<p>Hydrogels are already used in clinical practice for the delivery of drugs, and as lenses, bone cement, wound dressings, 3D scaffolds in tissue engineering and other applications. However, bonding different hydrogel polymers to one another has remained a challenge; yet it could enable numerous new applications. Now, Harvard Wyss and SEAS researchers pioneered a new method that uses a thin film of chitosan, a fibrous sugar-based material derived from the processed outer skeletons of shellfish, to make different hydrogels instantaneously and strongly stick to each other. They used their approach to locally protect and cool tissues, seal vascular injuries, and prevent unwanted “surgical adhesions” of internal body surfaces. </p>
Scientists create method to bond hydrogels and other polymeric materials using chitosan phys.org - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from phys.org Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection has opened to public comment a new state regulation that would change what development is allowed in the 100-year floodplain.
Dancing for Our Stars contestants cut a rug for Boys & Girls Club inmaricopa.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from inmaricopa.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.