Photo-cross-linked PDMSstar-PEG hydrogels: synthesis, characterization, and potential application for tissue engineering scaffolds.

ABSTRACT: Inorganic-organic hydrogels with tunable chemical and physical properties were prepared from methacrylated star polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS(star)-MA) and diacrylated poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG-DA) for use as tissue engineering scaffolds. A total of 18 compositionally unique hydrogels were prepared by photo-cross-linking, varying weight ratios of PEG-DA and PDMS(star)-MA of different molecular weights (M(n)): PEG-DA (M(n) = 3.4k and 6k g/mol) and PDMS(star)-MA (M(n) = 1.8k, 5k, and 7k g/mol). Introduction of PDMS(star)-MA caused formation of discrete PDMS-enriched microparticles dispersed within the PEG matrix. The swelling ratio, mechanical properties in tension and compression, nonspecific protein adhesion, controlled introduction of bioactivity, and cytotoxicity of hydrogels were studied.

SUBMITTER: Hou Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2842009 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature