Evaluation of Selected Properties of Sodium Alginate-Based Hydrogel Material—Mechanical Strength, μDIC Analysis and Degradation

Abstract

The search for ideal solutions for the treatment of urethral stenosis continues. This includes developing the material, design, while maintaining its optimal and desired properties. This paper presents the results of the research conducted on sodium alginate-based hydrogel material (AHM), which may be used as a material for stents dedicated to the treatment of pathologies occurring in the genitourinary system. In order to determine the selected parameters of the AHM samples, strength and degradation tests, as well as analysis of the micro changes occurring on the surface of the material using a digital image correlation (µDIC) system, were performed. This study shows that the material possessed good mechanical strength parameters, the knowledge of which is particularly important from the point of view of the stent–tissue interaction. The degradation analysis performed showed that the AHM samples degrade in an artificial urine environment, and that the degradation time mainly depends on the chemical composition of the material. The novel µDIC method performed allowed us to characterize the homogeneity of the material structure depending on the cross-linking agent used.

Changes in the Mechanical Properties of Alginate-Gelatin Hydrogels with the Addition of Pygeum africanum with Potential Application in Urology

“…The most suitable technique for forming a tubular hydrogel is to immerse the polymer matrix in alginate and crosslink using divalent cations ( Figure 4 c). This is confirmed by previous studies describing the crosslinking of sodium alginate with calcium cations, as well as an extensive analysis of the literature describing the effect and relationship between alginate concentration and crosslinking agent [ 86 , 99 , 102 , 103 ].…”

Physicochemical Characterization of Nanobiocomposites

“…The studies showed that hydrogel crosslinked with calcium ions showed a lower mechanical strength compared to the one crosslinked with Ba 2+ cations (Figure 32). The researchers attributed the difference to the increased barium affinity to alginate monomers (G blocks), resulting in a hydrogel by forming the egg-box structure, characteristic of alginate NPs [108].…”

“…Formulation of NBCs in the nanoscale can increase the viscosity. Ahmad et al reported that the viscosity of starchbased NPs dispersion was influenced by the shape, size, and distribution of the starch Strain-strain analysis plot for the proposed sodium alginate-based material cross-linked with Ca 2+ or Ba 2+ cations using different cross-linking times after 72 h cross-linking time [108].…”

“…Figure 32.Strain-strain analysis plot for the proposed sodium alginate-based material cross-linked with Ca 2+ or Ba 2+ cations using different cross-linking times after 72 h cross-linking time[108].…”

Preparation and Properties of Shape Memory PEG/IEM Resin and Its Composite Designed for Ureter Stent

“…matrix have broadly used as implanted stents, tissues, and occluders. [ 25 ] At present, ureter stricture has become common trouble for males, [ 26 ] which could be concerned by the scarring, causing from that the scar tissue replaces the spongy tissue. [ 27 ] The commonly used treatment method for these ureter canal narrowing is implanted stents, which commonly use metal as the material matrix.…”