Chemically Cross-Linked Hydrogel Development Services
Chemically cross-linked hydrogels are a class of materials that have gained significant interest in recent years due to their unique physical and chemical properties. They offer several advantages over other materials, which have led to their widespread use in various applications. As an acclaimed partner in hydrogel development, Matexcel is committed to developing customized chemically cross-linked hydrogels for our global customers and helping them overcome all difficulties in hydrogel development and application.
Introduction of Chemically Cross-Linked Hydrogels
Chemically cross-linked hydrogels are three-dimensional networks of polymer chains that are held together by covalent bonds. These hydrogels are formed by cross-linking polymer chains through chemical reactions, typically involving the use of a cross-linking agent or initiator. Until now, several chemical cross-linking methods have been reported, which usually involve free radical polymerization-induced crosslink, Diels-Alder "click" reaction, enzymatic induced crosslinking, oxime formation, Michael type-addition, and Schiff base formation. Chemically cross-linked hydrogels have higher elasticity, mechanical strength, and resistance to degradation than physically cross-linked hydrogels. In addition, the physical, chemical, and biological properties of the hydrogel can be flexibly modified by adjusting the cross-link density, polymer type, and chemical composition. Currently, researchers are exploring ways to tailor the chemical and physical properties of the hydrogels to make them more suitable for specific applications, such as drug delivery or tissue engineering.
Fig. 1 UV irradiation induced radical polymerization for hydrogel synthesis. (Li B., et al., 2015)
Applications of Chemically Cross-Linked Hydrogels
Chemically cross-linked hydrogels have a wide range of applications in various fields due to their unique properties, such as high-water content and tunable mechanical properties. Here are some of the applications of chemically cross-linked hydrogels:
- Wound Healing: Chemically cross-linked hydrogels can be used as wound dressings to promote healing by creating a moist environment and preventing infections.
- Drug Delivery: Chemically cross-linked hydrogels can be used as drug carriers to deliver drugs to a specific site in the body. The hydrophilic nature of hydrogels allows them to absorb and retain a large amount of water, making them suitable for drug delivery applications.
- Tissue Engineering: Chemically cross-linked hydrogels are used as scaffolds in tissue engineering applications. They provide a three-dimensional structure for cells to grow and differentiate, and also provide mechanical support to the engineered tissue.
- Biosensors: Chemically cross-linked hydrogels can be used as biosensors to detect various biomolecules such as glucose, proteins, and DNA.
- Agriculture: Chemically cross-linked hydrogels can be used in agriculture to improve water retention and nutrient absorption in soil. They can also be used as soil conditioners to improve soil structure and fertility.
- Environmental Science: Chemically cross-linked hydrogels can be used for water treatment applications such as removing heavy metals and organic pollutants from wastewater.
Our Services
Matexcel has accumulated extensive experience in the field of customized hydrogel development and we could develop customized solutions according to the specific application needs of our customers. Our customized chemically cross-linked hydrogel development services include but are not limited to, the following.
- Chemically Cross-Linked Hydrogel Formulation Design Services
We offer customized chemically cross-linked hydrogel formulation design services to select the appropriate polymers, cross-linkers, and other additives to achieve the desired properties such as mechanical strength, swelling ratio, degradation rate, and biocompatibility based on the customer's specific R&D objectives and application needs. - Chemically Cross-Linked Hydrogel Modification Services
We specialize in providing customized chemically cross-linked hydrogel modification services based on the specific needs of our customers. For example, the modification of hydrogels by surface modification techniques such as grafting, coating, and plasma treatment, and modification of mechanical properties of hydrogels by changing cross-link density. - Chemically Cross-Linked Hydrogel Analysis and Characterization Services
We provide a full range of analysis and characterization services in the development of chemically cross-linked hydrogels, as well as efficacy testing services for hydrogel samples.
Deliverables
We have professional scientists and extensive experience related to hydrogels. In addition, we also have perfect laboratory equipment. We promise that our deliverables are as follows.
- Versatile and customized chemically cross-linked hydrogel products.
- Customized chemically cross-linked hydrogel formulations.
Process of Our Service
Want to Learn More?
As a global leader in the field of hydrogels, Matexcel is committed to advancing the widespread application of hydrogels by providing customized hydrogel development, modification, and analysis services. Our exceptional and dedicated scientists will provide expert technical support at every step of your project to help you solve any problems in the development of chemically cross-linked hydrogels. If you are interested in our services, please fill out the online inquiry form and tell us more about your project.
References
- Li B., et al. Hydrosoluble, UV-crosslinkable and injectable chitosan for patterned cell-laden microgel and rapid transdermal curing hydrogel in vivo. Acta Biomater. 2015, 22:59-69.
- Hu W., et al. Advances in crosslinking strategies of biomedical hydrogels. Biomater Sci. 2019, 7(3):843-855.