Swelling, Serosal Adhesion, Protein Adsorption, and Biocompatibility of Pectin–TEOS Gels

The objective of this study was to develop a pectin–tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) hybrid gel with improved functional properties and biocompatibility. The sol–gel process was used to create pectin–TEOS hydrogels containing 0.75, 1.00, 1.25, and 1.50 M TEOS, which were labeled AP-T0.75, AP-T1.00, AP-T1.25, and AP-T1.50. The pectin–TEOS hydrogel AP-T1.50 exhibited a hardness of 631 kPa, a Young’s modulus of 1588 kPa, and an elasticity of 1.95 mm. The degree of swelling decreased as the TEOS content increased. The pectin–TEOS hydrogel AP-T1.25 exhibited the highest strength of adhesion to serosa of 60.6 mN. Serum protein and bovine serum albumin (BSA) adsorption by pectin–TEOS gels was recorded in the range of 2–43 µg/mg after 6 h of incubation at pH 5.0, 7.4, and 8.0. Pectin–TEOS gels demonstrated low rates of hemolysis and complement activation. Leukocyte adhesion on the surface of pectin–TEOS gels depends on TEOS content. Consequently, the mechanical characteristics, serosal adherence, and biocompatibility of pectin–TEOS gel position it as a strong contender for the advancement of smart biomaterials.