IONICALLY CROSSLINKED HYDROGELS WITH ADJUSTABLE GELATION TIME

摘要

Biocompatible hydrogels, for: scaffoldings for tissue engineering; cell encapsulation matrices; injectable bulking materials for cosmetic and functional restorations; controlled release matrices; gene delivery vehicles; immunoprotection matrices; immobilization materials; food additives; medical gels; conductive electrode gels; lubricious coatings; film forming creams; membranes; superabsorbents; hydrophilic coatings; and wound dressings. The hydrogels include: at least one water-soluble polymer/copolymer; and at least one slow and/or fast dissolving and/or releasing divalent and/or multivalent cation-containing compound. At least one of the monomers is an acid, and/or contains an acid group or a derivative thereof. Such monomer reacts with the cations to form a three-dimensional ionically crosslinked hydrogel composition. A method for preparing such a composition comprises the step of controlling a rate of gel formation by varying at least one of: solubility of the cation containing compounds; cation concentration; mixture of cation containing compounds; polymer concentration; gelation temperature.