Synthesis and characterization of a natural-based hydrogel for biomedical applications

Abstract

Recently, the scientific community has shown great interest in the use and modification of natural polymers as biomaterials with biomedical applications. The above is because of their high potential as coatings, excellent biocompatibility, and high bioactivity. Thanks to their broad catalog of modifiable properties and their good integration with tissues, hydrogels are widely used as materials matrices to facilitate wound healing, implants, controlled drug release, and low friction surfaces. Nowadays, it is possible to perform highly technological emergency procedures that allow the prevalence of human life, such as endotracheal intubations. However, when performed for an extended period, complications such as a joint tear, and airway obstruction can occur due to friction derived from the characteristics of the materials used. This master’s thesis proposes the synthesis and characterization of a hydrogel derived from natural sources as lubricating and relatively low-friction materials for their potential incorporation as coating of endotracheal tubes. The crosslinking of these hydrogels was accomplished physically using keratin and polysaccharides such as agar-agar and carboxymethylcellulose and was evaluated their water absorption at different concentrations. The morphological characteristics and porous architecture of the hydrogels were determined using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Chemical characterization was carried out using Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) which made it possible to identify the functional groups that allowed the absorption of water from this material. The absorption of water from this material was evaluated by obtaining swelling rates up to 36.1912. The experiments carried out allowed to classify the hydrogel as a super absorbent and highly biocompatible material. The friction coefficients obtained are considered low; however, more research is needed to improve the lubrication of these surfaces. It was demonstrated that the implementation of interpenetrated networks increases the complexity of the properties of the hydrogel.