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Reinforcement of Dextran Methacrylate-Based Hydrogel, Semi-IPN, and IPN with Multivalent Crosslinkers
Luca Paoletti1, Gianluca Ferrigno1, Nicole Zoratto1
1Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, P.le A. Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy.
Gels (Basel, Switzerland)
|December 27, 2024
Summary
Researchers reinforced dextran-based hydrogels and polymer networks using multifunctional crosslinkers. This strategy enhances mechanical properties for advanced biomedical applications.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Advanced healthcare therapies require novel biomaterials with improved properties.
- Polysaccharide-based hydrogels offer biocompatibility but lack mechanical strength.
- Reinforcement strategies are crucial to expand their biomedical applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To enhance the mechanical properties of dextran-based hydrogels and interpenetrated polymer networks (IPNs).
- To investigate the effect of multifunctional crosslinkers on network properties.
- To tailor polysaccharide scaffolds for diverse biomedical uses.
Main Methods:
- Dextran methacrylation (DexMa) followed by UV photocrosslinking.
- Incorporation of diacrylate (NPGDA), triacrylate (TMPTA), and tetraacrylate (PETA) crosslinkers.
- Preparation and mechanical evaluation of semi-IPNs and IPNs, including DexMa-gellan (DexMa/Ge) and DexMa/CaGe systems.
Main Results:
- Multifunctional crosslinkers modulated network crosslinking density and mechanical properties.
- TMPTA and NPGDA significantly improved DexMa and DexMa/CaGe systems, respectively, at higher concentrations.
- Enriched semi-IPNs showed no significant mechanical difference.
Conclusions:
- Multifunctional crosslinkers are effective for tuning polysaccharide-based scaffold properties.
- Reinforced hydrogels and IPNs show potential for various biomedical applications.
- Strategic crosslinker selection is key to achieving desired mechanical performance.
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