Flexural characterization of cell encapsulated PEGDA hydrogels with applications for tissue engineered heart valves.

ABSTRACT: The limitations of the current clinical options for valve replacements have inspired the development of enabling technologies to create a tissue engineered heart valve (TEHV). Poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA) hydrogel scaffolds permit greater biological and biomechanical customization than do non-woven mesh scaffold technologies. However, the material characterization of PEGDA hydrogels has been predominantly limited to compression and tension, as opposed to bending. Since large flexural deformations result in points of maximum stress in native valves as well as TEHVs, it is crucial to evaluate any potential scaffold material in this mode. The effect of formulation parameters on the bending mechanics of cell-seeded PEGDA hydrogels were investigated with a custom designed bending te

SUBMITTER: Durst CA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4667841 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature