The physicochemical and mechanical investigation of siloxane modified Gelatin/Sodium alginate injectable hydrogels loaded by ascorbic acid and β-Glycerophosphate

Abstract Sodium alginate and gelatin injectable hydrogels were synthesized and modified using silane coupling agents and calcium chloride to improve hydrogels' physicochemical and mechanical behavior. The morphology of the hydrogels showed a homogeneous structure in all samples. The chemical structure of the raw materials and the hydrogels supported possible cross-linking reactions. High level of absorption capacity and resistance to rapid degradation supported desirable stability of the gels with highest concentration of polymers and minimum trimethoxysilane (3-glycidyloxypropyl) (GPTMS):polymer ratio (0.5:1 w/w). Bioactivity evaluation proved the formation of hydroxyapatite layers that can improve effectiveness and durability of the hydrogels. The hydrogels' rheological properties indicated a higher stability of storage modulus and viscosity when a higher concentration of polymers and a lower concentration of cross-linker were applied. Accordingly, hydrogels (10 %W/V gelatin, 8.5 %W/V sodium alginate, and GPTMS:polymer ratio (0.5:1 w/w)) can be useful for further in-vivo and pre-clinical evaluation.