A rapid, in situ gelable hydrogel composed of teleostean and alginate

A series of in situ gelable hydrogels has been prepared from oxidized alginate (Oalg) and teleostean. The gelation process is monitored rheologically; the effects of gelling temperature, oxidation degree of alginate and weight ratio of Oalg/teleostean on gelation are investigated. The results show that the Oalg/teleostean system solidifies quickly at body temperature. Moreover, the structure of the hydrogels is highly porous, the pore sizes, as well as swelling and degradation, can be controlled by varying the cross-linking density. Both gelation time and mechanical properties of the Oalg/teleostean system can be modulated by adjusting the oxidation degree of alginate and the weight ratio of Oalg/teleostean. The potential toxicity of the hydrogels are determined by long-term in vitro viability tests and the results reveal that the hydrogels formulations are non-cytotoxic; in parallel, the Oalg/teleostean hydrogel is amenable to cell attachment, proliferation and migration.