Investigation on the Behavior of κ ‐Carrageenan Hydrogels for Compressive Intra‐Vessel Disintegration

Abstract

Gel disintegration via compression is a possible approach for the reversal of the occlusion of male vasa deferentia (VD) by hydrogels. κ ‐carrageenan (KC) hydrogels can be used for such an application. To determine the required forces for in‐vessel compressive disintegration, a gel‐tube model, preparing KC gels in different tubes, is studied. These gels are of alternating biopolymer (1–3% by mass) and potassium (100–300 mM) concentration. Gel‐filled tubes are uniaxially compressed at two different compression speeds (1 and 0.3 mm s−1). Breakage compression strains are cross studied by shear breaking gel measurements using dynamic mechanical analysis. The measurements showed good agreement. Gel structure disintegration occurred below (62 ± 8) % strain. During compression, three stages of gel disintegration are present. Gel‐tube wall detachment, gel rupture, and gel expulsion. The force required for gel disintegration and tube deformation can be added arithmetically. From the modulus of a human aortae model, it is estimated that average human pinch forces are insufficient to disintegrate 2% and 3% by mass KC hydrogels in VD by massage. The compressive disintegration would require a compression device while evading tissue damage.

Hydrogel‐based triboelectric nanogenerators: Properties, performance, and applications

“…Gels that exhibit high water absorption capacity are regarded as hydrogels 19,20 . Naturally occurring biopolymers, such as κ‐carrageenan, 21 starch, 22 cellulose, 23 among others, have been investigated in the development of renewable and biodegradable hydrogels from natural resources. Due to the nontoxicity and biocompatibility of bio‐based hydrogels, biomedical applications, such as wound dressing, drug delivery systems, and tissue engineering, have been developed 24,25 .…”