Transport of biological molecules in surfactant–alginate composite hydrogels

摘要: Abstract Obstructed transport of biological molecules can result in improper release pharmaceuticals or biologics from biomedical devices. Recent studies have shown that nonionic surfactants, such as Pluronic® F68 (F68), positively alter biomaterial properties mesh size and microcapsule diameter. To further understand the effect (incorporated at concentrations well above critical micelle concentration (CMC)) traditional biomaterials, BSA riboflavin were investigated F68–alginate composite hydrogels, formed by both internal external cross-linking with divalent cations. Results indicate small molecule (represented riboflavin) was not significantly hindered homogeneously (internally) cross-linked hydrogels (up to an 11% decrease loading capacity 14% increase effective diffusion coefficient, Deff), while protein BSA) affected a 43% 40% Deff). For inhomogeneously (externally CaCl2 BaCl2), Deff increased up 50 83% for proteins, respectively. Variation alginate gelation method affect through measurable changes swelling ratio (30% decrease) observable structure 3.6- 11.8-fold difference BSA, Aside expected significant due utilized, altered restrictions (10–25 nm estimated mechanical properties) BSA–F68 interaction (DLS). Taken whole, these results show incorporation surfactant CMC device functionality impeding large molecules.