Synthesis and characterization of macroporous poly(ethylene glycol)-based hydrogels for tissue engineering application

J Biomed Mater Res A. 2006 Nov;79(2):229-36. doi: 10.1002/jbm.a.30780.

Abstract

Peptide activated poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)-based hydrogels have received wide attention as material for tissue engineering application. However, the close structure of these materials may pose severe barriers to tissue invasion and nutrient transport. The aim of this work was to synthesize highly interconnected macroporous PEG hydrogels, suitable for use as tissue engineering scaffolds, by combining the photocrosslinking reaction with a foaming process. In particular, various porous samples, differing for both the polymer molecular weight and concentration in the starting precursor solution, have been prepared and characterized by means of scanning electron microscopy and mercury porosimetry. Moreover, water swelling properties have been evaluated and compared with those of the conventional nonporous ones, by performing both equilibrium and kinetic swelling measurements in distilled water. Results indicated that foamed hydrogels display a well-interconnected porous network, suitable for tissue invasion and free molecular trafficking within them. Pores dimension as well as swelling rate can be modulated by polymer concentrations and bubbling agent composition in the precursor solution.

MeSH terms

  • Biocompatible Materials / chemistry
  • Cell Culture Techniques / methods*
  • Cross-Linking Reagents / chemistry
  • Cross-Linking Reagents / pharmacology
  • Hydrogels / chemistry
  • Kinetics
  • Materials Testing
  • Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
  • Molecular Weight
  • Peptides / chemistry
  • Polyethylene Glycols / chemistry*
  • Polymers / chemistry
  • Porosity
  • Time Factors
  • Tissue Engineering / instrumentation*
  • Tissue Engineering / methods*

Substances

  • Biocompatible Materials
  • Cross-Linking Reagents
  • Hydrogels
  • Peptides
  • Polymers
  • Polyethylene Glycols