| abstract |
The present invention provides a novel process for preparing bioartificial hydrogels. This process comprises mixing a bifunctionalized polymer and a protein derived from a vegeral source or milk in an aqueous solution under basic conditions to form a three-dimensional reticulated mixture or gel. Specifically, the novel hydrogels are based on the cross-linking of a protein derived from milk or from a vegetal source (such as casein, hydrolyzed soy protein or hydrolyzed wheat protein) with a biofunctionalized polymer, such as polyethylene glycol or oxide. Preferably, the bifunctionalized polymer is polyethylene glycol. The invention further comprises the hydrogels produced by the novel process and a plurality of biomedical applications based on these hydrogels. These novel hydrogels possess advantageous characteristics, such as shape retention, shape memory, high water content (greater than 95 % (w/w) based on the dry weight of the hydrogel), and good mechanical and optical properties. The hydrogels exhibit additional characteristics -- biocompatibility, controlled release of medications or drugs, hydrophilic surface, oxygen permeability, and controlled porosity -- that should make them highly suitable for pharmaceutical, medical and cosmeceutical applications. |