Protein-Hydrogel Synthesis and Cation Induced Shape Programing using Various Crosslinking Reagents
Mentor 1
Ionel Popa
Start Date
16-4-2021 12:00 AM
Description
The ability to synthesis hydrogels and program a reversable temporary shape through three-dimensional crosslinking is essential to the future of medicine and soft robotics. Here, hydrogels are produced via the combination of the protein bovine serum albumin (BSA) and crosslinking reagents, Tetrakis(hydroxymethyl)phosphonium chloride (THPC) and Glutaraldehyde (GA). Shape programing is achieved by creating a temporary secondary crosslinking network by incubating hydrogels in cation solutions (Zn2+ and Cu2+). We synthesize (BSA) hydrogels by extruding BSA into a crosslinking reagent to create a primary covalent cross-linking network. Both reagents act as a bridge for crosslinking between BSA amino acid binding sites. Force-clamp rheometer measurements revealed an increase in Young’s modulus by 10-fold when using these new reagents. Shape programing is tested by synthesizing hydrogels in a flower shape before transferring them into a circular mold and incubating in a cation solution. Following incubation in Zn2+ and Cu2+. solutions, a secondary crosslinking network is created, and the hydrogels hold a circular shape until cations are diffused out of the hydrogel. The addition of the secondary network allowed us to program complex shapes, while diffusion of adsorbed cations removed the secondary network and restored the original shape. The creation and shape manipulation of BSA hydrogels at room temperature in response to different aqueous solutions explores the possibilities to engineer responsive and biocompatible tissues, whose stiffness and form react to their environment.
Protein-Hydrogel Synthesis and Cation Induced Shape Programing using Various Crosslinking Reagents
The ability to synthesis hydrogels and program a reversable temporary shape through three-dimensional crosslinking is essential to the future of medicine and soft robotics. Here, hydrogels are produced via the combination of the protein bovine serum albumin (BSA) and crosslinking reagents, Tetrakis(hydroxymethyl)phosphonium chloride (THPC) and Glutaraldehyde (GA). Shape programing is achieved by creating a temporary secondary crosslinking network by incubating hydrogels in cation solutions (Zn2+ and Cu2+). We synthesize (BSA) hydrogels by extruding BSA into a crosslinking reagent to create a primary covalent cross-linking network. Both reagents act as a bridge for crosslinking between BSA amino acid binding sites. Force-clamp rheometer measurements revealed an increase in Young’s modulus by 10-fold when using these new reagents. Shape programing is tested by synthesizing hydrogels in a flower shape before transferring them into a circular mold and incubating in a cation solution. Following incubation in Zn2+ and Cu2+. solutions, a secondary crosslinking network is created, and the hydrogels hold a circular shape until cations are diffused out of the hydrogel. The addition of the secondary network allowed us to program complex shapes, while diffusion of adsorbed cations removed the secondary network and restored the original shape. The creation and shape manipulation of BSA hydrogels at room temperature in response to different aqueous solutions explores the possibilities to engineer responsive and biocompatible tissues, whose stiffness and form react to their environment.
