Novel Superabsorbent Hydrogel Based on Natural Hybrid Backbone: Optimized Synthesis and its Swelling Behavior

Abstract

The synthesis of a novel superabsorbent hydrogel with natural hybrid backbone via graft copolymerization of acrylamide (AAm) onto kappa-carrageenan (kC, as a polysaccharide) and gelatin (as a protein) under classic thermal conditions is described. The Taguchi method as a strong experimental design tool was used for synthesis optimization. A series of hydrogels were synthesized by proposed conditions of Qualitek-4 Software. Considering the results of 9 trials according to analysis of variance (ANOVA), optimum conditions were proposed. The swelling behavior of optimum hydrogel was measured in various solutions with pH values ranging from 1 to 13. In addition, swelling kinetics, swelling in various organic solvents, various salt solutions and On-Off switching behavior were investigated. The hydrogel formation was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and thermogravimetrical analysis (TGA). Surface morphology of the synthesized hydrogels was assessed by scanning electron microscope (SEM).

Two Benthic Diatoms, Nanofrustulum shiloi and Striatella unipunctata, Encapsulated in Alginate Beads, Influence the Reproductive Efficiency of Paracentrotus lividus by Modulating the Gene Expression

“…Marine polysaccharides are increasingly used for nutraceutical and cosmaceutical applications, particularly as tools for the incorporation of bioactive agents [21]. It is worth noting that sodium alginate, in combination with polyacrylics such as either poly(acrylic acid), poly(acrylamide) or both, forms interpenetrating networks that give rise to superabsorbent and superporous hydrogels [22], occasionally adopted to direct active compounds towards specific animal targets [23]. Alginate dressings maintain a physiologically moist microenvironment that is feasible for containing a variety of active compounds.…”