Nanoscale Observation of Dehydration Process in PHEMA Hydrogel Structure
Kordian Chamerski1, Witold Korzekwa2, Jacek Filipecki1
1Institute of Physics, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Science, Jan Dlugosz University in Czestochowa, Al. Armii Krajowej 13/15, 42-200, Czestochowa, Poland.
Nanoscale Research Letters
|April 29, 2017
Summary
Hydrogel properties were studied for intraocular lenses. Saline solution altered the hydrogel
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Biomedical Engineering
- Polymer Chemistry
Background:
- Hydrogels are crucial for water storage, impacting nanoparticle diffusion in biomedical applications.
- Applications include artificial implants, drug delivery, and tissue engineering.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the dehydration process in hydrogels used as intraocular lenses.
- To understand how saline solution affects hydrogel structure and properties.
Main Methods:
- Gravimetric analysis
- Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR)
- Positron Annihilation Lifetime Spectroscopy (PALS)
Main Results:
- Dehydration behavior of hydrogels was observed after swelling in deionized water and saline solution.
- Saline solution induced changes in the hydrogel's hydrogen bonding structure.
- Alterations in free volume holes within the hydrogel matrix were detected due to saline ingredients.
Conclusions:
- The composition of swelling solutions significantly impacts hydrogel properties.
- Understanding these changes is vital for optimizing hydrogel performance in ophthalmic devices.
