Development and Characterization of Gelatin-Based Hydrogels Containing Triblock Copolymer and Phytic Acid

• Published in: Gels Vol. 10; no. 5; p. 294
• Main Authors: Ajvazi, Njomza, Milošev, Ingrid, Cerc Korošec, Romana, Rodič, Peter, Božić, Bojan
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Switzerland MDPI AG 01.05.2024
• Subjects: Acids; Biocompatibility; Biomedical engineering; Biomedical materials; biomolecules; Block copolymers; Calorimetry; Fourier transforms; Gelatin; Hydrogels; Infrared analysis; Instrument industry; Investigations; Phosphates; Phytic acid; Pluronic F-127; Poloxamers; Polymers; Scanning electron microscopy; Spectrum analysis; Thermal properties; Thermodynamic properties; Thermogravimetric analysis; Toxicity; United States; Slovenia; hydrogels; phytic acid; biomolecules; Pluronic F-127; gelatin
• ISSN: 2310-2861; 2310-2861
• DOI: 10.3390/gels10050294

In recent research, significant interest has been directed towards gelatin-based hydrogels due to their affordable price, extensive availability, and biocompatibility, making them promising candidates for various biomedical applications. The development and characterization of novel hydrogels formed from varying ratios of gelatin, triblock copolymer Pluronic F-127, and phytic acid have been presented. Swelling properties were examined at different pH levels. The morphology of hydrogels and their thermal properties were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TG), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) analysis of the hydrogels was also performed. The introduction of phytic acid in the hydrogel plays a crucial role in enhancing the intermolecular interactions within gelatin-based hydrogels, contributing to a more stable, elastic, and robust network structure.