Polymer-nanooxide-activated carbon cryogels

Various polymeric and polymer/protein hydrogels can be synthesized as cryogels at subzero temperatures. They can be purely organic or filled with solid nano/microparticles. Cryogels possess unique properties and  controlled structural characteristics.

Cryogels are characterized by very broad pore size distribution from nanometers to hundreds of micrometers.

Cryogels can absorb large amounts of water and characterized controlled swelling degree.

Cryogels are characterized by high biocompatibility due to the use of biopolymeric or protein matrices.

Cryogels can be effectively used as matrices for tissue scaffolding.

Cryogels provide unhindered diffusion of not only low-molecular solutes but also macromolecules and cells.

The cryogels  are characterized by  developed porosity (pore volume up to 15 cm3/g) and broad pore size distribution from nanopores (diameter

d < 2 nm) to macropores (up to d = 100-300 mm). Functionalized surface of pore walls containing various polar and nonpolar functionalities characteristic for polymeric, nanooxide and carbon components is appropriate to bind both polar and nonpolar adsorbates of various sizes, drugs and living cells.

Macroporous cryogels formed with polar or nonpolar polymers filled by nanooxides and/or activated carbons can be prepared as adsorbents for polar and nonpolar compounds of various molecular weights, as well as matrices for tissue scaffolding with controlled drug release.

Developers:

School of Pharmacy & Biomolecular Sciences, University of Brighton;

Chuiko Institute of Surface Chemistry.