Modeling of PEG hydrogel membranes for biomedical applications

Abstract

A mathematical model has been developed for surface-initiated photopolymerization of PEG-DA forming cross-linked hydrogel membranes on the surface of a substrate. The existing model was extended to apply the NF technique, which made it possible to describe the progression of photopolymerization through gelation, and to calculate gelation time, cross-link density of the gel and soluble phases. The model provides a tool for understanding and studying the kinetics of interfacial photopolymerization reactions, which are important in processes such as cell encapsulation by hydrogel membranes formed through free radical photopolymerization. It will also be useful for applications in tissue engineering, where protein gradients are required for optimizing engineered tissue formation.