hydrogel

By Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard March 20, 2024This illustration highlights how two hydrogels (shown in blue) can be bonded in different ways by thin chitosan films (shown in orange). The bonds that form are extraordinarily strong and can resist high tensions. Credit: Peter Allen, Ryan Allen, and James C. Weaver.A novel technique for the quick and efficient bonding of hydrogels offers the potential to significantly propel forward the development of new biomaterials, addressing a wide…

Researchers have developed a novel hydrogel that mimics human tissue to heal heart damage and improve cancer treatment personalization. This innovation promises to advance regenerative medicine and personalized therapies, marking a significant contribution to health innovation.Scientists develop a gel derived from wood pulp to repair damaged heart tissue and improve cancer treatments.You can mend a broken heart this Valentine’s day now that researchers invented a new hydrogel that can be used to heal damaged heart tissue…

Stanford engineers have developed an injectable hydrogel depot technology that enables GLP-1 drugs to be administered once every four months, compared to repeated daily injections. Credit: Photo courtesy of Andrea Ivana d’Aquino / Stanford UniversityInnovations in Type 2 diabetes treatment have been revolutionized by dietary management drugs, although the requirement for daily injections poses difficulties for some individuals. A new hydrogel could mean shots just three times a year.Materials engineers at Stanford…

Chinese researchers have significantly improved the performance of sodium-ion batteries by methylating hydrogel electrolytes, increasing their salt absorption and stability. This advancement not only boosts the efficiency of these eco-friendly batteries but also opens new possibilities for hydrogel applications in various technologies. Scientists use electrolyte methylation to improve flexible sodium-ion batteries. Flexible aqueous batteries, commonly used in portable electronics, typically include a hydrogel electrolyte…

The University of Leeds has developed a novel saliva substitute that is up to five times more effective than existing products. This new technology, utilizing microgel and hydrogel components, offers improved moisture retention and comfort for individuals with dry mouth, promising significant benefits in healthcare and quality of life.Proof of concept of new material for long-lasting relief from dry mouth conditions.A novel aqueous lubricant technology designed to help people who suffer from a dry mouth is between four…

MIT engineers have synthesized a new superabsorbent hydrogel infused with lithium chloride that can absorb an unprecedented amount of moisture, even in desert-like conditions. This material has the potential for large-scale use in passive water harvesting and improving air conditioning efficiency. (Artist’s concept.)A new material developed by <span class="glossaryLink" aria-describedby="tt" data-cmtooltip="<div class=glossaryItemTitle>MIT</div><div class=glossaryItemBody>MIT…

Researchers have created a superabsorbent hydrogel that can pull moisture from the air in greater quantities than previously reported materials, even in desert conditions. The new material opens the door to creating an effective, sustainable method of addressing the important issue of water scarcity.Water is key to human survival, energy, food production, and healthy ecosystems. At the same time, climate change has added to the burden of maintaining global water and energy supplies due to shifting environmental…

Glioblastoma is one of the most common and aggressive forms of brain cancer, and it's one of the hardest to treat. There may be good news on the horizon, however.A newly developed hydrogel, tested on mice, cleaned up traces of glioblastoma tumors and stopped them from returning. The hydrogel was so effective that there was a "striking" 100 percent survival rate in the animals.Although we can't be sure that the same treatments will achieve that level of success in humans, it's a hugely promising new approach.Paclitaxel is…

Scientists at Johns Hopkins University have developed a treatment that could provide new hope for aggressive brain cancers. Injecting a drug-laden hydrogel into the brain after tumors have been surgically removed was found to launch a combined chemo- and immunotherapy attack that prevented the cancer from returning in 100% of treated mice.Glioblastoma is one of the most common and, unfortunately, deadly brain cancers in humans. Surgery to remove it is usually the best treatment option, but frustratingly the cancer tends…

Unlike the tissue in other parts of the body, such as the skin, the neuronal tissue in the brain doesn't regenerate after being damaged. It may one day be able to do so, however, with a little help from a new type of hydrogel.Developed by a team of scientists at Japan's Hokkaido University, the biocompatible polymer gel is made up of equal parts positively and negatively charged monomers. This combination was found to offer the best adhesion for cells.The scientists adjusted the ratio of crosslinker molecules in the…