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Ebel F, Ramírez-Reveco A, Strobel P, Wagenknecht L, Rodríguez N, Bosch P, Rivarola C. Optimized protocol for high-vacuum scanning electron microscopy analysis of polyacrylamide hydrogel-attached sperm cells in a binary system. Microsc Res Tech 2024; 87:1122-1127. [PMID: 38259083 DOI: 10.1002/jemt.24502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
A protocol for the analysis of a binary system comprising polyacrylamide hydrogel-attached sperm cells using high-vacuum scanning electron microscopy (SEM) is presented. This protocol focuses on optimizing the SEM procedure to obtain accurate and detailed imaging of the sperm cells and their interactions with the hydrogel scaffold. The methodology involves a stepwise sample preparation, including sample dehydration through a gradual exchange of ethanol/water ratios, followed by the application of a conductive metal coating. By employing this modified protocol, the traditional use of acetone dehydration, which may introduce chemical alterations to the materials, is avoided. The proposed approach enables a comprehensive evaluation of the morphology and interactions within the biological system in contact with the soft material scaffold. Furthermore, the potential application of this protocol extends to the study of other mammalian reproductive cells or cells of different origins adhered to hydrogel scaffolds. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Novel SEM protocol reveals precise imaging of sperm-hydrogel attachment in a binary system, enhancing our understanding of cell-material interactions. By optimizing SEM procedures, the protocol achieves precise imaging of sperm-hydrogel interactions using ethanol/water dehydration and a conductive metal coating. This modified approach enables a thorough assessment of morphology and interactions in the binary system,extending its potential applicability to other reproductive cells on hydrogelscaffolds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisca Ebel
- Institute of Environmental Biotechnology and Health, Faculty of Exact, Physicochemical and Natural Sciences, National University of Río Cuarto, Río Cuarto, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Alfredo Ramírez-Reveco
- Institute of Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Austral University of Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Pablo Strobel
- Institute of Animal Science, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Austral University of Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | | | - Nancy Rodríguez
- Institute of Environmental Biotechnology and Health, Faculty of Exact, Physicochemical and Natural Sciences, National University of Río Cuarto, Río Cuarto, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Pablo Bosch
- Institute of Environmental Biotechnology and Health, Faculty of Exact, Physicochemical and Natural Sciences, National University of Río Cuarto, Río Cuarto, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Claudia Rivarola
- Research Institute in Energy Technologies and Advanced Materials, Faculty of Exact, Physicochemical and Natural Sciences, National University of Río Cuarto, Río Cuarto, Córdoba, Argentina
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Diacon A, Albota F, Mocanu A, Brincoveanu O, Podaru AI, Rotariu T, Ahmad AA, Rusen E, Toader G. Dual-Responsive Hydrogels for Mercury Ion Detection and Removal from Wastewater. Gels 2024; 10:113. [PMID: 38391443 PMCID: PMC10887514 DOI: 10.3390/gels10020113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
This study describes the development of a fast and cost-effective method for the detection and removal of Hg2+ ions from aqueous media, consisting of hydrogels incorporating chelating agents and a rhodamine derivative (to afford a qualitative evaluation of the heavy metal entrapment inside the 3D polymeric matrix). These hydrogels, designed for the simultaneous detection and entrapment of mercury, were obtained through the photopolymerization of 2-acrylamido-2-methyl-1-propanesulfonic acid (AMPSA) and N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone (NVP), utilizing N,N'-methylenebisacrylamide (MBA) as crosslinker, in the presence of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), a rhodamine B derivative, and one of the following chelating agents: phytic acid, 1,3-diamino-2-hydroxypropane-tetraacetic acid, triethylenetetramine-hexaacetic acid, or ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid disodium salt. The rhodamine derivative had a dual purpose in this study: firstly, it was incorporated into the hydrogel to allow the qualitative evaluation of mercury entrapment through its fluorogenic switch-off abilities when sensing Hg2+ ions; secondly, it was used to quantitatively evaluate the level of residual mercury from the decontaminated aqueous solutions, via the UV-Vis technique. The ICP-MS analysis of the hydrogels also confirmed the successful entrapment of mercury inside the hydrogels and a good correlation with the UV-Vis method.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurel Diacon
- Military Technical Academy "Ferdinand I", 39-49 G. Cosbuc Blvd., 050141 Bucharest, Romania
- Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnologies, National University of Science and Technology Politechnica Bucharest, 1-7 Gh. Polizu Street, 011061 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Florin Albota
- Horia Hulubei National Institute of Physics and Nuclear Engineering, 30 Reactorului Street, 077125 Magurele, Romania
| | - Alexandra Mocanu
- Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnologies, National University of Science and Technology Politechnica Bucharest, 1-7 Gh. Polizu Street, 011061 Bucharest, Romania
- National Institute for Research and Development in Microtechnologies-IMT Bucharest, 126A Erou Iancu Nicolae Street, 077190 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Oana Brincoveanu
- National Institute for Research and Development in Microtechnologies-IMT Bucharest, 126A Erou Iancu Nicolae Street, 077190 Bucharest, Romania
- Research Institute, University of Bucharest, 90 Sos. Panduri, 050663 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Alice Ionela Podaru
- Military Technical Academy "Ferdinand I", 39-49 G. Cosbuc Blvd., 050141 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Traian Rotariu
- Military Technical Academy "Ferdinand I", 39-49 G. Cosbuc Blvd., 050141 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ahmad A Ahmad
- Department of Physical Sciences, Jordan University of Science & Technology, P.O. Box 3030, Irbid 22110, Jordan
| | - Edina Rusen
- Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnologies, National University of Science and Technology Politechnica Bucharest, 1-7 Gh. Polizu Street, 011061 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Gabriela Toader
- Military Technical Academy "Ferdinand I", 39-49 G. Cosbuc Blvd., 050141 Bucharest, Romania
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Ebel FA, Liaudat AC, Blois DA, Capella V, Broglia MF, Barbero CA, Rodríguez N, Bosch P, Rivarola CR. Biointerfacial behavior of stallion spermatozoa adhered to hydrogel surfaces: Impact of the hydrogel chemical composition and the culture medium. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2023; 231:113575. [PMID: 37832175 DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2023.113575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
Novel soft materials based on hydrogel are proposed to enhance the selection of high-quality stallion sperm based on their adhesion capacity. The hydrogel surfaces are derived from polyacrylamide (PAAm), which is copolymerized with neutral and ionic co-monomers to modify the interfacial properties. The hydrogels undergo characterization through FTIR spectroscopy, assessment of swelling capacity, and wettability under various experimental conditions. Sperm adhesion capacity on the hydrogels is examined through several parameters including the percentage of bound sperm (%Sp) to hydrogels, tail oscillation intensity and flagellar movement. The biointerfacial properties of sperm-hydrogel systems vary based on the chemical composition of hydrogel as well as the components present in the culture medium. High %Sp and excellent metabolic activity of the spermatozoa are observed on hydrogel surfaces that possess moderate hydrophilicity. Specifically, a cationic hydrogel in BGM3 culture medium and a neutral surface in BGM3 medium supplemented with BSA exhibit favorable outcomes. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) reveals the normal morphology of the head and tail in spermatozoa adhered to the hydrogel. Therefore, these hydrogel surfaces are potential materials for selecting stallion sperm with high quality, and their application could be extended to the study of other mammalian reproductive cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisca A Ebel
- Institute of Environmental Biotechnology and Health, Faculty of Exact, Physicochemical and Natural Sciences, National University of Río Cuarto, National Route 36, KM. 601, 5800, Argentina
| | - Ana C Liaudat
- Institute of Environmental Biotechnology and Health, Faculty of Exact, Physicochemical and Natural Sciences, National University of Río Cuarto, National Route 36, KM. 601, 5800, Argentina
| | - Damián A Blois
- Institute of Environmental Biotechnology and Health, Faculty of Exact, Physicochemical and Natural Sciences, National University of Río Cuarto, National Route 36, KM. 601, 5800, Argentina
| | - Virginia Capella
- Institute of Environmental Biotechnology and Health, Faculty of Exact, Physicochemical and Natural Sciences, National University of Río Cuarto, National Route 36, KM. 601, 5800, Argentina
| | - Martin F Broglia
- Research Institute in Energy Technologies and Advanced Materials, Faculty of Exact, Physicochemical and Natural Sciences, National University of Río Cuarto, National Route 36, KM. 601, 5800, Argentina
| | - Cesar A Barbero
- Research Institute in Energy Technologies and Advanced Materials, Faculty of Exact, Physicochemical and Natural Sciences, National University of Río Cuarto, National Route 36, KM. 601, 5800, Argentina
| | - Nancy Rodríguez
- Institute of Environmental Biotechnology and Health, Faculty of Exact, Physicochemical and Natural Sciences, National University of Río Cuarto, National Route 36, KM. 601, 5800, Argentina
| | - Pablo Bosch
- Institute of Environmental Biotechnology and Health, Faculty of Exact, Physicochemical and Natural Sciences, National University of Río Cuarto, National Route 36, KM. 601, 5800, Argentina
| | - Claudia R Rivarola
- Research Institute in Energy Technologies and Advanced Materials, Faculty of Exact, Physicochemical and Natural Sciences, National University of Río Cuarto, National Route 36, KM. 601, 5800, Argentina.
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4
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Oyarce E, Cantero-López P, Roa K, Boulett A, Yáñez O, Santander P, Del C Pizarro G, Sánchez J. Removal of highly concentrated methylene blue dye by cellulose nanofiber biocomposites. Int J Biol Macromol 2023; 238:124045. [PMID: 36934817 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.124045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023]
Abstract
The contamination of water by dyes in high concentrations is a worldwide concern, and it has prompted the development of efficient, economical, and environmentally friendly materials and technologies for water purification. The hydration and adsorption capacity for methylene blue (MB) in biocomposites (BCs) based on cellulose nanofiber (CNF) (0 to 2 wt%) were studied. BCs were synthesized through a simple and straightforward route and characterized by spectroscopy, microscopic techniques and thermogravimetric analysis, among others. Hydration studies showed that BCs prepared with 2 wt% of CNF can absorb large volumes of water, approximately 2274 % in the case of poly 2-acrylamide-2-methyl-1-propanesulfonic acid (PAMPS)-CNF and 2408 % in poly sodium 4-styrene sulfonate (PSSNa)-CNF. These BCs showed outstanding adsorption capacity for highly concentrated MB solutions (4536 mg g-1 PAMPS-CNF and 11,930 mg g-1 PSSNa-CNF). It was confirmed that the adsorption mechanism is through electrostatic interactions. Finally, BCs showed high MB adsorption efficiency after several sorption-desorption cycles and on a simulated textile effluent. Furthermore, the theoretical results showed a preferential interaction between MB and the semiflexible polymer chains at the lowest energy setting. The development and study of a new adsorbent material with high MB removal performance that is easy to prepare, economical and reusable for potential use in water purification treatments was successfully achieved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Estefanía Oyarce
- Universidad de Santiago de Chile (USACH), Facultad de Química y Biología, Departamento de Ciencias del Ambiente, Santiago, Chile
| | - Plinio Cantero-López
- Universidad Andres Bello, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Departamento de Ciencias, Químicas, Viña del Mar, Chile; Center of Applied Nanoscience (CANS), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile; Relativistic Molecular Physics Group (ReMoPh), PhD program in Molecular Physical Chemistry, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
| | - Karina Roa
- Universidad de Santiago de Chile (USACH), Facultad de Química y Biología, Departamento de Ciencias del Ambiente, Santiago, Chile
| | - Andrés Boulett
- Universidad de Santiago de Chile (USACH), Facultad de Química y Biología, Departamento de Ciencias del Ambiente, Santiago, Chile
| | - Osvaldo Yáñez
- Facultad de Ingeniería y Negocios, Universidad de las Américas, Santiago, Chile; Center of New Drugs for Hypertension (CENDHY), Santiago, Chile
| | - Paola Santander
- Universidad de Santiago de Chile (USACH), Facultad de Química y Biología, Departamento de Ciencias del Ambiente, Santiago, Chile
| | - Guadalupe Del C Pizarro
- Departamento de Química, Universidad Tecnológica Metropolitana, J. P. Alessandri 1242, Santiago, Chile
| | - Julio Sánchez
- Universidad de Santiago de Chile (USACH), Facultad de Química y Biología, Departamento de Ciencias del Ambiente, Santiago, Chile.
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Shafique H, de Vries J, Strauss J, Khorrami Jahromi A, Siavash Moakhar R, Mahshid S. Advances in the Translation of Electrochemical Hydrogel-Based Sensors. Adv Healthc Mater 2023; 12:e2201501. [PMID: 36300601 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202201501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Novel biomaterials for bio- and chemical sensing applications have gained considerable traction in the diagnostic community with rising trends of using biocompatible and lowly cytotoxic material. Hydrogel-based electrochemical sensors have become a promising candidate for their swellable, nano-/microporous, and aqueous 3D structures capable of immobilizing catalytic enzymes, electroactive species, whole cells, and complex tissue models, while maintaining tunable mechanical properties in wearable and implantable applications. With advances in highly controllable fabrication and processability of these novel biomaterials, the possibility of bio-nanocomposite hydrogel-based electrochemical sensing presents a paradigm shift in the development of biocompatible, "smart," and sensitive health monitoring point-of-care devices. Here, recent advances in electrochemical hydrogels for the detection of biomarkers in vitro, in situ, and in vivo are briefly reviewed to demonstrate their applicability in ideal conditions, in complex cellular environments, and in live animal models, respectively, to provide a comprehensive assessment of whether these biomaterials are ready for point-of-care translation and biointegration. Sensors based on conductive and nonconductive polymers are presented, with highlights of nano-/microstructured electrodes that provide enhanced sensitivity and selectivity in biocompatible matrices. An outlook on current challenges that shall be addressed for the realization of truly continuous real-time sensing platforms is also presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Houda Shafique
- Department of Bioengineering, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H3A 0E9, Canada
| | - Justin de Vries
- Department of Bioengineering, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H3A 0E9, Canada
| | - Julia Strauss
- Department of Bioengineering, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H3A 0E9, Canada
| | | | | | - Sara Mahshid
- Department of Bioengineering, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H3A 0E9, Canada
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6
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Yi B, Xu Q, Liu W. An overview of substrate stiffness guided cellular response and its applications in tissue regeneration. Bioact Mater 2022; 15:82-102. [PMID: 35386347 PMCID: PMC8940767 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2021.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell-matrix interactions play a critical role in tissue repair and regeneration. With gradual uncovering of substrate mechanical characteristics that can affect cell-matrix interactions, much progress has been made to unravel substrate stiffness-mediated cellular response as well as its underlying mechanisms. Yet, as a part of cell-matrix interaction biology, this field remains in its infancy, and the detailed molecular mechanisms are still elusive regarding scaffold-modulated tissue regeneration. This review provides an overview of recent progress in the area of the substrate stiffness-mediated cellular responses, including 1) the physical determination of substrate stiffness on cell fate and tissue development; 2) the current exploited approaches to manipulate the stiffness of scaffolds; 3) the progress of recent researches to reveal the role of substrate stiffness in cellular responses in some representative tissue-engineered regeneration varying from stiff tissue to soft tissue. This article aims to provide an up-to-date overview of cell mechanobiology research in substrate stiffness mediated cellular response and tissue regeneration with insightful information to facilitate interdisciplinary knowledge transfer and enable the establishment of prognostic markers for the design of suitable biomaterials. Substrate stiffness physically determines cell fate and tissue development. Rational design of scaffolds requires the understanding of cell-matrix interactions. Substrate stiffness depends on scaffold molecular-constituent-structure interaction. Substrate stiffness-mediated cellular responses vary in different tissues.
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7
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Bongiovanni Abel S, Martinez MV, Bruno MM, Barbero CA, Abraham GA, Acevedo DF. A modular platform based on electrospun carbon nanofibers and poly(
N
‐isopropylacrylamide) hydrogel for sensor applications. POLYM ADVAN TECHNOL 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/pat.5473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Silvestre Bongiovanni Abel
- Research Institute of Materials Science and Technology (INTEMA) National University of Mar del Plata (UNMdP)‐National Council of Scientific and Technical Research (CONICET) Mar del Plata Argentina
| | - María V. Martinez
- Research Institute for Energy Technologies and Advanced Materials (IITEMA) National University of Río Cuarto (UNRC)‐National Council of Scientific and Technical Research (CONICET) Río Cuarto Argentina
| | - Mariano M. Bruno
- Research Institute for Energy Technologies and Advanced Materials (IITEMA) National University of Río Cuarto (UNRC)‐National Council of Scientific and Technical Research (CONICET) Río Cuarto Argentina
| | - Cesar A. Barbero
- Research Institute for Energy Technologies and Advanced Materials (IITEMA) National University of Río Cuarto (UNRC)‐National Council of Scientific and Technical Research (CONICET) Río Cuarto Argentina
| | - Gustavo A. Abraham
- Research Institute of Materials Science and Technology (INTEMA) National University of Mar del Plata (UNMdP)‐National Council of Scientific and Technical Research (CONICET) Mar del Plata Argentina
| | - Diego F. Acevedo
- Research Institute for Energy Technologies and Advanced Materials (IITEMA) National University of Río Cuarto (UNRC)‐National Council of Scientific and Technical Research (CONICET) Río Cuarto Argentina
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8
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Liaudat AC, Blois D, Capella V, Morilla G, Rivero R, Barbero C, Rodríguez N, Rivarola C, Bosch P. Short communication: Bull sperm selection by attachment to hyaluronic acid semi-interpenetrated hydrogels. Reprod Domest Anim 2021; 57:228-232. [PMID: 33908090 DOI: 10.1111/rda.13943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
We report the development of a hydrogel-based approach to select bull spermatozoa, a crucial step for successful assisted reproductive techniques (ARTs). Hyaluronic acid (HA) semi-interpenetrated N-isopropylacrylamide (PNIPAM) co-20% N-Tris (hydroxymethyl) methyl acrylamide (HMA) hydrogels were synthetized on glass surfaces and cultured in presence of frozen-thawed bull spermatozoa. A fraction of motile bull spermatozoa population strongly attached to hydrogels and was partially released by treatment with hyaluronidase. Fifty-nine (59 ± 7.24) per cent of sperm cells attached to PNIPAM-HMA-HA hydrogels and 31.16 ± 4.81% of them were released upon treatment with medium containing hyaluronidase. This attached-released sperm fraction has acceptable characteristics of progressive motility (50.0 ± 5.0%), vigour (4), high viability (58.7 ± 11.7%) and low percentage of acrosome reacted spermatozoa (23.36 ± 4.1%). Our findings indicate that PNIPAM-HMA-HA hydrogels are non-toxic and allow the selection of high-quality sperm cells for ART.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Cecilia Liaudat
- Departamento de Biología Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas Fco-Qcas y Naturales; INBIAS, CONICET, Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto, Río Cuarto, Argentina
| | - Damian Blois
- Departamento de Biología Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas Fco-Qcas y Naturales; INBIAS, CONICET, Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto, Río Cuarto, Argentina
| | - Virginia Capella
- Departamento de Biología Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas Fco-Qcas y Naturales; INBIAS, CONICET, Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto, Río Cuarto, Argentina.,Departamento de Química, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas (CONICET), Argentina
| | - Gricelda Morilla
- Departamento de Biología Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas Fco-Qcas y Naturales; INBIAS, CONICET, Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto, Río Cuarto, Argentina
| | - Rebeca Rivero
- Departamento de Química, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas (CONICET), Argentina
| | - César Barbero
- Departamento de Química, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas (CONICET), Argentina
| | - Nancy Rodríguez
- Departamento de Biología Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas Fco-Qcas y Naturales; INBIAS, CONICET, Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto, Río Cuarto, Argentina
| | - Claudia Rivarola
- Departamento de Química, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnológicas (CONICET), Argentina
| | - Pablo Bosch
- Departamento de Biología Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas Fco-Qcas y Naturales; INBIAS, CONICET, Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto, Río Cuarto, Argentina
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9
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Casadey R, Broglia M, Barbero C, Criado S, Rivarola C. Controlled release systems of natural phenolic antioxidants encapsulated inside biocompatible hydrogels. REACT FUNCT POLYM 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.reactfunctpolym.2020.104729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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10
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Abel SB, Rivarola CR, Barbero CA, Molina M. Electromagnetic radiation driving of volume changes in nanocomposites made of a thermosensitive hydrogel polymerized around conducting polymer nanoparticles. RSC Adv 2020; 10:9155-9164. [PMID: 35496518 PMCID: PMC9050122 DOI: 10.1039/d0ra01329c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2020] [Accepted: 02/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Polymeric nanocomposites were obtained by the formation of a thermosensitive hydrogel matrix around conducting polymer (CP) nanoparticles. The CP is able to absorb electromagnetic radiation which is converted into heat and induces the phase transition of the surrounding hydrogel. The method chosen to form the hydrogel is the free radical polymerization of a copolymer (N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAM) and 2-acrylamide-2-methylpropano sulfonic acid (AMPS), PNIPAM-co-2% AMPS) in the presence of bisacrylamide as the crosslinker. The nanoparticles are polypyrrole nanospheres (PPy NP), polyaniline nanofibers (PANI NF), and polyaniline nanospheres (PANI NP). The morphology of the composites was studied using SEM microscopy and the percentage composition of each material was evaluated by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The swelling equilibrium capacity and rate are clearly affected by the nanoparticle shape and nature. However, the nanocomposites LCST are similar to that of the matrix. Upon RF irradiation, the three nanocomposites increase the temperature and reach the LCST after 320 seconds of irradiation (320 kJ). Upon MW application, the local temperature reaches the LCST after only 30 s (21 kJ), resulting in a MW more effective than RF to drive the transition. These results demonstrate that the proposed materials are useful as a remotely driven actuator. A novel synthetic method of photothermally activated nanocomposites by in situ formation of hydrogel matrixes around dispersed conducting polymer nanoparticles is described.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvestre Bongiovanni Abel
- Research Institute for Energy Technologies and Advanced Materials (IITEMA), National University of Rio Cuarto (UNRC), National Council of Scientific and Technical Research (CONICET) Ruta Nacional No. 36 Km 601, Agencia Postal No. 3 5800 Río Cuarto Argentina +543584676233 +543584676522
| | - Claudia R Rivarola
- Research Institute for Energy Technologies and Advanced Materials (IITEMA), National University of Rio Cuarto (UNRC), National Council of Scientific and Technical Research (CONICET) Ruta Nacional No. 36 Km 601, Agencia Postal No. 3 5800 Río Cuarto Argentina +543584676233 +543584676522
| | - Cesar A Barbero
- Research Institute for Energy Technologies and Advanced Materials (IITEMA), National University of Rio Cuarto (UNRC), National Council of Scientific and Technical Research (CONICET) Ruta Nacional No. 36 Km 601, Agencia Postal No. 3 5800 Río Cuarto Argentina +543584676233 +543584676522
| | - Maria Molina
- Research Institute for Energy Technologies and Advanced Materials (IITEMA), National University of Rio Cuarto (UNRC), National Council of Scientific and Technical Research (CONICET) Ruta Nacional No. 36 Km 601, Agencia Postal No. 3 5800 Río Cuarto Argentina +543584676233 +543584676522
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11
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Rivero RE, Capella V, Cecilia Liaudat A, Bosch P, Barbero CA, Rodríguez N, Rivarola CR. Mechanical and physicochemical behavior of a 3D hydrogel scaffold during cell growth and proliferation. RSC Adv 2020; 10:5827-5837. [PMID: 35497440 PMCID: PMC9049616 DOI: 10.1039/c9ra08162c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2019] [Accepted: 01/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Some of the essential properties for cellular scaffolding are the capability to maintain the three-dimensional (3D) structure, good adhesion, and adequate elastic modulus during cell growth, migration, and proliferation. Biocompatible synthetic hydrogels are commonly used as cellular scaffolds because they can mimic the natural extracellular matrices (ECMs). However, it is possible that the physicochemical and mechanical behavior of the scaffold changes during cell proliferation and loses the scaffold properties but this is rarely monitored. In this work, the physicochemical and mechanical properties of a macroporous soft material based on poly(N-isopropyl acrylamide) (PNIPAM) have been studied during a period of 75 days at culture condition while bovine fetal fibroblasts (BFF) were grown within the matrix. The interconnected macroporous hydrogel was obtained by cryogelation at −18 °C. The swelling capacity of the scaffold was not altered during cell proliferation but changes in the mechanical properties were observed, beginning with the high elastic modulus (280 kPa) that progressively decreased until mechanical stability (40 kPa) was achieved after 20 culture days. It was observed that the matrix–cell interactions together with collagen production favor normal cellular processes such as cell morphology, adhesion, migration, and proliferation. Therefore, the observed behavior of macroporous PNIPAM as a 3D scaffold during cell growth indicates that the soft matrix is cytocompatible for a long time and preserves the suitable properties that can be applied in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. 3D cell scaffold based on macroporous PNIPAM is cytocompatible and preserves the cell viability for more than 75 culture days.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebeca E. Rivero
- Chemistry Department
- Faculty of Exact, Physical-Chemical and Natural Sciences
- Institute of Research in Energy Technologies and Advanced Materials (IITEMA)
- National University of Rio Cuarto (UNRC)-National Council of Scientific and Technical Research (CONICET)
- X5804ZAB Rio Cuarto
| | - Virginia Capella
- Chemistry Department
- Faculty of Exact, Physical-Chemical and Natural Sciences
- Institute of Research in Energy Technologies and Advanced Materials (IITEMA)
- National University of Rio Cuarto (UNRC)-National Council of Scientific and Technical Research (CONICET)
- X5804ZAB Rio Cuarto
| | - A. Cecilia Liaudat
- Molecular Biology Department
- Faculty of Exact, Physical Chemical and Natural Sciences
- Institute of Environmental Biotechnology and Health (INBIAS)
- National University of Rio Cuarto (UNRC)-National Council of Scientific and Technical Research (CONICET)
- X5804ZAB Rio Cuarto
| | - Pablo Bosch
- Molecular Biology Department
- Faculty of Exact, Physical Chemical and Natural Sciences
- Institute of Environmental Biotechnology and Health (INBIAS)
- National University of Rio Cuarto (UNRC)-National Council of Scientific and Technical Research (CONICET)
- X5804ZAB Rio Cuarto
| | - Cesar A. Barbero
- Chemistry Department
- Faculty of Exact, Physical-Chemical and Natural Sciences
- Institute of Research in Energy Technologies and Advanced Materials (IITEMA)
- National University of Rio Cuarto (UNRC)-National Council of Scientific and Technical Research (CONICET)
- X5804ZAB Rio Cuarto
| | - Nancy Rodríguez
- Molecular Biology Department
- Faculty of Exact, Physical Chemical and Natural Sciences
- Institute of Environmental Biotechnology and Health (INBIAS)
- National University of Rio Cuarto (UNRC)-National Council of Scientific and Technical Research (CONICET)
- X5804ZAB Rio Cuarto
| | - Claudia R. Rivarola
- Chemistry Department
- Faculty of Exact, Physical-Chemical and Natural Sciences
- Institute of Research in Energy Technologies and Advanced Materials (IITEMA)
- National University of Rio Cuarto (UNRC)-National Council of Scientific and Technical Research (CONICET)
- X5804ZAB Rio Cuarto
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12
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Cytotoxicity and bioadhesive properties of poly- N-isopropylacrylamide hydrogel. Heliyon 2019; 5:e01474. [PMID: 31008402 PMCID: PMC6458465 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2019.e01474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2018] [Revised: 03/11/2019] [Accepted: 04/01/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Several hydrogel surfaces present properties that simulate the mechanical and physicochemical features of extracellular matrix (ECM), providing a platform that mimic the native cellular milieus. Poly-N-isopropylacrylamide (PNIPAM) hydrogels are receiving attention in biomedical field due to their thermosensibility and soft texture. However, more extensive biocompatibility and cellular interactions studies with cell lines are needed. Therefore, the aim of this study is focus on evaluating the biocompatibility of PNIPAM through cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, and proliferation tests in murine preadipose cells (3T3-L1), human embryonic kidney cells (HEK293) and human carcinoma-derived cells (A549) in presence of hydrogel surfaces. Bioadhesive capacity above PNIPAM surfaces was also analyzed. MTT and neutral red uptake assays shown non-cytotoxic effect of PNIPAM in the studied cell lines. Genotoxicity was evaluated by the single-cell gel electrophoresis assay, where DNA damages were not detected. [3H]-thymidine staining allowed to corroborate that cell proliferation had progressed correctly. Adopted morphologies for each cell line over PNIPAM were similar to cell growing observed on polystyrene, indicating that the surfaces favor the cell attachment during 5 days' culture. The good biocompatibility of PNIPAM surfaces make it an interesting scaffold with clinical potential in tissue regeneration engineering, and a possible adipose and kidney tissue-engineered construct.
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13
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Martinez MV, Molina M, Barbero CA. Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) Cross-Linked Gels as Intrinsic Amphiphilic Materials: Swelling Properties Used to Build Novel Interphases. J Phys Chem B 2018; 122:9038-9048. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.8b07625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- María V. Martinez
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Tecnologías Energéticas y Materiales Avanzados (IITEMA), Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto (UNRC)-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Ruta 8 y 36 km 601, X5804ZAB Río Cuarto, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Maria Molina
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Tecnologías Energéticas y Materiales Avanzados (IITEMA), Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto (UNRC)-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Ruta 8 y 36 km 601, X5804ZAB Río Cuarto, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Cesar A. Barbero
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Tecnologías Energéticas y Materiales Avanzados (IITEMA), Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto (UNRC)-Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Ruta 8 y 36 km 601, X5804ZAB Río Cuarto, Córdoba, Argentina
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14
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De France KJ, Xu F, Hoare T. Structured Macroporous Hydrogels: Progress, Challenges, and Opportunities. Adv Healthc Mater 2018; 7. [PMID: 29195022 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.201700927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2017] [Revised: 09/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Structured macroporous hydrogels that have controllable porosities on both the nanoscale and the microscale offer both the swelling and interfacial properties of bulk hydrogels as well as the transport properties of "hard" macroporous materials. While a variety of techniques such as solvent casting, freeze drying, gas foaming, and phase separation have been developed to fabricate structured macroporous hydrogels, the typically weak mechanics and isotropic pore structures achieved as well as the required use of solvent/additives in the preparation process all limit the potential applications of these materials, particularly in biomedical contexts. This review highlights recent developments in the field of structured macroporous hydrogels aiming to increase network strength, create anisotropy and directionality within the networks, and utilize solvent-free or additive-free fabrication methods. Such functional materials are well suited for not only biomedical applications like tissue engineering and drug delivery but also selective filtration, environmental sorption, and the physical templating of secondary networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin J. De France
- Department of Chemical Engineering; McMaster University; 1280 Main Street West Hamilton ON L8S 4L8 Canada
| | - Fei Xu
- Department of Chemical Engineering; McMaster University; 1280 Main Street West Hamilton ON L8S 4L8 Canada
| | - Todd Hoare
- Department of Chemical Engineering; McMaster University; 1280 Main Street West Hamilton ON L8S 4L8 Canada
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15
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Xu Y, Ghag O, Reimann M, Sitterle P, Chatterjee P, Nofen E, Yu H, Jiang H, Dai LL. Development of visible-light responsive and mechanically enhanced "smart" UCST interpenetrating network hydrogels. SOFT MATTER 2017; 14:151-160. [PMID: 29226931 DOI: 10.1039/c7sm01851g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
An interpenetrating polymer network (IPN), chlorophyllin-incorporated environmentally responsive hydrogel was synthesized and exhibited the following features: enhanced mechanical properties, upper critical solution temperature (UCST) swelling behavior, and promising visible-light responsiveness. Poor mechanical properties are known challenges for hydrogel-based materials. By forming an interpenetrating network between polyacrylamide (PAAm) and poly(acrylic acid) (PAAc) polymer networks, the mechanical properties of the synthesized IPN hydrogels were significantly improved compared to hydrogels made of a single network of each polymer. The formation of the interpenetrating network was confirmed by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), the analysis of glass transition temperature, and a unique UCST responsive swelling behavior, which is in contrast to the more prevalent lower critical solution temperature (LCST) behaviour of environmentally responsive hydrogels. The visible-light responsiveness of the synthesized hydrogel also demonstrated a positive swelling behavior, and the effect of incorporating chlorophyllin as the chromophore unit was observed to reduce the average pore size and further enhance the mechanical properties of the hydrogel. This interpenetrating network system shows potential to serve as a new route in developing "smart" hydrogels using visible-light as a simple, inexpensive, and remotely controllable stimulus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifei Xu
- School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona 85281, USA.
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16
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Rivero R, Alustiza F, Capella V, Liaudat C, Rodriguez N, Bosch P, Barbero C, Rivarola C. Physicochemical properties of ionic and non-ionic biocompatible hydrogels in water and cell culture conditions: Relation with type of morphologies of bovine fetal fibroblasts in contact with the surfaces. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2017; 158:488-497. [PMID: 28735221 DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2017.07.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2017] [Revised: 07/06/2017] [Accepted: 07/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Cationic, anionic and non-ionic hydrogels having acrylamide polymer backbones were synthesized via free radical polymerization with N,N-methylenebisacrylamide (BIS) as crosslinker. The chemical structures of the hydrogels were characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). Physicochemical properties such as swelling kinetic, maximum swelling capacity, volume phase transition temperature (VPTT) and wettability (static water contact angle) of hydrogels swollen in aqueous and cell culture medium, at room and cell culture temperatures were studied. In order to correlate the surface properties of the hydrogels and cellular adhesivity of bovine fetal fibroblasts (BFFs), cellular behaviour was analyzed by inverted fluorescence optical microscopy and atomic force microscopy (AFM). MTT assay demonstrated that the number of viable cells in contact with hydrogels does not significantly change in comparison to a control surface. Flattened and spindle-shaped cells and cell spheroids were the adopted morphologies during first days of culture on different hydrogels. Cell spheroids were easily obtained during the first 5days of culture in contact with PNIPAM-co-20%HMA (poly (N-isopropylacrylamide-co-20%N-acryloyl-tris-(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane)) hydrogel surface. After 15days of culture all hydrogels showed high adhesion and visual proliferation. According to obtained results, non-ionic and hydrophilic surfaces with moderated wettability induce the formation of BFFs cell spheroids. These hydrogel surfaces could be used in clinical and biochemical treatments at laboratory level to cell growth and will allow generating the base for future biotechnologic platform.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebeca Rivero
- Chemistry Department, Faculty of Exact, Physical-Chemical and Naturals Sciences. National University of Rio Cuarto-CONICET, Rio Cuarto (Cordoba), Argentina; Molecular Biology Department, Faculty of Exact, Physical Chemical and Naturals Sciences. National University of Rio Cuarto-CONICET, Rio Cuarto (Cordoba), Argentina
| | - Fabrisio Alustiza
- Chemistry Department, Faculty of Exact, Physical-Chemical and Naturals Sciences. National University of Rio Cuarto-CONICET, Rio Cuarto (Cordoba), Argentina; Molecular Biology Department, Faculty of Exact, Physical Chemical and Naturals Sciences. National University of Rio Cuarto-CONICET, Rio Cuarto (Cordoba), Argentina
| | - Virginia Capella
- Chemistry Department, Faculty of Exact, Physical-Chemical and Naturals Sciences. National University of Rio Cuarto-CONICET, Rio Cuarto (Cordoba), Argentina; Molecular Biology Department, Faculty of Exact, Physical Chemical and Naturals Sciences. National University of Rio Cuarto-CONICET, Rio Cuarto (Cordoba), Argentina
| | - Cecilia Liaudat
- Molecular Biology Department, Faculty of Exact, Physical Chemical and Naturals Sciences. National University of Rio Cuarto-CONICET, Rio Cuarto (Cordoba), Argentina
| | - Nancy Rodriguez
- Molecular Biology Department, Faculty of Exact, Physical Chemical and Naturals Sciences. National University of Rio Cuarto-CONICET, Rio Cuarto (Cordoba), Argentina
| | - Pablo Bosch
- Molecular Biology Department, Faculty of Exact, Physical Chemical and Naturals Sciences. National University of Rio Cuarto-CONICET, Rio Cuarto (Cordoba), Argentina
| | - Cesar Barbero
- Chemistry Department, Faculty of Exact, Physical-Chemical and Naturals Sciences. National University of Rio Cuarto-CONICET, Rio Cuarto (Cordoba), Argentina
| | - Claudia Rivarola
- Chemistry Department, Faculty of Exact, Physical-Chemical and Naturals Sciences. National University of Rio Cuarto-CONICET, Rio Cuarto (Cordoba), Argentina.
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17
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Martinez MV, Bruno MM, Miras MC, Barbero CA. Electroactive polymers made by loading redox ions inside crosslinked polymeric hydrogels. Effects of hydrophobic interactions and solvent dynamics. Electrochim Acta 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.electacta.2016.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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18
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Haq MA, Su Y, Wang D. Mechanical properties of PNIPAM based hydrogels: A review. MATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING. C, MATERIALS FOR BIOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS 2016; 70:842-855. [PMID: 27770962 DOI: 10.1016/j.msec.2016.09.081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 296] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2016] [Revised: 09/13/2016] [Accepted: 09/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Materials which adjust their properties in response to environmental factors such as temperature, pH and ionic strength are rapidly evolving and known as smart materials. Hydrogels formed by smart polymers have various applications. Among the smart polymers, thermoresponsive polymer poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)(PNIPAM) is very important because of its well defined structure and property specially its temperature response is closed to human body and can be finetuned as well. Mechanical properties are critical for the performance of stimuli responsive hydrogels in diverse applications. However, native PNIPAM hydrogels are very fragile and hardly useful for any practical purpose. Intense researches have been done in recent decade to enhance the mechanical features of PNIPAM hydrogel. In this review, several strategies including interpenetrating polymer network (IPN), double network (DN), nanocomposite (NC) and slide ring (SR) hydrogels are discussed in the context of PNIPAM hydrogel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Abdul Haq
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Engineering Plastics, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, PR China; Laboratory of Food Engineering, Department of Food Science & Technology, University of Karachi, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Yunlan Su
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Engineering Plastics, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, PR China.
| | - Dujin Wang
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Engineering Plastics, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, PR China
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Bioethanol production by reusable Saccharomyces cerevisiae immobilized in a macroporous monolithic hydrogel matrices. J Biotechnol 2016; 233:56-65. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiotec.2016.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2016] [Revised: 07/02/2016] [Accepted: 07/07/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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20
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Martinez MV, Coneo Rodriguez R, Baena Moncada A, Rivarola CR, Bruno MM, Miras MC, Barbero CA. Electrochemistry of Tris(1,10-phenanthroline)iron(II) inside a polymeric hydrogel. Coupled chemical reactions and migration effects. J Solid State Electrochem 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/s10008-016-3312-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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21
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Dragan ES, Cocarta AI. Smart Macroporous IPN Hydrogels Responsive to pH, Temperature, and Ionic Strength: Synthesis, Characterization, and Evaluation of Controlled Release of Drugs. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2016; 8:12018-30. [PMID: 27115698 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.6b02264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Fast responsive macroporous interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) hydrogels were fabricated in this work by a sequential strategy, as follows: the first network, consisting of poly(N,N-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate) (PDMAEM) cross-linked with N,N'-methylenebisacrylamide (BAAm), was prepared at -18 °C, the second network consisting of poly(acrylamide) (PAAm) cross-linked with BAAm, being also generated by cryogelation technique. Both single network cryogels (SNC) and IPN cryogels were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and water uptake. The presence of weak polycation PDMAEM endows the SNCs and the IPNs cryogels with sensitivity at numerous external stimuli such as pH, temperature, ionic strength, electric field, among which the first three were investigated in this work. It was found that the initial concentration of monomers in both networks was the key factor in tailoring the properties of IPN cryogels such as swelling kinetics, equilibrium water content (EWC), phase transition temperature and the response at ionic strength. The pore size increased after the formation of the second network, the swelling kinetics in pure water being comparable with that of the SNC, phase transition temperature being situated in the range 35-36 °C for IPN cryogels. The water uptake at equilibrium (WUeq) abruptly increased at pH < 3.0 in the case of SNCs, whereas the response of IPN cryogels at the decrease of pH from 6.0 to 1.0 was strongly dependent on the gel structure, the values of WUeq being lower at a higher concentration of DMAEM in the first network, the monomer concentration in the second network being about 10 wt %. The pH response was very much diminished when the monomer concentration was high in both networks (15 wt % in the first network, and 21 wt % in the second network). The increase of the ionic strength from 0 up to 0.3 M NaCl led to the decrease of the WUeq, for all cryogels, the level of dehydration being higher and faster for the SNC than for the corresponding IPN cryogel. The release of diclofenac sodium (DS), as a model acidic drug, triggered by pH, temperature, and ionic strength from the IPN cryogels was evaluated. A pulsatile release of DS from the IPN cryogels was presented, with a slower release at 34 °C (below VPTT) and a faster release at 37 and 40 °C (above the VPTT).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ecaterina Stela Dragan
- "Petru Poni" Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry , Grigore Ghica Voda Alley 41 A, Iasi 700487, Romania
| | - Ana Irina Cocarta
- "Petru Poni" Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry , Grigore Ghica Voda Alley 41 A, Iasi 700487, Romania
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