Tangsombun, Chayanan ORCID: 0000-0002-8794-7533
(2025)
Shaped and Patterned Gels for Biomedical Applications.
PhD thesis, University of York.
Abstract
Supramolecular hydrogels are generated by the assembly of low-molecular weight gelators (LMWGs) through non-covalent interactions. The assembly process generates fibres able to trap high amount of water, forming a self-supporting network. Such hydrogels possess viscoelastic properties, and the gelation process is reversible, giving rise to degradability. These features make the hydrogels promising materials for potential applications, particularly scaffolding for tissue engineering.
Although supramolecular hydrogels have been the focus of increased attention, they are mainly weak and easy to break down. This project aimed to develop new biomaterials and designed innovative approaches for fabricating dynamic patterned hydrogels via reaction-diffusion.
We report novel innovative approaches based on diffusion of biocompatible species or triggering agents through a gel being an effective way to create patterns and control self-assembled gels. Initially, a thermal responsive LMWG (1,3:2,4-dibenzylidenesorbitol derivative functionalised with acyl hydrazide groups, DBS-COHNH2) was combined with agarose to create gel beads, prior to acid loading. The diffusion of acid from the gel beads into a solution of pH-sensitive gelator (DBS-COOH) could induce self-assembled gels to precisely fabricate various objects with spatiotemporal organization.
Nap-FF dipeptide gelator, with gelation being triggered by a pH switching process or calcium
ion addition, was combined with DBS-CONHNH2. Injection of calcium ions into the pre-existing DBSCONHNH2mmatrix using mechanical control was able to induce transient patterning of Nap-FF. In combination of robust gellan gum with a unique characteristic of DBS-CONHNH2, we could then generate gold nanoparticle patterns via a paper stamp method. This helped to manipulate stem cell growth and differentiation on specific regions.
Following this, a peripheral ring pattern was fabricated by diffusion of a novel hydrogelator
DBS-CONHOH into the gel disc load with acid. Finally, two novel hydrogelators, DBS-CONHOH and DBSCH2OH, were then compared, contrasted and combined with DBS-CONHNH2 in order to understand cell culture potential as well as gaining a detailed insight into multi-component gels.
Metadata
Supervisors: | Smith, David |
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Awarding institution: | University of York |
Academic Units: | The University of York > Chemistry (York) |
Date Deposited: | 13 Oct 2025 10:06 |
Last Modified: | 13 Oct 2025 10:06 |
Open Archives Initiative ID (OAI ID): | oai:etheses.whiterose.ac.uk:37603 |
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