Details

Autor(en) / Beteiligte

• Wurm, Florian
• Pinggera, Germar‐Michael
• Pham, Tung
• Bechtold, Thomas

Titel

Investigation on the Behavior of κ ‐Carrageenan Hydrogels for Compressive Intra‐Vessel Disintegration

Ist Teil von

• Macromolecular bioscience, 2021-02, Vol.21 (2), p.e2000348-n/a

Ort / Verlag

Germany: Wiley Subscription Services, Inc

Erscheinungsjahr

2021

Link zum Volltext

Quelle

Wiley Online Library

Beschreibungen/Notizen

• Gel disintegration via compression is a possible approach for the reversal of the occlusion of male vasa deferentia (VD) by hydrogels. κ ‐carrageenan (KC) hydrogels can be used for such an application. To determine the required forces for in‐vessel compressive disintegration, a gel‐tube model, preparing KC gels in different tubes, is studied. These gels are of alternating biopolymer (1–3% by mass) and potassium (100–300 mM) concentration. Gel‐filled tubes are uniaxially compressed at two different compression speeds (1 and 0.3 mm s−1). Breakage compression strains are cross studied by shear breaking gel measurements using dynamic mechanical analysis. The measurements showed good agreement. Gel structure disintegration occurred below (62 ± 8) % strain. During compression, three stages of gel disintegration are present. Gel‐tube wall detachment, gel rupture, and gel expulsion. The force required for gel disintegration and tube deformation can be added arithmetically. From the modulus of a human aortae model, it is estimated that average human pinch forces are insufficient to disintegrate 2% and 3% by mass KC hydrogels in VD by massage. The compressive disintegration would require a compression device while evading tissue damage. Compressive disintegration of hydrogels for the reversal of vessel occlusion applications is of interest in κ‐carrageenan application in the male vasa deferentia. The study uses a vessel compression model to determine the force required for intra‐vessel hydrogel disintegration, and compares these forces with physical hand capabilities. Human pinch forces are insufficient for intra‐vas compressive disintegration.