Hydrogels Flashcards
1
Q
When were hydrogels first introduced?
A
1960
2
Q
What are the two types of hydrogel formation?
A
Physical (Van der Waals)
Chemical (Covalent Bonds)
3
Q
In physical gelation, chains are bonded through;
A
- Hydrogen bonding
- Molecular entanglements
4
Q
In chemical formation, chains are bonded through;
A
- Radiation (UV)
- Addition of chemical cross-linkers
5
Q
What is swelling - Water diffusion?
A
The ability to display a measurable change in volume in response to external stimuli
6
Q
What are the three main mechanisms of degradation?
A
- Hydrolysis
- Enzymatic cleavage
- Dissolution
7
Q
What are the two classes of hydrogel?
A
Natural and synthetic
8
Q
What is the most important natural hydrogel?
A
Collagen
9
Q
What are the four steps of cartilage tissue engineering for articular joint repair in clinical uses
A
- Isolate MSCs
- Grow and differentiate MSCs
- Seed onto optimised scaffold matrix
- Implant into patient
