Stability of hydrogels used in cell encapsulation: An in vitro comparison of alginate and agarose

摘要: The present studies were undertaken to evaluate the in vitro gel stability of hydrogels alginate and agarose. Gel strength (of agarose) protein diffusion only) shown correlate with be useful techniques monitor over time. strengths agarose followed for a 90-day period using as measure stability. diminished presence cells because likely interfered hydrogen bond formation required gelation. In cells, decreased by an average 25% from time 0 60 days, thereafter maintaining that value 90 days. calcium- or barium-crosslinked equilibrium being achieved after 30 did not further decrease strength. alginates similar at days-350 +/- 20 g 300 g, respectively-indicating equivalence their calcium-crosslinked sodium gels 60-day was monitored proteins ranging molecular weight 14.5 155 kD. From these measurements, pore size estimated, semi-empirical model, increase approximately 176 289 A (c) 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.