In Situ Gelable Glycation-Resistant Hydrogels Composed of Gelatin and Oxidized Alginate

An in situ gelable glycation-resistant hydrogel has been prepared from oxidized alginate (Oalg) and gelatin. Aminoguanidine, an effective inhibitor of the glycation reaction, was first encapsulated in gelatin microspheres followed by incorporation into the hydrogel. The gelation process was monitored rheologically, and the results showed that the AMG-loaded Oalg/gelatin system solidified quickly at body temperature. Moreover, the hydrogels were highly porous, and the AMG-loaded microspheres dispersed in the hydrogels remained intact. Hydrogels' AMG loadings did not appear to change their degradation behaviors. AMG could be released from the hydrogels in a sustainable manner for a relatively short duration. Incorporation of AMG into the hydrogels resulted in imparting a glycation-resistant capability. Lastly, long-term in vitro incubation of all hydrogel formulations with fibroblasts did not reveal any cytotoxic potential. (C) Koninklijke Brill NV, Leiden, 2010