[3PS-238]
Enhancing Oxygen Permeability and Mechanical Properties of HEMA-NVP Hydrogels via POSS Cross-linking
발표자김민석 (한국교통대학교)
연구책임자김경민 (국립한국교통대학교)
Abstract
Hydrogels offer advantages such as high water content and inherent hydrophilicity, making them suitable for various biomedical uses, including contact lenses and drug delivery system (DDS) without additional surface modification. Yet, their low mechanical strength and oxygen permeability limit long-term use. To address these limitations, we introduce polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS), a hybrid organic-inorganic material, as a cross-linker in a 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) and N-vinylpyrrolidone (NVP) matrix. Electron beam (e-beam) irradiation is used to initiate cross-linking without chemical initiators, thereby eliminating residual toxicity concerns while providing in-situ sterilization. The rigid Si-O-Si framework and nanoporosity of POSS are expected to enhance both the mechanical strength and oxygen permeability of the resulting hydrogels. The resulting hydrogels are characterized in terms of their structural properties, oxygen transmission, and biocompatibility.