Pectin and polyacrylamide composite hydrogels: Effect of pectin on structural and dynamic mechanical properties

Abstract

Composite hydrogels of pectin and polyacrylamide were synthesized and evaluated by scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, light microscopy, and dynamic mechanical analysis. The crosslinking polymerization of acrylamide in pectin solution resulted in a composite having a macroporous pectin domain with an interstitial polyacrylamide domain. This composite had improved mechanical properties compared to those of either polymer alone, and it absorbed and retained more water than crosslinked polyacrylamide alone. Furthermore, crosslinking polymerization of acrylamide in an existing pectinate scaffold resulted in a double-network architecture, where filamentous polyacrylamide networks penetrated through pores of the pectin scaffold. It was found that pectins dictated the features of microstructure in the composites through regulating the coordination of phase separation of the two components and water partition between the two phases. Results from this study highlight potential new uses of pectins in protecting the physical structure of environmentally sensitive polymers from mechanical damage related to freezing, lyophilization, and other conditions experienced during their use in biomedical and industrial products.

Preparation of Pectin–ZnO Nanocomposite

“…Pectin macromolecules are able to bind with some organic or inorganic substances via molecular interactions. So, pectin can be used to construct matrices to absorb desired materials and deliver them in a controlled manner [1]. Indeed, pectin has been used to fabricate delivery systems for controlled drug release [2], implantable cell carriers [3], and so on.…”

In Situ Single‐Cell Western Blot on Adherent Cell Culture

“…During polymerization, hydrogen bonds are thought to form between the PA gel and FN accumulated at the gel surface, [13] thus immobilizing FN to the gel surface without covalent bonds.T o form stronger covalent attachment to aP Ag el, FN can be crosslinked with benzophenone of aBPMA-incorporated PA gel using UV irradiation (Supporting Information, Figure S1). Confocal microscopy reports as urface-confined layer of FN* across the device in the z-stack scan.…”

In Situ Single‐Cell Western Blot on Adherent Cell Culture

“…Coincident fluorescence signal from FN* and anti-FN confirms that FN* is located on the surface of the PA gel. During polymerization, hydrogen bonds are thought to form between the PA gel and FN accumulated at the gel surface, [13] thus immobilizing FN to the gel surface without covalent bonds.T o form stronger covalent attachment to aP Ag el, FN can be crosslinked with benzophenone of aBPMA-incorporated PA gel using UV irradiation (Supporting Information, Figure S1).…”