New Biodegradable Hydrogels

The key tool for tissue engineering is the scaffold that supports cells for new tissue growth. Materials used for creating scaffolds are based on polymeric materials, carbon nanofibers, ceramics, and metals and their alloys. In my thesis, I describe the synthesis and characterization of new biodegradable hydrogels containing biodegradable crosslinks and biodegradable nanofibrous materials intended for scaffolds for tissue engineering. I also describe the preparation of macroporous hydrogels intended for neural tissue healing. In the first portion of this thesis, I examine a hydrogel based on a pH- responsive crosslinker. This hydrogel is stable at basic and neutral pHs but is degradable at pH < 7.4. The degradation rate of this hydrogel can be tailored. This hydrogel can be utilized as an esophageal stent or as a targeted drug release system in the stomach. The second portion of this thesis focuses on a biodegradable hydrogel designed for neural tissue repair. This hydrogel is composed of copolymers of N-(2- hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide and a newly synthesized biodegradable crosslinker based on 6,6'-dithiodinicotinic acid. This hydrogel can be stored in a neutral environment without degradation. Its long-term storage capability is another great advantage for clinical applications. During storage,..