HYDROGELS

Overview
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Introduction to Hydrogels Structure of Hydrogels Classification of Hydrogels Hydrogels Preparation Hydrogels Swelling Application of Hydrogels Study focus in later Stages

Introduction
What are Hydrogels? Hydrogels are insoluble three dimensional network of polymer chains that swell in aqueous solutions.

Structure of Hydrogels
Polymers capable of swelling substantially in

aqueous conditions (Hydrophilic)

Cross-linkage of polymer chains are present By definition, water must constitute at least

10% of the total weight (or volume) for a materials to be a hydrogel

Structure of Hydrogels
The inter-chain connections can be:
a carbon atom

chemical bridge
van der Waals hydrogen bonds molecular entanglements

Structure of Hydrogels
Defects in crosslink structure:
unreacted functionality chain loops

Neither of the two configurations

contribute to mechanical strength or physical properties of the network

Classification
Method of preparation
Homo-polymer, Copolymer, Multi-polymer,

Interpenetrating polymeric hydrogels

Ionic charge
Neutral, Catatonic, Anionic, Ampholytic

Physical structure
Amorphous, Semi-crystalline, Hydrogen-bonded

Natural & Synthetic Hydrogels

Dextran, Collagen, Dextran Sulfate & Poly (vinyl

alcohol), Poly (ethylene glycol)

Hydrogels: Preparation
Prepared by swelling cross-linked

structures in water or in biological fluids containing water

Crosslinks can be induced by 1. Radiation reactions 2. Chemical crosslinking

Hydrogels: Preparation
Radiation reactions include
electron beams, gamma-rays, X-rays, or UV

light

Chemical crosslinking
crosslinking agents copolymerization-crosslinking reactions

between the monomers and a multifunctional monomer.

Hydrogels: Preparation

Hydrogels: Swelling
After polymerization, the hydrophilic

polymer is brought in contact withwater The network expands The thermodynamically driven swelling force is counterbalanced by the retractive force of the cross-linked structure Two forces become equal at some point and equilibrium is reached

Hydrogels: Swelling
Hydrogels undergo swelling in analogy

to dilution of free polymer chains in solution

Hydrogels: Swelling
Degree of swelling solute diffusion coefficient through the hydrogel surface properties and surface mobility optical properties (particularly for contact lens applications) mechanical properties

Hydrogels: Swelling
Degree of swelling can be quantified

by:

ratio of sample volume in the swollen state to volume in the dry state weight degree of swelling: ratio of the weight of swollen sample to that of the dry sample
One may copolymerize a highly hydrophilic monomer

with other less hydrophilic monomers to achieve desired swelling properties

Properties of Hydrogels
Swelling properties influenced by

changes in the environment

(pH, temperature, ionic strength, solvent composition, pressure, and electrical potential)

Can be biodegradable, bio-erodible, and

bio-absorbable Can degrade in controlled fashion

Advantages of Hydrogels
Environment can protect cells and other

substances (i.e. drugs, proteins, and peptides) Timed release of nutrients to ensure proper tissue growth Good transport properties Biocompatible Can be injected & easy to modify Good Mechanical Stability

Disadvantages of Hydrogels
Low mechanical strength
Hard to handle Difficult to load Sterilization

Hydrogels: Applications
Biomedical use due to bio- and blood-

compatibility Pharmaceutical use due to hydrophilic in nature(controlled/sustained drug release) Earliest biomedical application contact lenses lubricating surface coating

Hydrogels: Applications
Pharmaceutical applications monomer composition and relative amounts of multi-polymer hydrogels can be varied to alter the diffusion characteristic and permeability of the gel containing pharmaceutical agents

Hydrogels: Applications
Methods for drug delivery drug gets trapped in the hydrogel during polymerization drug introduced during swelling in water Release occurs by outflow of drug from the gel and inflow of water to the gel.

Whats next..?
Design of functional hydrogel and

Evaluation of its material Properties Importance of material property Characterization of hydrogels Synthesis and Characterization of Polyvinyl alcohol hydrogel

THANK YOU

By M Karthik Teja
2011H141029H