Youfeng Xu

Master student

Synthesis and Characterization of Hyaluronic Acid-Based Hydrogels for Tissue Regenerations

Supervisors：Huijun Zhang, Prof. Aldo R. Boccaccini

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is an ideal matrix for the preparation of hydrogel scaffolds due to its excellent physicochemical characteristics such as biocompatiblity, biodegradability, and non-immunogenic features [1]. In this project, hydrogels based on HA will be prepared in combination with inorganic components. Coupling agents will be used to provide covalent linkage between organic and inorganic components [2]. Following the synthesis of hybrid hydrogels, in this project, the effect of inorganic content on the physicochemical properties of the HA hybrid hydrogels will be investigated. Additionally, the properties of hydrogels produced under different reaction conditions (e.g. reaction time and pH) will be compared.

[1] HY. Lee, et al., Strategy for Preparing Mechanically Strong Hyaluronic Acid-Silica Nanohybrid Hydrogels via in Situ Sol-Gel Process, Macromol. Mater. Eng., 2018, 303, 1800213.

[2] Y. Shirosaki, et al., Preparation and in vitro cytocompatibility of chitosan-siloxane hybrid hydrogels, J. Biomed. Mater. Res. A., 2015, 103: 289-299.