Desarrollo de nuevos hidrogeles para aplicaciones biomédicas

Abstract

Hydrogels are biomaterials that have received increasing attention as candidate for a wide range of biomedical applications. Therefore, the design of hydrogels with optimal characteristics is fundamental to progress in the area of functional biomaterials. The objective of this thesis was the development and characterization of novel biopolymer-based hydrogels for biomedical applications such as drug delivery, tissue repair and wound healing. For this purpose, synthetic and natural polymers were selected for the preparation of interpenetrating and semi-interpenetrating polymer networks, composite hydrogels incorporating microparticles and physical hydrogels. Firstly, hydrogels were obtained by the entrapment of chitosan, pectin or κ-carrageenan within methacrylate- based hydrogels to improve their swelling and the mechanical properties. Secondly, a composite hydrogel based on PHBV microparticles loaded in κ-carrageenan/locust bean gum hydrogel was prepared as a dual delivery carrier of poorly water soluble drugs. Finally, an injectable hydrogel was prepared by combining of iota and kappa carrageenan, locust bean gum and gelatin, which could be useful in wound healing and tissue repair. Thus, the combination of polymers of different origin and the use of distinct preparation methods and crosslinkings led to hydrogels with the suitable properties for potential use in some applications, such as drug delivery, tissue repair and wound healing.