HYDROgel CELL for Diffusion Measurement (HYDROCELL)

Author: ANITA SALIC, ANA JURINJAK TUSEK, BRUNO ZELIC

Company/Institution: Sveučilište u Zagrebu, Prehrambeno tehnološki fakultet, Fakultet kemijskog inženjerstva i tehnologije

Country: CROATIA

e-mail: asalic@fkit.unizg.hr; atusek@pbf.unizg.hr; bzelic@fkit.unizg.hr

The efficient diffusion of molecules through hydrogels is a key parameter for the efficiency of enzyme immobilization, especially in biotechnological applications. The diffusion of molecules through a gel depends on the gel structure, cross-linking density and pore size. Higher concentrations of the substance from which the gel is made and stronger cross-linking reduce the pore size and slow down diffusion, while lower concentrations increase diffusivity but reduce the stability of the gel. Diffusivity also depends on conditions such as temperature, pH and the presence of other substances.

The proposed innovation Hydrocell enables the study of diffusion kinetics of different molecules through a gel with potential applications in various biotechnological industrial processes, including drug development, optimization of biosensors and evaluation of substance transport in controlled drug release systems. The proposed system not only enables precise measurements, but is also characterized by its ease of use, dimensional adaptability and wide range of applications.