Biocompatibility hydrogel matrix

Similarly to the phospholipid polymers, the MPC polymers show excellent biocompatibility and blood compatibility [43—48]. These properties are based on the bioinert character of the MPC polymers, i.e., inhibition of specific interaction with biomolecules [49, 50]. Recently, the MPC polymers have been applied to various medical and pharmaceutical applications [44-47, 51-55]. The crosslinked MPC polymers provide good hydrogels and they have been used in the manufacture of soft contact lenses. We have applied the MPC polymer hydrogel as a cell-encapsulation matrix due to its excellent cytocompatibility. At the same time, to prepare a spontaneously forming reversible hydrogel, we focused on the reversible covalent bonding formed between phenylboronic acid and polyol in an aqueous system. 

This type of matrix has been evaluated with limited success. The chief drawbacks include poor control of drug release, particularly for drugs that are water-soluble, and poor biocompatibility due to matrix swelling in preclinical animal studies. Hydrogels comprising heparin (37) or poly(EO) (38,39) in the very top layer of DES coating may have local antithrombotic activity. 

PVA was widely used as a matrix for preparation of nanocomposites due to its easy processability, high clarity and biocompatibility. Ag-PVA nanocomposites were prepared by reduction of Ag" ions in PVA aqueous solutions using gamma irradiation followed by solvent evaporation. Ag-PVA hydrogel nanocomposite was obtained by simultaneous reduction of Ag" and cross-linking of PVA by yirradiation. 

Owing to their stmctural similarity to the macromolecular-based components in the body (and their biocompatibility, permeability, and physical characteristics), hydrogels can also serve as a synthetic extracellular matrix (ECM) to organize cultured cells into a three-dimensional architecture and to present stimuli that direct the growth and formation of a desired tissue [33]. The balance between mechanical properties and controlled degradation of hydrogels mainly depends on the original... 

Polyacrylamide is used in a wide range of cosmetic products such as moisturizers, lotions, creams, self-tanning products, etc. Polyacrylamides were first used as an implantable carrier for sustained delivery of insulin to lengthen the life of diabetic rats. Since then, various drug delivery systems based on polyacrylamide have been developed. It is also used as a carrier for other bioactive macromolecules and cells to produce the desired effects. Polyacrylamide-chitosan hydrogels are biocompatible and are used for sustained antibiotic release. Polyacrylamide is also used in extra corporeal toxin-removing devices, which remove unwanted toxic substances and subsequently returns the detoxified component to the circulation effectively. The function of polyacrylamide in an extracorporeal toxin removal modality is to provide a support matrix for immobilization of the functional parts or ligands. 

Nanofibrillar chitin hydrogels are biodegradable, biocompatible, and nontoxic, and thus show promise for biomedical applications. The protonation of amino groups on the surface of chitin allows its application in wound dressings due to the antimicrobial properties of cationic gels [130]. Polymeric fibers that mimic the structure and function of the extracellular matrix are also of interest in tissue engineering and cell culture. Chitin nanofibers can promote cell attachment and show potential as extracellular matrix mimics [29, 125]. 

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