Gradient hydrogels – overview of techniques demonstrating the existence of a gradient

journal article in Web of Science

English

Gradient hydrogels are promising future materials which could be usable in tissue engineering (scaffolds), pharmaceutical (drug delivery systems with controlled release) and many others re-lated disciplines. These hydrogels exhibit a more complex inner (gradient) structure (e.g. con-centration gradient) than simple isotropic hydrogel. Gradient structured hydrogels could be beneficial in, for example, understanding intercellular interactions. The fabrication of gradient hydrogels is relatively deeply explored, but a comprehensive description of the physi-co-chemical techniques demonstrating the existence of a gradient structure is still missing. Here, we summarize the state-of-the-art of available experimental techniques which could be applica-ble in proving and/or describing in physico-chemical terms the inner gradient structure of hy-drogels. The aim of this paper is to give the reader an overview of the existing database of suit-able techniques for characterizing gradient hydrogels.

gradient hydrogels; concentration gradient; physico-chemical techniques for gradient proof; intelligent supramocelular gels; biopolymer 3D gels

ZINKOVSKA, N.; PEKAŘ, M.; SMILEK, J.

18. 2. 2022

MDPI

Basel, Switzerland

2073-4360

Polymers

14

5

Swiss Confederation

1

15

15

https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4360/14/5/866

http://hdl.handle.net/11012/203953