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Title: Development of Dissipative Particle Dynamics framework for modeling hydrogels with degradable bonds
Abstract Controlled degradation of hydrogels enables several applications of these materials, including controlled drug and cell release applications and directed growth of neural networks. These applications motivate the need of a simulation framework for modeling controlled degradation in hydrogels. We develop a Dissipative Particle Dynamics (DPD) framework for hydrogel degradation. As a model hydrogel, we prepare a network formed by end-linking tetra-arm polyethylene glycol precursors. We model bond breaking during degradation of this hydrogel as a stochastic process. The fraction of degradable bonds follows first order degradation kinetics. We characterize the rate of mass loss during degradation process.  more » « less
Award ID(s):
1655740 1725573
NSF-PAR ID:
10157379
Author(s) / Creator(s):
; ;
Date Published:
Journal Name:
MRS Advances
Volume:
5
Issue:
17
ISSN:
2059-8521
Page Range / eLocation ID:
927 to 934
Format(s):
Medium: X
Sponsoring Org:
National Science Foundation
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