Nanoscale Control of Mineral Deposition within Polysaccharide Gel Networks

Controlled deposition of minerals within polysaccharide gels offers a new route to improve properties of gel based materials as well as to make new composites. By deposition of the mineral component within soft and compliant gel matrix, we will create new composite materials with controlled mechanical properties, stability and biocampatibility. Currently, gels-based systems are investigated for their applications in tissue enginering and cell transplantation. The project will focus on achieving a high deg ree of control of the deposition process in respect to mineral polymorph, particle size and distribution of mineral within the gel. Influence of those factors on the properties of new composites will be studied. Proposed approach is inspired by the degree of control achieved by nature in making composite materials through biomineralisation. The project will concentrate on a mode system based on alginate gel capsules for several reasons. Gellation of alginate and formation of alginate capsules has been st udied extensively in the past and it is well understood. In addition enhancing properties of those capsules my open new areas of applications, as well as improve properties of capsules used at present.