Design and Characterization of Novel Polymeric Hydrogels with Protein Carriers for Biomedical Use

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Hydrogels are versatile 3D polymeric matrices for biomedical uses.
• Drug delivery and wound healing are key applications for advanced hydrogels.

Purpose of the Study:

• Synthesize and characterize novel hydrogels for biomedical applications.
• Evaluate hydrogel properties including swelling, wettability, and stability.
• Investigate the potential of these hydrogels as carriers for localized drug delivery.

Main Methods:

• Photopolymerization synthesis of hydrogels using polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyvinyl alcohol, and polyethylene glycol diacrylate.
• Modification with cisplatin-loaded protein carriers and natural extracts (nettle, chamomile).
• Characterization via swelling tests, wettability measurements (contact angle), surface roughness analysis, and incubation studies.

Main Results:

• Hydrogels exhibited high swelling capacities (up to 4.5 g/g) with reduced absorption in ionic solutions.
• Water contact angles indicated balanced hydrophilic properties (51°-59°).
• Surface roughness decreased post-incubation, and the matrix remained stable for 20 days, except for high protein content samples.

Conclusions:

• The synthesized hydrogels possess favorable properties for biomedical applications.
• They demonstrate potential as carriers in localized drug delivery systems.
• Further development could target therapies for skin cancer and other localized conditions.