Rheology of Polygels

abstrakt

angličtina

Gels are three-dimensional, hydrophilic, polymeric networks capable of absorbing large amounts of water or biological fluids. Gels can be made up of both homopolymers and copolymers which, due to chemical and physical crosslinking, are resistant to dissolution in aqueous solution [1]. In comparison to synthetic biomaterials, gels are much more like the extracellular matrix because of their structure and their ability to bind water, thereby reducing their potential risk of inducing an immune response in the body, which makes them suitable for use in biomedical applications [2]. Gels can be formed from any water-soluble polymers and due to that a wide variety of chemical structures can be created with diverse physical properties [3]. Gels combine the behavior of liquids and solids in a soft matter and their final behavior depends on the density of its network or the density of crosslinks connecting the network [4]. Network density and porous microstructure of gels are very important and also affects the diffusion and rheology characteristics of gels. This research was focused on rheology properties of polygels pepared from oppositely charged polymers (cationized dextran (DEAE) and hyaluronic acid). These materials, due to their biocompatibility and biodegradability, are considered as possible carriers for targeted drug delivery. Polygels were prepared in a physiological buffer and their mechanical properties were characterized by frequency and flow tests. The main aim of this research was a comparison of mechanical properties of fresh prepared polygels and polygels after rehydration. Based on the results obtained it can be stated that mechanical properties of fresh polygels and polygels after rehydration were essentially the same.

polygels, rheology, rehydration

JARÁBKOVÁ, S.; DUŠEK, J.; MÁČALA, J.; VYROUBAL, D.; KADLEC, M.

21. 8. 2019

Gothenborg, Sweden

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