Abstract
The effect of cross-linking density of hyaluronic acid (HA) hydrogels on mechanical properties and degradation behaviors has been investigated. HA hydrogels were prepared by the covalent cross-linking of HA with poly(ethylene glycol)-diamine with two different molecular weights at various cross-linking densities. The elastic modulus increased gradually as the theoretical cross-linking density of HA hydrogels increased from 0% to 20%. However, as the theoretical cross-linking density increased above 20%, the elastic modulus decreased. At a theoretical cross-linking density of 20%, the elastic modulus increased as the molecular weight of the cross-linking molecule decreased. In vitro degradation rates of HA hydrogels decreased as the molecular weight of the cross-linking molecule decreased at a theoretical cross-linking density of 20%. The degradation rate of the cross-linked HA hydrogels decreased with increases in the theoretical cross-linking density from 0% to 20%. However, there was no significant difference in the degradation rate as the theoretical cross-linking density increased above 30%. With controllable mechanical properties and degradation rates, the developed HA hydrogels would be further investigated for various medical applications.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 251-257 |
Number of pages | 7 |
Journal | Carbohydrate Polymers |
Volume | 70 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 1 Oct 2007 |
Keywords
- Cross-linking
- Degradation
- Elastic modulus
- Hyaluronic acid
- Hydrogel
- Poly(ethylene glycol)