title: Characterization of a hierarchical network of hyaluronic acid/gelatin composite for use as a smart injectable biomaterial.
abstract: Hybrid HA/Ge hydrogel particles are embedded in a secondary HA network to improve their structural integrity. The internal microstructure of the particles is imaged through TEM. CSLM is used to identify the location of the Ge molecules in the microgels. Through indentation tests, the Young's modulus of the individual particles is found to be 22 ± 2.5 kPa. The overall shear modulus of the composite is 75 ± 15 Pa at 1 Hz. The mechanical properties of the substrate are found to be viable for cell adhesion. The particles' diameter at pH = 8 is twice that at pH = 5. The pH sensitivity is found to be appropriate for smart drug delivery. Based on their mechanical and structural properties, HA-Ge hierarchical materials may be well suited for use as injectable biomaterials for tissue reconstruction.
authors.affiliation: Department of Mechanical Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.
authors.forename: Hossein K
authors.initials: HK
authors.lastname: Heris
authors.forename: Meysam
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Rahmat
authors.forename: Luc
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Mongeau
mesh_terms: D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000032:analysis / Q000138:chemical synthesis*; D002448:Cell Adhesion; D055119:Elastic Modulus; D004548:Elasticity; D005780:Gelatin / Q000737:chemistry*; D006244:Hardness; D006820:Hyaluronic Acid / Q000737:chemistry*; D020100:Hydrogels / Q000737:chemistry*; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D007267:Injections; D008422:Materials Testing; D046529:Microscopy, Electron, Transmission; D010316:Particle Size; D013499:Surface Properties; D023822:Tissue Engineering / Q000379:methods*; D054457:Tissue Scaffolds
chemical_list: D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D020100:Hydrogels; D005780:Gelatin; D006820:Hyaluronic Acid