Hi guys, im working with 10 % Gelatin-methacrylate hydrogel and I've been trying to polymerize it with the photoinitiator I2959 at a final concentration of 0.5 % using a 72 watt UV curing lamp. Initially I left it for 2 minutes and nothing happened and then after that for 6 minutes and still nothing. I tried using a new bottle of I2959 and I get the same results. What could be the reasoning of why it wont polymerize?
The problem is that radicals are quenched by dissolved oxygen. You have to degas the Gelatin-methacrylate solution properly. From the other side if a degree of substitution/ fictionalization(number of acrylate groups) of gelatin is too low then it won't form a gel. To be on a safe side I recommend to use additionally at least 5% Acrylamide or DMAAm or any other available monomer.
Dear all, if the effect of O2 is solved or excluded, I invite you to go through this RG link. My Regards
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.researchgate.net/post/Why_wont_I2959_crosslink_my_hydrogels/amp
Did you synthesize the Gel-MA yourself or buy it? You may need to characterize (IR or NMR) to make sure the Gel-MA is what you think it is. Your MA concentration may be low. You may still be able to photocrosslink. Either cover with glass to exclude oxygen and/or add a comonomer (PEG DA, HEMA or something similar).
Awesome, thank you for your suggestions, i will try them and hopefully will come right.
I synthesized the GelMA myself, i made it using DPBS, filtered it and dialyzed it for 1 week against ultrapure water.
Hi;
I suggest you to increase the concentration of the initiator.
With my best regards
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