Poly (2-Hydroxyethyl Methacrylate) Macroporous Cryogel for Extracorporeal Medical Devices

Abstract

Poly (2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) PHEMA monolithic cryogels were synthesized by free radical polymerization at -12°C for 18 hours and produced spongy, elastic and macroporous gel matrix. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) measured structural properties of PHEMA monolithic cryogel matrix to visualize pore morphology. Mechanical properties of PHEMA monolithic cryogel such as storage modulus, compressive modulus, and creep test were measured with Dynamic mechanical analyzer (DMA). The PHEMA monolithic cryogel matrix shows ~ 97% recovery after 70% compression of cryogel and has a compressive modulus of 1.8kPa to 8.5kPa.