Polysaccharide Hydrogels Doped with MXenes for Possible Biomedical Applications

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Biomedical Engineering
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• MXenes are 2D transition-metal carbides/nitrides with tunable surface groups and multifunctional properties, attracting biomedical interest.
• Hydrogels offer biocompatibility and tissue-like structures, but polysaccharide-based MXene hydrogels are underexplored.
• Polysaccharides like alginate and gellan gum offer biodegradability and biomedical relevance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop polysaccharide/MXene hydrogels using sodium alginate (ALG)-gellan gum (GG) blend.
• To investigate the influence of conventional drying versus freeze-drying on hydrogel characteristics.
• To tailor MXene-modified hydrogels for specific biomedical applications.

Main Methods:

• Incorporation of MXene nanosheets into an ALG-GG blend.
• Application of two dehydration methods: conventional drying and freeze-drying.
• Characterization of composite properties: microstructure, surface roughness, mechanical behavior, water states, and thermal stability.

Main Results:

• Conventionally dried nanocomposites (1.0% wt. MXene) showed reduced swelling (~60%) and volume change (~40%) compared to the blend.
• Freeze-dried nanocomposite hydrogels exhibited a porous, interconnected network suitable for high surface area applications.
• Conventionally dried samples displayed compact, smooth structures with enhanced barrier and mechanical performance.

Conclusions:

• Dehydration strategy critically influences polymer network architecture, water states, and material functionality.
• Tailoring hydrogel properties is achievable by selecting appropriate dehydration methods.
• Developed polysaccharide/MXene hydrogels offer tunable properties for diverse biomedical applications.