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Kaklamani, Georgia; Cheneler, David; Grover, Liam M.; Adams, Michael J.; Anastasiadis, Spiros H. and Bowen, James
(2017).
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40204-017-0075-9
Abstract
Efforts to develop tissue-engineered skin for regenerative medicine have explored natural, synthetic, and hybrid hydrogels. The creation of a bilayer material, with the stratification exhibited by native skin is a complex problem. The mechanically robust, waterproof epidermis presents the stratum corneum at the tissue/air interface, which confers many of these protective properties. In this work we explore the effect of high temperatures on alginate hydrogels, which are widely employed for tissue engineering due to their excellent mechanical properties and cellular compatibility. In particular, we investigate the rapid dehydration of the hydrogel surface which occurs following local exposure to heated surfaces with temperatures in the range 100-200 oC. We report the creation of a mechanically strengthened hydrogel surface, with improved puncture resistance and increased coefficient of friction, compared to the unheated surface. The use of a mechanical restraint during heating promoted differences in the rate of mass loss; the rate of temperature increase within the hydrogel, in the presence and absence of restraint, is simulated and discussed. It is hoped that the results will be of use in the development of processes suitable for preparing skin-like analogues; application areas could include wound healing and skin restoration.
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About
- Item ORO ID
- 51753
- Item Type
- Journal Item
- ISSN
- 2194-0517
- Keywords
- Alginate; dehydration; Hydrogel; Polysaccharide; skin; stratification;
- Academic Unit or School
-
Faculty of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) > Engineering and Innovation
Faculty of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) - Research Group
- Smart Materials
- Copyright Holders
- © 2017 The Authors
- Depositing User
- James Bowen