Product Description

Advanced BioMatrix offers PhotoHA^®, a methacrylated hyaluronic acid (HAMA) for photocrosslinkable hydrogels. These hydrogels provide native-like 3D HA gels with the unique attributes to be prepared at various concentrations and photocrosslinked to provide various gel stiffness. 

Hyaluronic acid is the most abundant glycosaminoglycan in the body being an important component of several tissues throughout the body. While it is abundant in extracellular matrices, hyaluronic acid also contributes to tissue hydrodynamics, movement and proliferation of cells, and participates in a number of cell surface receptor interactions.

For the majority of cell types, it is recommended to add additional ECM proteins to the hyaluronic acid hydrogels. The proteins provide important cell binding sites.

Once solubilized, the PhotoHA^® can be stored at 2-10°C for 1 month.

Swelling Characteristics of PhotoHA^®:

50 μL hydrogels fabricated in 4.7 mm diameter molds were imaged before and after incubation in phosphate buffered saline at 25°C for 24 hours. The diameter of hydrogels were quantified using ImageJ software. Statistical comparisons between groups (n=3) were performed via one-way ANOVA with post hoc testing and significance determined at p < 0.05. 

Compressive Modulus of PhotoHA^®:

Dynamic mechanical analysis (Q800, TA Instruments) was performed on 50 μL hydrogels fabricated in 4.7 mm diameter molds. Hydrogels were secured within a fluid cup via a 0.01 N pre-load and compressed to 30% strain at a rate of 0.5 N min-1. The Young’s modulus of each hydrogel was calculated as the slope of generated stress-strain curves between 10% and 20% strain. Statistical comparison between MeHA concentrations (n=3) was performed via Students t-test with two-tailed criteria and significance determined at p < 0.05. 

Reaction Behavior of PhotoHA^®:

Rheological time sweeps (AR2000 stress controlled rheometer, TA Instruments; 0.5% strain, 1 Hz, 25°C) of MeHA crosslinking with exposure to UV light (=320-390 nm) and in the presence of 0.05 wt% Irgacure 2959 (I2959). After 1 minute, the macromer solution (i.e. MeHA and I2959) was exposed to UV light, resulting in the plateau of moduli before 5 minutes.