scholarly journals Degradation-Dependent Stress Relaxing Semi-Interpenetrating Networks of Hydroxyethyl Cellulose in Gelatin-PEG Hydrogel with Good Mechanical Stability and Reversibility

Gels ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 277
Author(s):  
Kamol Dey ◽  
Silvia Agnelli ◽  
Elisa Borsani ◽  
Luciana Sartore
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Properties ◽  
Stress Relaxation ◽  
Mechanical Stability ◽  
Hydrolytic Degradation ◽  
High Water ◽  
Hydroxyethyl Cellulose ◽  
Cartilage Tissue ◽  
Interpenetrating Networks ◽  
One Pot ◽  
Dissipation Energy

The mechanical milieu of the extracellular matrix (ECM) plays a key role in modulating the cellular responses. The native ECM exhibits viscoelasticity with stress relaxation behavior. Here, we reported the preparation of degradation-mediated stress relaxing semi-interpenetrating (semi-IPN) polymeric networks of hydroxyethyl cellulose in the crosslinked gelatin-polyethylene glycol (PEG) architecture, leveraging a newly developed synthesis protocol which successively includes one-pot gelation under physiological conditions, freeze-drying and a post-curing process. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) confirmed the formation of the semi-IPN blend mixture. A surface morphology analysis revealed an open pore porous structure with a compact skin on the surface. The hydrogel showed a high water-absorption ability (720.00 ± 32.0%) indicating the ability of retaining a hydrophilic nature even after covalent crosslinking with functionalized PEG. Detailed mechanical properties such as tensile, compressive, cyclic compression and stress relaxation tests were conducted at different intervals over 28 days of hydrolytic degradation. Overall, the collective mechanical properties of the hydrogel resembled the mechanics of cartilage tissue. The rate of stress relaxation gradually increased with an increasing swelling ratio. Hydrolytic degradation led to a marked increase in the percentage dissipation energy and stress relaxation response, indicating the degradation-dependent viscoelasticity of the hydrogel. Strikingly, the hydrogel maintained the structural stability even after degrading two-thirds of its initial mass after a month-long hydrolytic degradation. This study demonstrates that this semi-IPN G-PEG-HEC hydrogel possesses bright prospects as a potential scaffolding material in tissue engineering.

scholarly journals Injectable Thermosensitive Chitosan/Pullulan-Based Hydrogels with Improved Mechanical Properties and Swelling Capacity

Polymers ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (11) ◽  
pp. 2514 ◽  
Author(s):  
Prakasit Panyamao ◽  
Warintorn Ruksiriwanich ◽  
Panee Sirisa-ard ◽  
Suporn Charumanee
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Properties ◽  
Sol Gel ◽  
Cartilage Tissue Engineering ◽  
Viscoelastic Behavior ◽  
Cartilage Tissue ◽  
Solution Temperature ◽  
Scanning Electron Micrographs ◽  
Interpenetrating Networks ◽  
Swelling Capacity

Thermosensitive chitosan/β-glycerophosphate (CS/BGP) systems have been developed as injectable hydrogels. However, the hydrogels exhibited poor mechanical properties due to their physically crosslinked networks. In this work, CS/BGP hydrogels were reinforced by covalent crosslinking using genipin (GE) and concomitantly semi-interpenetrating networks using pullulan (PL). Based on response surface methodology, the optimized formulation was composed of CS (1.05%, w/v), PL (1%, w/v), BGP (6%, w/v), and GE (70.79 mcg/mL). The optimized hydrogels exhibited Young’s modulus of 92.65 ± 4.13 kPa and a percentage of equilibrium swelling ratio of 3259.09% ± 58.90%. Scanning electron micrographs revealed a highly porous structure with nanofibrous networks in the CS/PL/BGP/GE hydrogels. The chemical interactions between the compositions were investigated by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. Rheological measurements illustrated that the optimized hydrogels displayed sol–gel transition within one minute at 37 °C, a lower critical solution temperature of about 31 °C, and viscoelastic behavior with high storage modulus. Furthermore, the optimized hydrogels demonstrated higher resistance to in vitro enzymatic degradation, compared to the hydrogels without GE. Our findings could suggest that the thermosensitive CS/PL/BGP/GE hydrogels with enhanced mechanical properties and swelling capacity demonstrate the potential for use as scaffolds and carriers for cartilage tissue engineering and drug delivery applications.

scholarly journals High Mechanical Performance Based on Physically Linked Double Network (DN) Hydrogels

Materials ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (20) ◽  
pp. 3333 ◽  
Author(s):  
Niu ◽  
Zhang ◽  
Shen ◽  
Sheng ◽  
Fu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Properties ◽  
Mechanical Performance ◽  
Design Strategy ◽  
Hydroxyethyl Cellulose ◽  
One Pot ◽  
Double Network ◽  
Polyhydroxy Compounds ◽  
Potential Applications ◽  
Cellulose Composite ◽  
Biomedical Fields

A new design strategy was proposed to improve the mechanical performance of double network (DN) hydrogels by introducing polyhydroxy compounds into the DN structure and form a physically linked double network through the interaction of hydrogen bonding. Herein, agar/poly(acrylic acid)/hydroxyethyl cellulose composite hydrogels could be prepared by a simple one-pot method. The resulting hydrogels exhibit highly mechanical properties and excellent recoverability, which have potential applications in biomedical fields.

An analysis of the transport properties and mechanical stability of rapidly solidified Al-Sb alloy

2015 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 2663-2681
Author(s):  
Rizk El- Sayed ◽  
Mustafa Kamal ◽  
Abu-Bakr El-Bediwi ◽  
Qutaiba Rasheed Solaiman
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Properties ◽  
Thermal Conductivity ◽  
Melt Spinning ◽  
Elastic Moduli ◽  
Mechanical Stability ◽  
Microstructural Analysis ◽  
Alloy System ◽  
Antimony Content ◽  
The Stability ◽  
Rapidly Solidified

The structure of a series of AlSb alloys prepared by melt spinning have been studied in the as melt–spun ribbons  as a function of antimony content .The stability  of these structures has  been  related to that of the transport and mechanical properties of the alloy ribbons. Microstructural analysis was performed and it was found that only Al and AlSb phases formed for different composition.  The electrical, thermal and the stability of the mechanical properties are related indirectly through the influence of the antimony content. The results are interpreted in terms of the phase change occurring to alloy system. Electrical resistivity, thermal conductivity, elastic moduli and the values of microhardness are found to be more sensitive than the internal friction to the phase changes. 

The Sintering Behaviour and Mechanical Properties of Hydroxyapatite - Based Composites for Bone Tissue Regeneration

2018 ◽  
Vol 69 (5) ◽  
pp. 1272-1275 ◽  
Author(s):  
Camelia Tecu ◽  
Aurora Antoniac ◽  
Gultekin Goller ◽  
Mustafa Guven Gok ◽  
Marius Manole ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Properties ◽  
Tricalcium Phosphate ◽  
Cosmetic Surgery ◽  
Mechanical Stability ◽  
Raw Materials ◽  
Oyster Shell ◽  
Bone Tissue Regeneration ◽  
Sintering Behavior ◽  
Bovine Bone ◽  
Human Teeth

Bone reconstruction is a complex process which involves an osteoconductive matrix, osteoinductive signaling, osteogenic cells, vascularization and mechanical stability. Lately, to improve the healing of the bone defects and to accelerate the bone fusion and bone augmentation, bioceramic composite materials have been used as bone substitutes in the field of orthopedics and dentistry, as well as in cosmetic surgery. Of all types of bioceramics, the most used is hydroxyapatite, because of its similar properties to those of the human bone and better mechanical properties compared to b-tricalcium phosphate [1]. Currently, the most used raw materials sources for obtaining the hydroxyapatite are: bovine bone, seashells, corals, oyster shell, eggshells and human teeth. There are two common ways to obtain hydroxyapatite: synthetically and naturally. Generally, for the improvement of the mechanical properties and the structural one, hydroxyapatite is subjected to the sintering process. Considering the disadvantages of hydroxyapatite such as poor biodegradation rate, b-TCP has been developed, which has some disadvantages too, such as brittleness. For this reason, the aim of this study is to look into the effect of adding magnesium oxide on the sintering behavior, the structure and the mechanical properties of the hydroxyapatite-tricalcium phosphate composites.

Hydrogels as Antibacterial Biomaterials

2018 ◽  
Vol 24 (8) ◽  
pp. 843-854 ◽  
Author(s):  
Weiguo Xu ◽  
Shujun Dong ◽  
Yuping Han ◽  
Shuqiang Li ◽  
Yang Liu
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Properties ◽  
Drug Delivery ◽  
Tissue Engineering ◽  
Water Content ◽  
Oxygen Permeability ◽  
Structural Diversity ◽  
High Water ◽  
Clinical Applications ◽  
High Water Content ◽  
Biomedical Field

Hydrogels, as a class of materials for tissue engineering and drug delivery, have high water content and solid-like mechanical properties. Currently, hydrogels with an antibacterial function are a research hotspot in biomedical field. Many advanced antibacterial hydrogels have been developed, each possessing unique qualities, namely high water swellability, high oxygen permeability, improved biocompatibility, ease of loading and releasing drugs and structural diversity. In this article, an overview is provided on the preparation and applications of various antibacterial hydrogels. Furthermore, the prospects in biomedical researches and clinical applications are predicted.

scholarly journals Effect of Moisture Content on the Processing and Mechanical Properties of a Biodegradable Polyester

Polymers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (10) ◽  
pp. 1616
Author(s):  
Vincenzo Titone ◽  
Antonio Correnti ◽  
Francesco Paolo La Mantia
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Properties ◽  
Tensile Strength ◽  
Moisture Content ◽  
Mechanical Testing ◽  
Hydrolytic Degradation ◽  
Slight Reduction ◽  
Biodegradable Polyester ◽  
Molding Process ◽  
Elongation At Break ◽  
Effect Of Moisture

This work is focused on the influence of moisture content on the processing and mechanical properties of a biodegradable polyester used for applications in injection molding. The pellets of the biodegradable polyester were exposed under different relative humidity conditions at a constant temperature before being compression molded. The compression-molded specimens were again placed under the above conditions before the mechanical testing. With all these samples, it is possible to determine the effect of moisture content on the processing and mechanical properties separately, as well as the combined effect of moisture content on the mechanical properties. The results obtained showed that the amount of absorbed water—both before processing and before mechanical testing—causes an increase in elongation at break and a slight reduction of the elastic modulus and tensile strength. These changes have been associated with possible hydrolytic degradation during the compression molding process and, in particular, with the plasticizing action of the moisture absorbed by the specimens.

scholarly journals Stress relaxation in tunable gels

Soft Matter ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chiara Raffaelli ◽  
Wouter G Ellenbroek
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Properties ◽  
Drug Delivery ◽  
Tissue Engineering ◽  
Stress Relaxation

Hydrogels are a staple of biomaterials development. Optimizing their use in e.g. drug delivery or tissue engineering requires a solid understanding of how to adjust their mechanical properties. Here, we...

scholarly journals Evolution of Meniscal Biomechanical Properties with Growth: An Experimental and Numerical Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (5) ◽  
pp. 70
Author(s):  
Marco Ferroni ◽  
Beatrice Belgio ◽  
Giuseppe M. Peretti ◽  
Alessia Di Giancamillo ◽  
Federica Boschetti
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Properties ◽  
Stress Relaxation ◽  
Developmental Stage ◽  
Mechanical Response ◽  
Numerical Study ◽  
Numerical Models ◽  
Mechanical Stimulus ◽  
Specific Response ◽  
Mechanical Parameters ◽  
Biochemical Analyses

The menisci of the knee are complex fibro-cartilaginous tissues that play important roles in load bearing, shock absorption, joint lubrication, and stabilization. The objective of this study was to evaluate the interaction between the different meniscal tissue components (i.e., the solid matrix constituents and the fluid phase) and the mechanical response according to the developmental stage of the tissue. Menisci derived from partially and fully developed pigs were analyzed. We carried out biochemical analyses to quantify glycosaminoglycan (GAG) and DNA content according to the developmental stage. These values were related to tissue mechanical properties that were measured in vitro by performing compression and tension tests on meniscal specimens. Both compression and tension protocols consisted of multi-ramp stress–relaxation tests comprised of increasing strains followed by stress–relaxation to equilibrium. To better understand the mechanical response to different directions of mechanical stimulus and to relate it to the tissue structural composition and development, we performed numerical simulations that implemented different constitutive models (poro-elasticity, viscoelasticity, transversal isotropy, or combinations of the above) using the commercial software COMSOL Multiphysics. The numerical models also allowed us to determine several mechanical parameters that cannot be directly measured by experimental tests. The results of our investigation showed that the meniscus is a non-linear, anisotropic, non-homogeneous material: mechanical parameters increase with strain, depend on the direction of load, and vary among regions (anterior, central, and posterior). Preliminary numerical results showed the predominant role of the different tissue components depending on the mechanical stimulus. The outcomes of biochemical analyses related to mechanical properties confirmed the findings of the numerical models, suggesting a specific response of meniscal cells to the regional mechanical stimuli in the knee joint. During maturation, the increase in compressive moduli could be explained by cell differentiation from fibroblasts to metabolically active chondrocytes, as indicated by the found increase in GAG/DNA ratio. The changes of tensile mechanical response during development could be related to collagen II accumulation during growth. This study provides new information on the changes of tissue structural components during maturation and the relationship between tissue composition and mechanical response.

scholarly journals A Useful Combination of Quantitative Ultrashort Echo Time MR Imaging and a Probing Device for Biomechanical Evaluation of Articular Cartilage

Biosensors ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 52
Author(s):  
Takehito Hananouchi ◽  
Yanjun Chen ◽  
Saeed Jerban ◽  
Masaru Teramoto ◽  
Yajun Ma ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Properties ◽  
Mr Imaging ◽  
Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Reaction Force ◽  
Predictor Variable ◽  
Cartilage Tissue ◽  
Magnetization Transfer Ratio ◽  
Ultrashort Echo Time ◽  
Echo Time

In this study, we combined quantitative ultrashort echo time (UTE) magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and an investigation by a probing device with tri-axial force sensor to seek correlations with mechanical properties of human patellar cartilage for in situ evaluation of biomechanical properties. Cartilage blocks (15 × 20 × 5 mm3) were dissected from the patella of six donors; 5 mm square regions of interest from the cartilage blocks were imaged using UTE-MR imaging sequences (T2* and magnetization transfer ratio (MTR)), and mechanical properties were measured using a micro indentation device. Then, the vertical reaction force on the cartilage surface was measured while push-probing forward 3 mm with the probing device at a 30° tilt to the horizontal plane. The results showed a positive correlation between stiffness/elastic modulus and each predictor variable (UTE-T2* (r = 0.240 and 0.255, respectively, UTE-MTR (r = 0.378 and 0.379, respectively), and probing device force (r = 0.426 and 0.423, respectively). Furthermore, multiple linear regression analysis showed the combination of the three predictors had stronger correlation (adjusted r2 = 0.314 (stiffness), 0.323 (elastic), respectively). Our results demonstrate the potential for these non- and less- invasive methods for in situ evaluation of the mechanical properties of cartilage tissue.

Mechanical Properties of Swelling Clays

1988 ◽  
Vol 127 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. Broc ◽  
F. Plas ◽  
J. C. Robinet
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Properties ◽  
Mechanical Stability ◽  
Radioactive Waste Disposal ◽  
Storage Facility ◽  
Practical Application ◽  
Fracture Criteria ◽  
Waste Package ◽  
Swelling Clays ◽  
Clay Barrier ◽  
Macroscopic Examination

ABSTRACTThe safety of vitrified radioactive waste disposal in granite is based on the concept of multiple barriers, which include an engineered clay barrier placed between the waste package and the granite. The mechanical properties of the swelling clays used were studied with a view to practical application for storage facility dimensioning. This involved a macroscopic examination of the clays swelling capacities (for sealing of storage boreholes) and fracture criteria (mechanical stability).

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