It seems that gelatin is separating from its solution with PEG before forming gel. Is there any way to create a stable gelatin-PEG solution/gel? I'm using PEG-400.
Gelatin-PEG solution/gel is a type of hybrid hydrogel that can be prepared by using gelatin and polyethylene glycol (PEG) as the main components. Gelatin is a natural polymer derived from collagen, which has good biocompatibility, biodegradability, and bioactivity. PEG is a synthetic polymer that can act as a crosslinker for gelatin and improve its mechanical and thermal properties. However, gelatin and PEG are not fully miscible in aqueous solution, and they tend to phase separate under certain conditions, such as temperature, pH, concentration, and solvent type. This can affect the stability and homogeneity of the gelatin-PEG solution/gel.
To create a stable gelatin-PEG solution/gel, some possible methods are:
- Using functionalized PEG with reactive groups, such as epoxide, acrylate, or maleimide, that can react with the amino or carboxyl groups of gelatin and form covalent bonds. This can increase the compatibility and intermolecular interactions between gelatin and PEG and prevent phase separation. For example, one study used PEG-diglycidyl ether (PEG-DGE) as a crosslinker for gelatin and prepared a viscoelastic gelatin-PEG hybrid hydrogel with anisotropic morphology and mechanical properties[1].
- Adding other components, such as salts, surfactants, or polymers, that can modify the solubility parameters of gelatin and PEG and enhance their miscibility. For example, one study used sodium sulfate as a salting-out agent to induce phase separation of gelatin and PEG in water and then reversed the phase separation by adding ethanol as a solvent[2]. Another study used Pluronic F127 as a surfactant to stabilize the gelatin-PEG solution and prevent aggregation[3].
- Controlling the processing parameters, such as temperature, pH, concentration, and mixing ratio, that can affect the phase behavior of gelatin and PEG. For example, one study found that increasing the temperature or decreasing the pH can improve the solubility of gelatin and PEG and reduce phase separation[4]. Another study found that increasing the concentration or decreasing the molecular weight of PEG can increase the viscosity and elasticity of the gelatin-PEG solution/gel[3].
Some references that provide more details about the preparation and characterization of gelatin-PEG solution/gel are:
- Gelatin-based instant gel-forming volatile spray for wound-dressing application by Mohammed Shahidul Islam et al., published in Progress in Biomaterials in 2021[4].
- Designing Viscoelastic Gelatin-PEG Macroporous Hybrid Hydrogel with Anisotropic Morphology and Mechanical Properties for Tissue Engineering Application by Kamol Dey et al., published in Micro in 2023[1].
- Multiple patterns of polymer gels in microspheres due to the competition between phase separation and gelation by Yuki Akagi et al., published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences in 2014[2].
- Inclusion of Cross-Linked Elastin in Gelatin/PEG Hydrogels Favourably Modulates Encapsulated Stem Cell Behaviour by Kamol Dey et al., published in Polymers in 2020[3].
https://www.mdpi.com/2241750
Article Multiple patterns of polymer gels in microspheres due to the...
https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4360/12/3/670
Article Gelatin-based instant gel-forming volatile spray for wound-d...
Article Designing Viscoelastic Gelatin-PEG Macroporous Hybrid Hydrog...
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