Effect of different bases and neutralization steps on porosity and properties of collagen‐based hydrogels

The aim of the work reported was to investigate the effect of bases and neutralization steps on hydrogel microstructures. A series of porous hydrogels with various pore sizes were prepared by neutralizing a conventional hydrogel after gel formation. Scanning electron microscopy was used to characterize the microstructure of the porous hydrogels. The morphology of the samples showed the pores were induced into the hydrogels by water evaporation and gas release resulting from the neutralization process. Experimental results indicated that the hydrogels had an absorbency of 200–220 and 48–50 g g^?1 for distilled water and sodium chloride solutions, respectively. A simple method was used to prepare porous hydrogels. The prepared hydrogels are suitable for horticulture and tissue engineering applications due to their superior salt‐resisting properties. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry