Structure-property relationship of nematic hydrogels

Project Description

Based on our preliminary study, anisotropic, fibrin-like hydrogels can be made by templating PEG-diacrylate (PEGDA) with lyotropic liquid crystal disodium cromoglycate (DSCG). Nontheless, the effects of anisotropy on the macroscopic properties of 3D-printed gels remain unclear. Additionally, introducing PEG into LCLC-based results hydrogel properties, which depend on PEGDA/DSCG concentration, ionic composition, polymer chain length, and shear rates, all having an effect on the microstructure and mechanical properties. Although X-ray microscopy has been used to probe DSCG with PEG additive, the understanding of partitioning does not encompass crosslinked structures, which are useful as biological scaffolds. The goal of this proposal is to map out how processing and formulation influence the hydrogel properties, by employing techniques such as X-ray diffraction, mechanical tests, and 3D printing, to develop anisotropic hydrogels for cell encapsulation purposes.

Instruments