Japanese researchers using CO2 to produce better hydrogel

In Japan, hydrogels created using carbon dioxide (CO₂) offer a safer alternative to those formed with acidic agents. While most research has focused on pre-gelation conditions affecting hydrogel properties, this study by researchers from Tokyo University of Science explores the impact of CO₂ release after gelation. The team prepared alginate-based hydrogels and found that faster CO₂ release decreases crosslinking, while slower release results in stiffer hydrogels. These findings could lead to improved hydrogels for medical applications.

Hydrogels, which are soft materials made of water-filled, crosslinked polymer networks, have a wide range of uses, from wound dressings to enhancing soil moisture for plant growth. They are formed through a process called gelation, where polymers in a solution are linked together to form a gel. Biopolymers, such as polysaccharides and proteins, often require the addition of acidic agents for this gelation process. However, these agents can remain in the hydrogel, posing risks for biological applications. To address this issue, a new gelation method uses carbon dioxide (CO₂) instead of acidic agents. CO₂ acts as an acidic agent during gelation but escapes into the atmosphere once the hydrogel forms.