I want to test the biodegradability of my hydrogel and I need to know which test operates the best for me?
Dear Fateme Norouzi ,
The Biodegradability of a hydrogel is a key element in it application. There are several strategies used to evaluate the biodegradation of hydrogels both in-vivo and in-vitro. You can read the following method for visual testing; Article Visual in vivo degradation of injectable hydrogel by real-ti...
or there is a famous biodegradation test which is applicable for all types of hydrogels; Article Synthesis and degradation test of hyaluronic acid hydrogels
At last, you can read this recent review article about silk fibroin hydrogels for further assistance; Article Functional Silk Fibroin Hydrogels: Preparation, Properties a...
Regards.
Some studies use kits to test the bio-degradation, including collagenase or MMP combination. It is much simpler than using cells to remodel. However as there are studies, the result can be normalised and compared
Try different concentrations of collagenase or pepsin, but remember to keep in mind the relevance of your in vitro assay to how it will degrade in vivo.
The in vitro assay will likely use much higher enzymatic concentrations than found physiologically, but at the same time your assay will likely use only one enzyme as opposed to multiple enzymes degrading your material in the body simultaneously.
William Arthur Lackington
Zonghan Gan
Thanks for your helpful responses.
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