Amphiphilic structures in physically crosslinked hydrogels-A comprehensive rheological study

Amphiphilic structures in physically crosslinked hydrogels-A comprehensive rheological study

Článek WoS

Hydrogels are naturally occurring and found all around us. Their applications and ability to be tailored to specific needs make them a highly relevant topic today. The biomedical and pharmaceutical industries are particularly invested in hydrogel development due to their desirable properties, such as biodegradability and bioactivity. Physically crosslinked hydrogels meet these criteria exceptionally well. However, despite their many advantages, they suffer from weaker mechanical properties compared to chemically crosslinked hydrogels. This study aimed to address this issue by modifying hydrogels through the incorporation of amphiphilic substances-specifically, classical surfactants differing in charge, molecular weight, and structure (CTAB, SDS, Triton X-100). The micellar structures formed within the hydrogel matrix significantly influence its overall properties. The primary focus of this research was on mechanical properties and their in-depth rheological characterization. All results were compared against samples without surfactants, as well as those containing surfactants at concentrations below and above the critical micelle concentration (CMC). The findings demonstrate that physically crosslinked hydrogels can be modified with amphiphilic structures to achieve precise property adjustments. This effect is particularly evident in relaxation behaviour, where amphiphiles exert a notable influence. Additionally, the conclusions regarding mechanical characterization were reinforced by morphological analysis using scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

Hydrogels are naturally occurring and found all around us. Their applications and ability to be tailored to specific needs make them a highly relevant topic today. The biomedical and pharmaceutical industries are particularly invested in hydrogel development due to their desirable properties, such as biodegradability and bioactivity. Physically crosslinked hydrogels meet these criteria exceptionally well. However, despite their many advantages, they suffer from weaker mechanical properties compared to chemically crosslinked hydrogels. This study aimed to address this issue by modifying hydrogels through the incorporation of amphiphilic substances-specifically, classical surfactants differing in charge, molecular weight, and structure (CTAB, SDS, Triton X-100). The micellar structures formed within the hydrogel matrix significantly influence its overall properties. The primary focus of this research was on mechanical properties and their in-depth rheological characterization. All results were compared against samples without surfactants, as well as those containing surfactants at concentrations below and above the critical micelle concentration (CMC). The findings demonstrate that physically crosslinked hydrogels can be modified with amphiphilic structures to achieve precise property adjustments. This effect is particularly evident in relaxation behaviour, where amphiphiles exert a notable influence. Additionally, the conclusions regarding mechanical characterization were reinforced by morphological analysis using scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

Hydrogel, Rheology, Viscoelasticity, Mechanical properties, Amphiphiles, Surfactants, SEM

Hydrogel, Rheology, Viscoelasticity, Mechanical properties, Amphiphiles, Surfactants, SEM

HEGER, R.; TRUDIČOVÁ, M.; PEKAŘ, M.

2026

20.12.2025

Colloids and surfaces. A, Physicochemical and engineering aspects

727

Nizozemsko

138421

17

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0927775725023246