Characterization of internal structure of hydrated agar and gelatin matrices by cryo‐SEM |
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Authors: | Janane Rahbani Ali R Behzad Niveen M Khashab Mazen Al‐Ghoul |
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Institution: | 1. Department of Chemistry, American University of Beirut, , Riad El‐Solh, Beirut, Lebanon;2. Imaging and Characterization Core Lab, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), , Thuwal, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia;3. Controlled Release and Delivery Lab, Advanced Membranes and Porous Material Center, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), , Thuwal, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia |
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Abstract: | There has been a considerable interest in recent years in developing polymer gel matrices for many important applications such as 2DE for quantization and separation of a variety of proteins and drug delivery system to control the release of active agents. However, a well‐defined knowledge of the ultrastructures of the gels has been elusive. In this study, we report the characterization of two different polymers used in 2DE: Gelatin, a naturally occurring polymer derived from collagen (protein) and agar, a polymer of polysaccharide (sugar) origin. Low‐temperature SEM is used to examine the internal structure of these gels in their frozen natural hydrated states. Results of this study show that both polymers have an array of hollow cells that resembles honeycomb structures. While agar pores are almost circular, the corresponding Gaussian curve is very broad exhibiting a range of radii from nearly 370 to 700 nm. Gelatin pores are smaller and more homogeneous reflecting a narrower distribution from nearly 320 to 650 nm. Overall, these ultrastructural findings could be used to correlate with functions of the polymers. |
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Keywords: | Agar Cryo‐SEM Gelatin— Proteomics |
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