Characterization Of Hydrogels By Macro And Microrheological Techniques

The main aim of this contribution is the study of mechanical properties of hydrogels systems by classical rheological techniques (oscillation measurements) and further correlation of mechanical properties with inner structural and mechanical properties determined by novel microrheological techniques (dynamic light scattering, fluorescence correlation spectroscopy). As a model hydrogel medium; agarose as a representative polysaccharide will be used. The main advantage of the agarose hydrogel is their thermoreversibility and non-reactivity. Therefore the agarose hydrogels can be prepared with defined properties. As the studied samples will be agarose hydrogels with different concentrations in mixture with biopolymers. As the suitable biopolymers; chitosane, alginate, hyaluronate will be used, and for comparison also polystyrenesulfonate will be used. The main emphasis will be taken on time and temperature dependence on mechanical properties determined by macro-and microrheological techniques. Further fluorescence labeling hydrogels samples will be studied and the ability of probes penetrated into the hydrogels.