Development of instrumental methods for the analysis of hydrogels of biomedical interest

Details

Supervisors

Dupont-Gillain, Christine C. ; Delcorte, Arnaud

Faculty

Faculté des bioingénieurs

Degree label

Master [120] : bioingénieur en chimie et bioindustries, à finalité spécialisée

Abstract

This master's thesis contributes to the development of a Cornea-on-a-Chip (CoC) system for drug screening by focusing on the production and characterization of biomaterials to replace the corneal stroma. Specifically, gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) hydrogels were produced and characterized using a range of techniques. The thesis also addressed the challenge of depositing a thin and stable GelMA layer on quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) sensors, replicating bulk GelMA properties and meeting QCM measurement criteria. Successful protocols were developed for forming GelMA films and characterizing their swelling behavior, chemical properties, mechanical properties, and hydrophilicity. Although challenges are encountered in SEM imaging and rheological measurements, alternative techniques such as AFM provide valuable insights. A spin-coating protocol for depositing homogenous and thin GelMA films on QCM sensors was effectively established, considering factors like appropriate volume, bubble prevention, and optimal GelMA concentrations to control film thickness. While further optimization is required for crosslinking and film adhesion on the sensors, this work paves the way for future QCM protocols to evaluate GelMA film swelling behavior in the CoC system.