Swelling Ratio Of Hydrogels Research Articles

Hydrogel Composition Effects on Performance as Single-Walled Carbon Nanotube Purification Media.

Hydrogel microsphere media allows for postsynthetic purification of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs), affording characterization and application of their unique (n,m) chirality-dependent properties. This work reports the characterization of five hydrogel resins, Sephacryl S-100, S-200, S-300, S-400, and S-500, and the implementation of each as a SWNT purification medium. The physiochemical properties of each resin were explored spectroscopically through elemental analyses and with both light and electron microscopy. Both surface porosity and hydrogel swelling ratio were found to increase as the concentration of component allyl dextran (aDEX) decreased, each with an increasing Sephacryl S-number. Conversely, invariant properties included a hydrogel microsphere size distribution and concentrations of components methylenebisacrylamide and ammonium persulfate. When employed within gel-based SWNT purification schemes in overloading conditions, Sephacryl formulations of larger S-number adsorbed fewer SWNTs, but the chirality dependence of SWNT adsorption and elution was approximately consistent across all resins. In underloading conditions, approximately one-third of introduced SWNTs passed through each resin unabsorbed, while the resins showed varying chirality-dependent adsorption efficiencies. These observations collectively identify aDEX-rich gel regions as being responsible for SWNT purification, along with a SWNT-exclusive parameter other than chirality (speculated as length) that convolutes the effectiveness of gel-based single-chirality purification.

RAFT polymerization assisted P(NIPAm-co-AAc)-AEMR integrated PVA hydrogels: Dual responsive features, texture analysis, and cytotoxicity studies

Modified P(NIPAm-co-AAc) copolymers are prepared using Radical Addition Fragmentation Chain Transfer (RAFT) copolymerization by varying the concentration of castor oil sourced acrylated epoxy methyl ricinoleate (AEMR). Subsequently, hydrogels are prepared by integrating copolymers with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) via freeze-thaw process. The employment of RAFT polymerization yielded copolymers with dispersity (D) value of 1.2–1.3 revealing the formation of structurally well controlled polymer chains. The lower critical solution temperature (LCST) of the copolymers (∼30–35 °C) are tuned to the range of physiological temperature (∼37 °C) in PVA hydrogel system. Temperature dependent viscoelastic properties indicated that the characteristics of copolymeric solutions and hydrogels are composition dependent while undergoing noncovalent interactions and the conformational changes and the samples showed extremely elastic behaviour beyond LCST. Swelling ratio of hydrogels are also found to be pH dependent, which displayed higher swelling ratio in alkaline and reduced swelling ratio in acidic medium. Cytotoxicity studies with L929 cells showed that the copolymers and hydrogels exhibited desirable biocompatibility, which gets improved with AEMR concentrations. Thus, these dual responsive PA-AEMR-PVA smart hydrogels can be used as a viable functional material for possible bio-medical applications.

A pH-Responsive Psyllium-Hyaluronic acid and Collagen based Hydrogel for Oral Insulin Delivery

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic and heritable condition which grows adverse with date and eventually accelerates numerous difficulties such as end-stage renal disease, cardiac infections and vision problems. Objective: To highlight protein-based hydrogels as a contemporary focus in insulin delivery through the oral cavity. Methods: Novel hydrogels were formed in this study by using biomaterials (Psyllium, Hyaluronic acid and Collagen). The hydrogels were synthesized through a methodical process involving the combination of psyllium ispaghol husk, hyaluronic acid, and collagen for targeted insulin delivery. Initially, 1g of psyllium ispaghol husk was uniformly mixed with 200ml of distilled water. After achieving a homogeneous swelling, hyaluronic acid and collagen were added to the mixture. The synthesis of hydrogels was achieved by allowing the mixture to incubate at 38°C O/N. Physical characterization was done using FTIR analysis which indicates different bonding patterns. Results: Swelling ratio and drugs kinetics of hydrogels reveal maximum swelling and drug release at alkaline pH while minimum at acidic pH. Swelling kinetics shows that hydrogels followed less Fickian diffusion. These points favour the delivery of insulin in the intestine while escaping the acidic medium of stomach. Zone of inhibition around the hydrogels illustrated its antimicrobial activity. Finally, its administration to mice indicates the delivery of insulin by the decrease in glucose level measured by glucometer. Conclusions: Based on the diverse analyses conducted, it can be inferred that utilizing biomaterial-based hydrogels holds significant promise for effective insulin delivery through the oral route, especially beneficial for diabetic patients.

Preparation and characterization of wound healing hydrogel based on fish skin collagen and chitosan cross-linked by dialdehyde starch

Hydrogels due to high water absorption capacity, flexibility, biodegradability properties and also the ability to provide a moist environment, same as native extracellular, are widely used for wound healing applications. Developing multifunctional hydrogels using biomaterial is an emerging approach in this area. Collagen and chitosan are known as excellent biomaterials due to their properties, functionality, and sustainable sources. They also have good biocompatibility and biodegradability, suitable for wound healing hydrogels. In this study, the physicochemical characterization, morphology, and biocompatibility of collagen/chitosan/ dialdehyde starch hydrogel (Col/Ch/DAS) were evaluated. Type I collagen was extracted from silver carp skin by-product. DAS was synthesized by a one-step method of acid hydrolysis and oxidation. Hydrogels were made from collagen (4 % w/v) and chitosan mix (2 % w/v) and added DAS (2 % w/v) (0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 ml) as a cross-linker to enhance the physicochemical behaviors of the hydrogels. Swelling ratio, biodegradation, water vapor transmission rate (WVTR), surface morphology and the interactions between functional groups of polymers used in the hydrogel were evaluated. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) test of extracted collagen indicated the presence of two different α-chains in collagen and confirmed type I collagen. The results showed that DAS content significantly affected the swelling ratio and biodegradability of hydrogels (P < 0.05). Col/Ch/Das0.5 hydrogel showed the highest swelling and biodegradability compared to other hydrogels (P < 0.05). Col/Cs/DAS hydrogels showed suitable water vapor transmission for wound dressing. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) results showed that covalent bonds formed via acetalization and Schiff base reaction. The results suggested that the prepared hydrogel from silver carp fish skin collagen has excellent potential as a new wound dressing for medical and biomedical applications such as wound healing.

Physicochemical Properties of Cellulose-Based Hydrogel for Biomedical Applications.

Hydrogels are three-dimensional network structures of hydrophilic polymers, which have the capacity to take up an enormous amount of fluid/water. Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) is a commercially available cellulose derivative that can be used for biomedical applications due to its biocompatibility. It has been used as a major component to fabricate hydrogels because of its superabsorbent nature. In this study, we developed carboxylic acid crosslinked carboxymethyl cellulose hydrogels for biomedical applications. The physicochemical, morphological, and thermal properties were analyzed to confirm the crosslinking of carboxymethyl cellulose. Fourier-transform infrared spectra confirmed the crosslinking of carboxymethyl cellulose with the presence of peaks due to an esterification reaction. The distinct peak at 1718 cm-1 in hydrogel samples is due to the carbonyl group vibrations of the ester bond from the crosslinking reaction. The total carboxyl content of the sample was measured with crosslinker immersion time. The swelling of crosslinked hydrogels showed an excellent swelling capacity for CG02 that is much higher than CG01 in water and PBS. Morphological analysis of the hydrogel showed it has a rough surface. The thermal degradation of hydrogel showed stability with respect to temperature. However, the mechanical analysis showed that CG01 has a higher compressive strength than CG01. The optimum swelling ratio and higher compressive strength of CG01 hydrogels could give them the ability to be used in load-bearing tissue regeneration. These results inferred that the carboxylic acid crosslinked CMC hydrogels could be a suitable matrix for biomedical or tissue-engineering applications with improved stability.

Streaming Potentials of Hyaluronic Acid Hydrogel Films.

The streaming potentials of hyaluronic acid (HA) hydrogel films are measured and theoretically interpreted by systematically varying the HA concentration and the streaming electrolyte pH and ionic strength. While Donnan potentials are expected to vanish with sufficient added salt, apparent ζ-potentials from the Helmholtz-Smoluchowski interpretation remain of the order -20 mV. To theoretically interpret these data, we derived an electrokinetic model (valid in the Debye-Hückel regime) that accounts for ionic and hydrodynamic permeability of the gels. The films could then be ascribed an effective acid dissociation constant pKa ≈ 4.2, specific HA charge ≈-0.1e mmol g-1, and Brinkman/hydrodynamic permeability ∼ S1/3, where is the Brinkman length for HA solutions in the as-prepared reference state and S is the hydrogel swelling ratio. At an ionic strength of 10 mmol L-1, for example, the HA surface potentials are only ψD/2 ≈ -8 mV, where ψD is the Donnan potential, considerably lower than ζ-potentials furnished by the Helmholtz-Smoluchowski interpretation. This insight significantly changes how the films are expected to interact with other surfaces and colloids via Derjaguin-Landau-Vervey-Overbeek-type forces. Our analysis furnishes formulas for the swelling ratio S and hydrodynamic permeability , expressed explicitly as simple power-law functions of the as-prepared HA concentration cha (wt %), consistent with independent assessments of the HA solution permeability and polyelectrolyte-hydrogel swelling theory. These may prove valuable for extrapolating the results to other combinations of ionic strength, pH, and HA and cross-linking concentrations.

Engineering of Injectable Antibiotic-laden Fibrous Microparticles Gelatin Methacryloyl Hydrogel for Endodontic Infection Ablation.

This study aimed at engineering cytocompatible and injectable antibiotic-laden fibrous microparticles gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) hydrogels for endodontic infection ablation. Clindamycin (CLIN) or metronidazole (MET) was added to a polymer solution and electrospun into fibrous mats, which were processed via cryomilling to obtain CLIN- or MET-laden fibrous microparticles. Then, GelMA was modified with CLIN- or MET-laden microparticles or by using equal amounts of each set of fibrous microparticles. Morphological characterization of electrospun fibers and cryomilled particles was performed via scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The experimental hydrogels were further examined for swelling, degradation, and toxicity to dental stem cells, as well as antimicrobial action against endodontic pathogens (agar diffusion) and biofilm inhibition, evaluated both quantitatively (CFU/mL) and qualitatively via confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and SEM. Data were analyzed using ANOVA and Tukey’s test (α = 0.05). The modification of GelMA with antibiotic-laden fibrous microparticles increased the hydrogel swelling ratio and degradation rate. Cell viability was slightly reduced, although without any significant toxicity (cell viability > 50%). All hydrogels containing antibiotic-laden fibrous microparticles displayed antibiofilm effects, with the dentin substrate showing nearly complete elimination of viable bacteria. Altogether, our findings suggest that the engineered injectable antibiotic-laden fibrous microparticles hydrogels hold clinical prospects for endodontic infection ablation.

Preparation, assessment, and swelling study of amphiphilic acrylic acid/chitosan-based semi-interpenetrating hydrogels

The aim of this study was to synthesize amphiphilic semi-IPN hydrogels based on acrylic acid (AA) and chitosan (CS) using AIBN as an initiator and N,N?methylene bis acrylamide as a crosslinking agent. The swelling behavior of the hydrogels was evaluated at a variety of pH values, temperature, the salinity of media and time, and the swelling mechanism was investigated using Fickian diffusion and Schott's 2nd-order-kinetics models. FTIR spectroscopy was used to confirm the synthesis of AA/CS hydrogel. The swelling results showed that, in the acidic media, as the CS content increase the hydrogel swelling ratio reduces. It was found that the maximum swelling ratio (8550%) is attained for the sample HAC2 with an AA/CS ratio of 1:0.001 in the alkaline Ph value. It also revealed that the absorption capacity is directly dependent on the temperature and inversely related to the salt concentration. Besides, the absorption capacity of the synthesized hydrogels in the saline solution of Na2SO4 was higher than NaCl.

A long-lasting guided bone regeneration membrane from sequentially functionalised photoactive atelocollagen

The fast degradation of collagen-based membranes in the biological environment remains a critical challenge, resulting in underperforming Guided Bone Regeneration (GBR) therapy leading to compromised clinical results. Photoactive atelocollagen (AC) systems functionalised with ethylenically unsaturated monomers, such as 4-vinylbenzyl chloride (4VBC), have been shown to generate mechanically competent materials for wound healing, inflammation control and drug delivery, whereby control of the molecular architecture of the AC network is key. Building on this platform, the sequential functionalisation with 4VBC and methacrylic anhydride (MA) was hypothesised to generate UV-cured AC hydrogels with reduced swelling ratio, increased proteolytic stability and barrier functionality for GBR therapy. The sequentially functionalised atelocollagen precursor (SAP) was characterised via TNBS and ninhydrin colourimetric assays, circular dichroism and UV-curing rheometry, which confirmed nearly complete consumption of collagen's primary amino groups, preserved triple helices and fast (< 180 s) gelation kinetics, respectively. Hydrogel's swelling ratio and compression modulus were adjusted depending on the aqueous environment used for UV-curing, whilst the sequential functionalisation of AC successfully generated hydrogels with superior proteolytic stability in vitro compared to both 4VBC-functionalised control and the commercial dental membrane Bio-Gide®. These in vitro results were confirmed in vivo via both subcutaneous implantation and a proof-of-concept study in a GBR calvarial model, indicating integrity of the hydrogel and barrier defect, as well as tissue formation following 1-month implantation in rats. Statement of significanceCollagen-based membranes remain a key component in Guided Bone Regeneration (GBR) therapy, but their properties, e.g. proteolytic stability and soft tissue barrier functionality, are still far from optimal. This is largely attributed to the complex molecular configuration of collagen, which makes chemical accessibility and structure-function relations challenging. Here, we fabricated a UV-cured hydrogel network of atelocollagen, whereby triple helices were sequentially functionalised with two distinct ethylenically unsaturated monomers. The effects of the sequential functionalisation and UV-curing on the macroscopic properties, degradation behaviour and GBR capability were investigated in vitro and in vivo. The results highlight the key role of the sequential functionalisation and provide important insights for the design of future, longer-lasting resorbable membranes for GBR therapy.

Preparation, assessment, and swelling study of amphiphilic acrylic acid/chitosan-based semi-interpenetrating hydrogels.

The aim of this study was to synthesize amphiphilic semi-IPN hydrogels based on acrylic acid (AA) and chitosan (CS) using AIBN as an initiator and N,N'methylene bis acrylamide as a crosslinking agent. The swelling behavior of the hydrogels was evaluated at a variety of pH values, temperature, the salinity of media and time, and the swelling mechanism was investigated using Fickian diffusion and Schott's 2nd-order-kinetics models. FTIR spectroscopy was used to confirm the synthesis of AA/CS hydrogel. The swelling results showed that, in the acidic media, as the CS content increase the hydrogel swelling ratio reduces. It was found that the maximum swelling ratio (8550%) is attained for the sample HAC2 with an AA/CS ratio of 1:0.001 in the alkaline Ph value. It also revealed that the absorption capacity is directly dependent on the temperature and inversely related to the salt concentration. Besides, the absorption capacity of the synthesized hydrogels in the saline solution of Na2SO4 was higher than NaCl.

Ultrasonic Hydrogel Biochemical Sensor System.

In this work, we present a proof-of-concept hydrogel-based sensor system capable of wireless biochemical sensing through measuring backscattered ultrasound. The system consists of silica-nanoparticle embedded hydrogel deposited on a thin glass substrate, presenting two interfaces for backscattering (tissue/hydrogel and hydrogel/glass), which allows for system output to be invariant under the change in acoustic properties (e.g. attenuation, reflection) of the intervening biological tissue. We characterize the effect of silica nanoparticles (acoustic contrast agents) loading on the hydrogel's swelling ratio and its ultrasonic backscattering properties. We demonstrate a wireless pH measurement using dual modes of interrogations, reflection ratio and time delay. The ultrasonic hydrogel pH sensor is demonstrated with a sensing resolution of 0.2 pH level change with a wireless sensing distance around 10 cm.

Synthesis of Hydrogels Made of Poly-γ-Glutamic Acid (γ-PGA) for Potential Applications as Probiotic-Delivery Vehicles

Numerous hydrogels made of poly-γ-glutamic acid (γ-PGA) and various cross-linkers have been explored, but only limited data on hydrogels made of γ-PGA and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) are available. In this study, γ-PGA, a biodegradable and edible biopolyamide, was successfully cross-linked with selected PEGs to obtain a series of hydrogels. The swelling behaviour of these hydrogels was investigated under various pH conditions. It was also found that the structure of the cross-linker (linear or branched) affected the hydrogels’ swelling behaviour. In addition, in disc diffusion assay, hydrogel discs loaded with antibiotic were tested against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Prolonged activity of hydrogels loaded with antibiotics in comparison to paper discs containing antibiotics was observed. Moreover, the protective effect of hydrogels on entrapped probiotic cells subjected to low pH was investigated. The hydrogel swelling ratio and amount influenced the survival rate of the protected bacteria. Considering potential biomedical applications of hydrogels, cytotoxicity was evaluated towards two cell lines, MSTO and PANC 1.

Electroactive poly (p-phenylene sulfide)/r-graphene oxide/chitosan as a novel potential candidate for tissue engineering

Designing novel biomaterials for tissue engineering purpose is an obvious necessary considering ever increasing need for appropriate biocompatibility and properties to achieve the maximum regeneration. In this research, a new type of biomaterial based on poly (phenylene sulfide) (PPS) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) was synthesized and applied within chitosan based hydrogel to evaluate its performance as a wound dressing potentially. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction spectrometry (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and compression tests were performed to assess suitability of composite biomaterial. Thermal behavior of the PPS/rGO composite was evaluated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). The PPS/rGO composition of 90: 10 (w/w) was selected because of having the highest biocompatibility and utilized in chitosan hydrogel. Chitosan hydrogel swelling ratio was declined from 800 to 200% by PPS/rGO addition; likewise, water vapor transition rate (WVTR) was dropped. A proper biocompatibility and cell attachment was confirmed, where porosity of ca. 80% appeared promising for tissue engineering uses. Overall, the result confirmed the appropriateness of PPS/rGO for tissue engineering uses.

An adhesive and injectable nanocomposite hydrogel of thiolated gelatin/gelatin methacrylate/Laponite® as a potential surgical sealant

Hemostatic adhesive hydrogels as sealants for surgical operations are one of the focus of the researches in the field of injectable materials. Herein, we evaluated the potential application of a mechanically robust nanocomposite hydrogel with significant adhesion strength and shorter blood clotting time. This hydrogel was composed of thiolated gelatin (Gel-SH) and gelatin methacrylate (GelMA) as the main matrix to support cell viability and proliferation, while polydopamine functionalized Laponite® (PD-LAP) were introduced to the structure to improve the mechanical properties, adhesion strength, and blood clotting. This hydrogel formed via Michael reaction between Gel-SH and GelMA, and covalent interaction between PD-LAP and hydrogel. Results revealed that presence of PD-LAP significantly controlled the swelling ratio, biodegradability, and mechanical properties of nanocomposite hydrogels. Tensile and compressive strength of nanocomposite hydrogels were measured in the range of 22–84 kPa and 54–153 kPa, respectively. Furthermore, nanocomposite hydrogels revealed excellent recovery ability, strong tissue adhesiveness and significantly less blood clotting time than Gel-SH/GelMA hydrogel (2.25 min). In the culture with L929 fibroblasts cells, viability more than 97% and high proliferation after 5 days of culture was estimated. The simplicity, low-cost, tunable mechanical properties, short blood clotting time, and cytocompatibility of the hydrogels composed of Gel-SH, GelMA, and PD-LAP highlight its potential as hemostat sealants.

Increasing the hydrophilicity of star‐shaped amphiphilic co‐networks by using of PEG and dendritic s‐PCL cross‐linkers

New hyperbranched hydrophobic cross‐linkers with peripheral azide groups were synthesized as follows: First, star‐shaped polycaprolactones (sPCL) were synthesized by ring‐opening polymerization of caprolactone in the presence of pentaerythritol and tin (II) octoate. In the next step, sequential acrylation, Micheal addition, tosylation, and azidation by acryloyl chloride, diethanol amine, tosyl chloride, and sodium azide were respectively exploited to synthesize azide‐functionalized hyperbranched star‐shaped polycaprolactones which were named sPCL‐acrylate‐diethanolamine‐azide (sPCL‐AC‐DEA‐N3) and sPCL‐acrylate‐diethanolamine‐acrylate‐diethanolamine‐azide (sPCL‐AC‐DEA‐AC‐N3). All steps were thoroughly characterized by FT‐IR and 1H NMR spectroscopy. The GPC analysis showed that the molecular weight of sPCL increased after two azide functionalizations. Amphiphilic hydrogels based on sPCL‐AC‐DEA‐N3 (Mn = 8130 g/mol) and sPCL‐AC‐DEA‐AC‐N3 (Mn = 10112 g/mol) with linear alkyne‐terminated polyethylene glycols (PEG) (Mn = 2000, 4000, and 6000 g/mol) were synthesized through click coupling between azide and alkyne groups. In both hydrogels, the swelling ratio increased by increasing the molecular weight of PEG. The obtained results showed that the branching of the cross‐linker, significantly affected the swelling ratio of hydrogels. For instance, the swelling ratio of sPCL‐AC‐DEA‐AC‐N3 and PEG‐6000 (Q = 900) was higher than sPCL‐AC‐DEA‐N3 and PEG‐6000 (Q = 600). Despite the high cross‐linking density of sPCL‐AC‐DEA‐AC‐DEA‐N3–based hydrogels, the amount of released theophylline was higher than sPCL‐AC‐DEA‐N3–based hydrogels, due to the high content of PEG in these hydrogels.

Effect of surfactants on swelling capacity and kinetics of alginate-chitosan/CNTs hydrogel

Nanocomposite hydrogels of alginate-chitosan matrix with nanofillers, functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (COOH-MWCNTs) were first time synthesized in cationic, anionic, mixture of cationic and anionic surfactants and in the absence of surfactants by employing solution casting method. Whole process of synthesis was carried out under greener source of heating i.e., ultrasonic waves. Synthesized films were evaluated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy which reveal uniform dispersion of nanofillers in matrix. Synthesized hydrogels were also newly explored for swelling capacity. Swelling ratio of hydrogels was measured in distilled water, saline solutions and in solutions of different pH. Swelling pattern of prepared films indicates that these materials are very stable and can show best performance in different pH and kinds of solutions. Effect of concentration ratio of nanofillers to matrix and nature of surfactants on swelling ability was also appraised and indicated that trace amount of nanofillers gives fascinating results. Process of swelling and deswelling of synthesized films was taken place by super case-II transport mechanism, which is effected by amount of nanofillers and nature of surfactant.

Incorporation of types I and III collagen in tunable hyaluronan hydrogels for vocal fold tissue engineering

Vocal fold scarring is the fibrotic manifestation of a variety of voice disorders, and is difficult to treat. Tissue engineering therapies provide a potential strategy to regenerate the native tissue microenvironment in order to restore vocal fold functionality. However, major challenges remain in capturing the complexity of the native tissue and sustaining regeneration. We hypothesized that hydrogels with tunable viscoelastic properties that present relevant biological cues to cells might be better suited as therapeutics. Herein, we characterized the response of human vocal fold fibroblasts to four different biomimetic hydrogels: thiolated hyaluronan (HA) crosslinked with poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA), HA-PEGDA with type I collagen (HA-Col I), HA-PEGDA with type III collagen (HA-Col III) and HA-PEGDA with type I and III collagen (HA-Col I-Col III). Collagen incorporation allowed for interpenetrating fibrils of collagen within the non-fibrillar HA network, which increased the mechanical properties of the hydrogels. The addition of collagen fibrils also reduced hyaluronidase degradation of HA and hydrogel swelling ratio. Fibroblasts encapsulated in the HA-Col gels adopted a spindle shaped fibroblastic morphology by day 7 and exhibited extensive cytoskeletal networks by day 21, suggesting that the incorporation of collagen was essential for cell adhesion and spreading. Cells remained viable and synthesized new DNA throughout 21 days of culture. Gene expression levels significantly differed between the cells encapsulated in the different hydrogels. Relative fold changes in gene expression of MMP1, COL1A1, fibronectin and decorin suggest higher degrees of remodeling in HA-Col I-Col III gels in comparison to HA-Col I or HA-Col III hydrogels, suggesting that the former may better serve as a natural biomimetic hydrogel for tissue engineering applications. Statement of SignificanceVoice disorders affect about 1/3rd of the US population and significantly reduce quality of life. Patients with vocal fold fibrosis have few treatment options. Tissue engineering therapies provide a potential strategy to regenerate the native tissue microenvironment in order to restore vocal fold functionality. Various studies have used collagen or thiolated hyaluronan (HA) with gelatin as potential tissue engineering therapies. However, there is room for improvement in providing cells with more relevant biological cues that mimic the native tissue microenvironment and sustain regeneration. The present study introduces the use of type I collagen and type III collagen along with thiolated HA as a natural biomimetic hydrogel for vocal fold tissue engineering applications.

Development of Hydrogels to Improve the Safety of Yukhoe (Korean Beef Tartare) by Reducing Psychrotrophic Listeria monocytogenes Cell Counts on Raw Beef Surface.

This study developed an antimicrobial hydrogel to control Listeria monocytogenes in Yukhoe (Korean beef tartare). Four hydrogels (hydrogel 1: 5% alginate+1% chitosan+0.2% CaCl2, hydrogel 2: 1% κ-carrageenan+1% chitosan, hydrogel 3: 2% κ-carrageenan+1% CaCl2, and hydrogel 4: 2% κ-carrageenan+3% CaCl2) were prepared. The hydrogels then absorbed 0.1% grapefruit seed extract (GSE) and 0.1% citrus extract (CE) for 30, 60, 120, and 240 min to be antimicrobial hydrogels. To select the most effective antimicrobial hydrogel, their swelling ratio (SR) and antilisterial activities were determined. The selected hydrogel (2×2 cm) was then placed on surface of beef (round; 3×3 cm), where L. monocytogenes (ca. 106 CFU/g) were inoculated, and the cell counts were enumerated on PALCAM agar. Among the hydrogels, the SR of hydrogel 1 increased with absorbing time, but other hydrogels showed no significant changes. Antimicrobial hydrogel 1 showed higher (p<0.05) antilisterial activity than other antimicrobial hydrogels, especially for the one absorbed the antimicrobial for 120 min. Thus, the antimicrobial hydrogel 1 absorbed antimicrobials for 120 min was applied on raw beef at 4℃, and reduced (p<0.05) more than 90% of L. monocytogenes on raw beef. These results indicate that antimicrobial hydrogel 1 formulated with 0.1% GSE or 0.1% CE is appropriate to improve the safety of Yukhoe by reducing psychrotrophic L. monocytogenes cell counts on raw beef.

An alginate-based hydrogel composite obtained by UV radiation and its release of 5-fluorouracil

A novel pH-sensitive and macroporous NaAlg-based hydrogels were prepared, the monomers of which were N-methylolacrylamide (NMAAm) and acrylic acid, using N,N-methylene-bis-acrylamide (MBA) as a cross-linker, 2,2-dimethoxy-2-phenylacetophenone as a photoinitiator via ultraviolet irradiation. The morphology, thermal property and structure of hydrogel were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope, X-ray diffractometer and thermogravimetric analysis. The swelling ratios (SRs) of hydrogel were investigated in water, salt and pH solutions. The SR of hydrogel in water increased from 8.1 to 19.4 g/g with increase in weight of NaAlg from 0.2 to 1.0. The result indicated that hydrogel displayed favorable pH- and salt-sensitive. 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) as a model drug was loaded on hydrogel, the drug encapsulation efficiency of products reached to 85.2%, and the cumulative release rate of drug was 78.4 and 37% in the intestinal and gastric fluid, respectively. In addition, the dynamic data of drug release were evaluated by different mathematical models, and the experimental results revealed that it was more fitted to Ritger–Peppas and Higuchi equation models, correlation coefficients (R2) of which were up to 0.99.

Effect of ionic strength and seawater cations on hagfish slime formation

The defensive slime of hagfish consists of a polyanionic mucin hydrogel that synergistically interacts with a fiber network forming a coherent and elastic hydrogel in high ionic strength seawater. In seawater, the slime deploys in less than a second entrapping large quantities of water by a well-timed thread skein unravelling and mucous gel swelling. This rapid and vast hydrogel formation is intriguing, as high ionic strength conditions generally counteract the swelling speed and ratio of polyelectrolyte hydrogels. In this work we investigate the effect of ionic strength and seawater cations on slime formation dynamics and functionality. In the absence of ionic strength skeins swell radially and unravel uncontrolled, probably causing tangling and creating a confined thread network that entraps limited water. At high ionic strength skeins unravel, but create a collapsed and dense fiber network. High ionic strength conditions therefore seem crucial for controlled skein unraveling, however not sufficient for water retention. Only the presence of naturally occurring Ca2+ or Mg2+-ions allowed for an expanded network and full water retention probably due to Ca2+-mediated vesicle rupture and cross-linking of the mucin. Our study demonstrates that hagfish slime deployment is a well-timed, ionic-strength, and divalent-cation dependent dynamic hydrogel formation process.