Rheological properties of aqueous Pluronic-alginate systems containing liposomes.

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Developing advanced materials for minimally invasive paving techniques in tubular organs is crucial.
• Polymeric blends offer tunable viscoelastic and plastic properties essential for such applications.
• Pluronic (PF127) and alginate are promising candidates due to their responsive structural transitions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the rheological and erosion properties of a liposome-containing Pluronic (PF127) and alginate blend.
• To assess the blend's suitability for paving techniques in tubular organs, specifically blood vessels.
• To determine the impact of liposomes and alginate concentration on the blend's structural transition temperature and properties.

Main Methods:

• Preparation and characterization of aqueous Pluronic (PF127) and alginate blends.
• Rheological measurements to evaluate viscoelastic and plastic properties.
• Structural transition temperature (T(ST)) determination under varying conditions (temperature, salt, alginate concentration).
• Erosion tests in the presence of bivalent cations.

Main Results:

• The structural transition temperature (T(ST)) of the Pluronic/alginate blend is tunable by adjusting polymer concentrations.
• Alginate concentration should not exceed 1% w/w to maintain desirable T(ST).
• Liposomes do not significantly alter the rheological properties of the blend at higher temperatures.
• The blend exhibits significantly improved erosion resistance compared to Pluronic alone when exposed to bivalent cations.

Conclusions:

• The Pluronic/alginate blend demonstrates controllable rheological properties and enhanced erosion resistance.
• Liposomes can be incorporated without compromising the blend's performance.
• This blend shows significant potential for applications in paving tubular organs, including blood vessels.