Polysaccharide-Based Hydrogels: The Key Role of Water in Affecting Mechanical Properties

Polymers

Daniela Pasqui¹  Milena De Cagna¹ 

[1] Interuniversity Research Centre for Advanced Medical Systems (C.R.I.S.M.A.), Viale Matteotti 15, Colle di Val d’Elsa Siena 53034, Italy;

关键词: hydrogels;    water molecules;    injectability;    rheological properties;   

DOI  :  10.3390/polym4031517

来源: mdpi

【 摘 要 】

Different hydrogels were prepared starting from natural or semi-synthetic polysaccharides (carboxymethylcellulose, hyaluronic acid and chitosan) which were cross-linked by the addition of a cross-linking agent chosen according to the chemical groups present along the polymer chains. The cross-linking reaction allows for the formation of a three-dimensional network made of covalent bonds between the polymer chains, which is stable under physiological conditions. The presence of a substantial amount of water within the polysaccharide matrices makes such systems unique among hydrophilic gels. Water itself is responsible for some of their peculiar characteristics, one of which is their injectability which makes these hydrogels suitable for using as matrices for mini-invasive surgery and localized therapy.

【 授权许可】

CC BY   
© 2012 by the authors; licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.