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Highly Crosslinked Agar/Acrylic Acid Hydrogels with Antimicrobial Properties
Victor H Pino-Ramos1, Lorena Duarte-Peña2, Emilio Bucio2
1Departamento de Química Inorgánica y Nuclear, Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Avenida Universidad 3000, Ciudad Universitaria, Ciudad de México 04510, Mexico.
Gels (Basel, Switzerland)
|November 29, 2021
Summary
This study presents novel acrylic acid-agar hydrogels with superior mechanical strength and high water absorption. These versatile hydrogels demonstrate potential for biomedical applications, including antimicrobial uses.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Biomedical Engineering
- Polymer Chemistry
Background:
- Hydrogels are versatile 3D polymeric networks capable of absorbing large volumes of water.
- Common applications include biosensors, drug delivery, and cell scaffolds.
- Limited mechanical strength and structural integrity often restrict hydrogel applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize robust acrylic acid-agar hydrogels with enhanced mechanical properties.
- To investigate the water absorption capacity, mechanical stability, and skin adhesion of the synthesized hydrogels.
- To evaluate the potential of these hydrogels for antimicrobial applications through silver nanoparticle loading.
Main Methods:
- Acrylic acid-agar hydrogels were synthesized using gamma radiation-induced crosslinking.
- Material characterization involved FTIR-ATR, TGA, DSC, SEM, and mechanical testing.
- Water uptake, critical pH, and antimicrobial activity against E. coli and MRSA were assessed.
Main Results:
- The synthesized hydrogels exhibited excellent mechanical properties and high water absorption (up to 6000% by weight) without compromising structural integrity.
- The hydrogels demonstrated significant adhesion to skin.
- The silver nanoparticle-loaded hydrogels displayed potent in vitro antimicrobial activity against E. coli and MRSA.
Conclusions:
- Gamma radiation effectively promoted crosslinking, yielding mechanically robust acrylic acid-agar hydrogels.
- These hydrogels possess high water absorption, good mechanical strength, and skin adhesion, making them suitable for biomedical applications.
- The incorporation of silver nanoparticles imparts significant antimicrobial properties, expanding their therapeutic potential.
