Design and Characterization of Hybrid Gelatin/PEGDA Hydrogels with Tunable Viscoelastic Properties.

ABSTRACT: We report on the formulation and characterization of hybrid hydrogels composed of gelatin and poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA). Such hydrogels undergo sol-gel transitions either reversibly via temperature variation or irreversibly via UV photopolymerization. By finely tuning the interplay between physical (thermal) and chemical (UV-induced) gelation mechanisms, a broad spectrum of viscoelastic properties and swelling ratios can be achieved. We systematically investigate the effects of PEGDA concentrations and the preparation protocol on gelation kinetics and the mechanical properties, morphology, and swelling of the resulting hydrogels. Rheological measurements demonstrate that a higher gelatin content promotes faster physical gelation and enhances the elastic properties, while UV-

SUBMITTER: Avallone PR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12344689 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature