Hydrogels and Intervertebral discs

Question 1

What is a hydrogel?

Answer 1

Hydrogels are 3D networks of hydrophilic polymers that do not dissolve but can swell and hold water

Both solid-like and liquid-like properties

High biocompatibility

Respond to environmental stimuli

Question 2

What are hydrogels created from?

Answer 2

Hydrophilic monomers
Initiator to create polymerisation
Crosslinking mechanism
Water

Question 3

List the design criteria for hydrogels

Answer 3

Gel formation
Mechanical properties
Degradation rates
Mass transport properties
Diffusion requirements
Biocompatibility
Cell adhesion, proliferation and differentiation

Question 4

Why is cross-linking important in hydrogels?

Answer 4

1) If no cross-linking, it will dissolve; cross-linking enables water to be trapped and remain in a gel-like state.

2) Crosslinking also affects degradation rates; important for cell replacement and drug delivery.

3)Mechanical properties change with cross linking

Question 5

What are smart hydrogels?

Answer 5

They are environment sensitive hydrogels that:
-respond to environmental change
-reversible volume transition

They change shape when change in ph or temperatures occur. This can be useful for drug delivery(Drug release on swelling or squeezing)

Question 6

Can hydrogels help with Intervertebral Disc(IVD) Herniation?

Answer 6

Yes. The hydrogel is impregnated with stem cells. This hydrogel is then installed in the spine to intervene & prevent further damage.