Hydrogels are soft, wet and elastic polymeric materials that have
pharmaceutical, biomedical and cosmetic applications such as wound management
systems, contact lenses, medical devices, drug delivery systems, and personal
disposable hygiene products.
Currently the synthesis of chemical hydrogels is conducted in industry by
two principally methodologies, both of which have significant health and safety
issues.
Researchers at the University of Reading have developed a novel
methodology for the synthesis of hydrogels through the use of microwave
radiation or autoclaving which it is believed to be easier, cheaper and safer
than current methods.
Background
A hydrogel is a three-dimensionally cross-linked network formed
from a hydrophilic polymer which is capable of imbibing a large amount of water
and/or biological fluids. Their porosity permits loading of molecules into the
network which can be released at a rate controlled by molecular structure and
size. The unique ability of
hydrogels to swell in water and their living tissue-like consistency make them
significant candidates for developing various biomaterials and dosage forms.
The most commonly used approaches for synthesis of hydrogels are
polymerisation of a hydrophilic monomer in the presence of a cross-linking
agent. This typically uses unsaturated monomers which are generally harmful or
even toxic. A second approach uses cross-linking of ready made macromolecules of
water-soluble polymers which can be achieved by the irradiation of water-soluble
polymers. This has added disadvantages which include difficulty in obtaining
access to radiation facilities and health and safety precautions during
production with associated high productions costs. Additionally, not all polymers can be
cross-linked as some macromolecules tend to degrade upon irradiation.
Benefits of
technology
Our new technology
will provide a considerable commercial advantage to manufacturers of hydrogels
being easier, cheaper and safer than current methods of
synthesis.
Other potential
applications:
This technology
would be applicable to any major applications of hydrogels including:
·
Medical devices (e.g. wound management & biocompatible device
coatings)
·
Drug delivery systems
·
Personal disposable hygiene products (e.g. nappies & surgical
pads)
·
Agriculture/Horticulture (e.g. soil moisture retention additives
& hydroponic media).