Dear all,
I faced a big problem with my alginate hydrogels. The mentioned hydrogels I performed via diffusion (through filter paper the Ca ions diffuse to the alginate solution forming a homogenous surface of hydrogels). Then, the gelation I put the hydrogel to the Ca solution that the sample reached equilibrium and after 24h I start to measure. The procedure is following: I take the hydrogel from the solution, let them dry at the paper and then I start the swelling test and unfortunately every time I get different results :( Lately I tried to check some parameters like aging effect of sample alone and stock solution, drying time but up to now I haven't got any repeatable results (protocol and materials are the same). I would be to hear your ideas :)
best regards
Monika Kostrzewa
There are times when crosslinking in hydrogel is not uniform ,
1)maybe due to difference in synthesis conditions.
2)Due to different availability of crosslinker at the surface during crosslinking.This maybe due to difference in accessibility of crosslinker on the surface .
3)In some cases the hydrogels have a non homogenous structure eg.Polyacrylamide.In such cases it is recommended to take 6-8 readings and then taking a mean (only if the variations in reading are within narrow range).
I am not able to understand your synthesis very clearly, if u can elaborate hydrogel crosslinking part
Reena Singhal answered well on your question. Also, swelling test in water could produce the dispersed results, while swelling test in the buffers usually provide more stable results. Further, try for each time different gel pieces to test. This may reduce mechanical damage of samples during swelling and measuring.
Dear Reena,
thank you for your answer and considering your auggestion
1) the protocol of preparation is the, we monitor all conditions (temperature and age of solution, duration of gelation,
2) hm I need to read more about the availability of crosslinker at the surface
3) yes, I will consider only the average mean value
thx
best regards
Monika
- Badges
- Science topic
- Similar topics
- Engineering
- Petroleum Engineering
- Oil