Eco-friendly hydrogels
Polyelectrolyte complex hydrogels are well suited to biomedical applications including drug delivery, tissue engineering and wound dressings. Global interest in marine-derived hydrogels is rising due to their biocompatibility, biodegradability and renewability.
A recent Canadian study introduced an eco-friendly method for preparing hydrogels utilising marine compounds, including fucoidans produced by Marinova. The green synthesis production method was shown to have low environmental impact, with researchers suggesting it will contribute to a sustainable bioeconomy.
The study also explored the effects of biopolymer concentrations, pHs and treatments on hydrogel properties. The hydrogels were shown to have a range of beneficial properties, including rapid gelation and thermal stability. Their performance was maintained at reduced biopolymer concentrations and under varying pH conditions. The tailored properties resulting from various biopolymer components suggested potential for customising biomaterial functionality for future biomedical applications.
The paper, ‘Green synthesis of self-assembly, self-healing, and injectable polyelectrolyte complex hydrogels using chitosan, sulphated polysaccharides, hydrolysed collagen and nanocellulose’ was published in the International Journal of Biological Macromolecules.