Light-triggered cross-linking of alginates with caged Ca2+
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Updated: May 13, 2026

Generation of Alginate Microspheres for Biomedical Applications
Published on: August 12, 2012
Jiaxi Cui1, Miao Wang, Yijun Zheng
1Max-Planck-Institut für Polymerforschung, Ackermannweg 10, 55128 Mainz, Germany.
Abstract:
A strategy to light-trigger ionic cross-linking of alginates by incorporating a photosensitive Ca2+ cage (nitr-T) is presented. Upon irradiation, free Ca2+ was released, and this caused gelation of the alginate solution. Addition of Ca2+ "on-demand" allowed us to obtain homogeneous alginate (ALG) gels using concentrated initial ALG solutions (10%), not possible with other ionic gelation approaches. The cross-linking degree and derived mechanical properties of the hydrogel were modulated by the exposure dose. The light-mediated cross-linked alginate hydrogel displayed a significant improvement in the mechanical properties and homogeneity when compared to mixtures of alginate and soluble Ca2+ at comparable concentrations.
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