In situ-gelling materials are gaining increased attention as functional matrix materials in a variety of biomedical applications. Control of gelation kinetics and physical properties of the gels are paramount to the function of the gels in vivo. Here, we show how internal gelation kinetics can be controlled in a facile manner through polyelectrolyte multilayer (PEM) deposition and relative concentrations of CaCO3in microporous alginate composite (MACs). Increasing the diffusional barrier with increasing layers of polyelectrolytes systematically increases the gelation time by up to 600%. Changes in particle concentration used in the fabrication also strongly influences the gelation time, inducing increases of up to 500%. Furthermore, the use of carbonate-templated capsules in this system serves a dual purpose of allowing for the formation of functional microdomains within the hydrogel that can house a variety of encapsulants including nanoparticles, macromolecules, proteins, etc. Overall, this composite system is an innovative solution to the need for materials with controllable gelation and tunable mechanical properties.

Controlling gelation kinetics of injectable microporous alginate nano/micro composites

247th National Meeting (2014)

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