Ionically Gelled Alginate Foams: Physical Properties Controlled by Operational and Macromolecular Parameters

Alginates in the format. of scaffolds provide important function's as Materials for cell encapsulation, drug delivery, tissue engineering and wound healing among others The Method for preparation of alginate based foams presented here is based on homogeneous, ionotropic :gelation of aerated alginate solutions,followed by air drying. The method allows higher flexibility and better :control of the pore structure, hydration. properties, and mechanical integrity compared to foams prepared by other techniques. The main variables for tailoring hydrogel properties. include operational parameters such as degree. of aeration and mixing times and concentration of alginate, as well as macromolecular properties such as the type of alginate (chemical Composition and molecular weight distribution). Exposure of foams to gamma-irradiation resulted in a dose-dependent (0-30 kGy) reduction in molecular weight of the alginate and a corresponding reduction in tensile strength of the foams.