision and popularization of puncture surgery. Key words: Puncture surgery; Polyvinyl alcohol hydrogel; Organ group; Puncture experiment; Biomechanical characteristic