1. Prepared by PhD Halina Falfushynska
Gels
Prepared by
PhD Halina Falfushynska

2. Gels as semisolid systems
Gels consisting of small inorganic particles or large organic molecules enclosing and interpenetrated by a liquid.
Some gel systems are as clear as water in appearance and others are turbid, since the ingredients may form aggregates, which disperse light.
The concentration of the gelling agents is mostly less than 10%, usually in 0.5 to 2.0% range, with some exceptions.

3. Transmission Electron Micrograph (TEM) of a Cadmium Sulfide Aerogel

4. The majority of gels are formed by aggregation of colloidal sol particles. The continuous phase is held within the meshes.
A gel rich in liquid may be called a jelly; if the liquid is removed and only the gel framework remains this is termed a xerogel.
Sheet gelatin, acacia tears and tragacanth flakes are all xerogels.

5. Gels

6. Gel structures Aggregates of spherical particles
Framework of Rod-like particles
Physical gel with crystalline junctions
Chemical gel -covalent junctions

7. Structure of the polysaccharide
Change temperature
Change solvent quality
Change ionic environment
It’s what happens to amylose

8. Syneresis is when the interaction between particles of the dispersed phase becomes so great that on standing, the dispersing medium is squeezed out in droplets and the gel shrinks. Syneresis is a form of instability in aqueous and non-aqueous gels.
Thixotropy is a reversible gel-sol formation with no change in volume or temperature
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9. Gelation of lyophobic sols
Gels may be flocculated lyophobic sols where the gel can be looked upon as a continuous floccule.
Examples are: aluminium hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide gels.
Gel structure, Flocculated lyophobic sol, e.g. aluminium hydroxide.

11. Types of Hydrogels Classification Method of preparation Ionic charge
Homo-polymer, Copolymer, Multi-polymer, Interpenetrating polymeric
Ionic charge
Neutral, Catatonic, Anionic, Ampholytic
Physical structure
Amorphous, Semi-crystalline, Hydrogen-bonded

12. Amorphous Gel
Hydrosorb Gel in the dosing syringe can be applied easily, accurately and economically.
breakdown of coatings and necrotic tissue deep in the wound

13. Hydrogen-bonded Gel

14. Types of Hydrogels Natural Polymers
Collagen
Types of Hydrogels
Natural Polymers
Dextran, Chitosan, Collagen, Dextran Sulfate
Advantages
Generally have high biocompatibility
Intrinsic cellular interactions
Biodegradable
Cell controlled degradability
Low toxicity byproducts
Disadvantages
Mechanical Strength
Batch variation
Animal derived materials may pass on viruses

15. Up to 30% of all protein in the body is collagen!

17. Properties of Hydrogels
Swelling properties influenced by changes in the environment
pH, temperature, ionic strength, solvent composition, pressure, and electrical potential
Can be biodegradable, bioerodible, and bioabsorbable
Can degrade in controlled fashion

18. Properties of Hydrogels
Pore Size
Fabrication techniques
Shape and surface/volume ratio
H2O content
Strength
Swelling activation

19. Why Hydrogels ?: Tissue Engineering/Cell Culture Systems
Scaffold provides extracellular matrix:
Cell adhesion sites
Control of tissue form and thus function
Diffusion of growth factors, metabolites, and nutrients
Build it, Shape it, and Seed it with cells and nutrients

20. Why Hydrogels ?: Tissue Engineering
Biocompatible
H2O content
Sterilizibilty
Ease of use
High mechanical Strength
Surface to volume ratio
Good cell adhesion
High nutrient transport

21. Opthalmic use : The artificial cornea is made of a dual network hydrogel with a clear center and peripheral pores
Hydrogel biophysical and biochemical characteristics can be altered to control angiogenic growth factor delivery

22. Gelation of lyophilic sols
Gels formed by lyophilic sols can be divided into two groups depending on the nature of the bonds between the chains of the network.
Gels of type I are irreversible systems with a three-dimensional network formed by covalent bonds between the macromolecules. Typical examples are the swollen networks that have been formed by the polymerization of monomers of water-soluble polymers in the presence of a crosslinking agent.
For example, poly (2-hydroxyethylmethacrylate), [poly (HEMA)], crosslinked with ethylene glycol dimethacrylate, [EGDMA], forms a three-dimensional structure, that swells in water but cannot dissolve because the crosslinks are stable.
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23. Liesegang rings
Undergoing a precipitation reaction, under certain conditions of concentration and in the absence of convection

24. Liesegang rings

25. Liesegang rings in minerals
Malachite
Agate
Turmaline
Onix

26. Liesegang rings Cholelith, distribution of bilirubin and proteins
Liesegang-like rings (LRs) in slightly dilated breast ducts associated with lactational
Cholelith, distribution of bilirubin and proteins

27. For example, Pharmaceutical Nasal Gels must be: 1. Nasal adherent
Many gel-forming substances are available for preparing pharmaceutical gels and jellies. Although these substances share some common physical characteristics, the intended use may require gelling attributes of a certain substance or blend of substances.
For example, Pharmaceutical Nasal Gels must be:
1. Nasal adherent
2. Odorless
3. Non-irritating
4. Water soluble
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28. And Pharmaceutical Ophthalmic Gels must be:
1. Optically clear
2. Sterile
3. Mucomimetic
4. Lubricating
5. Demulcent
6. Non-irritating or non-sensitizing
7. Water soluble or miscible
Some simple gel formulations are shown as following:

29. Practical Example on Medicated Gels: Benzocaine Gel
Benzocaine is a local anesthetic commonly used as a topical pain reliever. It is the active ingredient in many over-the-counter anesthetic ointments. It is also combined with antipyrine to form Anti-Biotic Otic Drops, to relieve ear pain and remove earwax.
Inside the condom contains a lubricant benzocaine 5% to prolong his climax

30. Medical application of gels