Saba Afza

Master student

Production of Composite Injectable Hydrogels for Tissue Engineering Applications

Supervisors: Sena Harmanci and Prof. Aldo R. Boccaccini

Injectable hydrogels are promising scaffolds for tissue engineering due to their ability to mimic the extracellular matrix and to support cell growth and regeneration [1]. However, their limited mechanical strength and bioactivity remain significant challenges [2]. This project aims to develop composite alginate based hydrogels by incorporating organic and inorganic components to enhance mechanical properties and cellular activity. In addition, different formulations will be investigated to evaluate the individual and synergistic effects of each component. The developed hydrogels will be characterized in terms of morphology, chemical structure (FTIR), mechanical performance, injectability, and cell viability.

[1] Olov, N.; Bagheri-Khoulenjani, S.; Mirzadeh, H. Injectable Hydrogels for Bone and Cartilage Tissue Engineering: A Review. Progress in Biomaterials 2022, 11, 113–135, doi:10.1007/s40204-022-00185-8.

[2] Figueiredo, P.; Lintinen, K.; Hirvonen, J.T.; Kostiainen, M.A.; Santos, H.A. Properties and Chemical Modifications of Hyaluronic Acid: A Review. Pharmaceuticals 2022, 15, 371, doi:10.3390/ph15030371