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Zhang Q, Yang X, Wang K, Xu Z, Liu W. A High-Density Hydrogen Bond Locking Strategy for Constructing Anisotropic High-Strength Hydrogel-Based Meniscus Substitute. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2310035. [PMID: 38509852 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202310035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 02/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
Mimicking anisotropic features is crucial for developing artificial load-bearing soft tissues such as menisci). Here, a high-density hydrogen bond locking (HDHBL) strategy, involving preloading a poly(N-acryloylsemicarbazide) (PNASC) hydrogel with an aqueous solution containing a hydrogen bond breaking agent, followed by water exchange, to fabricate anisotropic high-strength hydrogels are proposed. During this process, multiple high-density hydrogen bonds of the PNASC network are re-established, firmly freezing oriented molecular chains, and creating a network with an anisotropic microstructure. The resulting anisotropic hydrogels exhibit superior mechanical properties: tensile strength over 9 MPa, Young's modulus exceeding 120 MPa along the orientation direction, and fatigue thresholds exceeding 1900 J m-2. These properties meet the mechanical demands for load-bearing tissue substitutes compared to other reported anti-fatigue hydrogels. This strategy enables the construction of an anisotropic meniscal scaffold composed of circumferentially oriented microfibers by preloading a digital light processing-3D printed PNASC hydrogel-based wedge-shaped construct with a resilient poly(N-acryloyl glycinamide) hydrogel. The 12-week implantation of a meniscus scaffold in rabbit knee joints after meniscectomy demonstrates a chondroprotective effect on the femoral condyle and tibial plateau, substantially ameliorating the progression of osteoarthritis. The HDHBL strategy enables the fabrication of various anisotropic polymer hydrogels, broadening their scope of application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Zhang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Composite and Functional Materials, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300350, China
| | - Xuxuan Yang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Composite and Functional Materials, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300350, China
| | - Kuan Wang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Composite and Functional Materials, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300350, China
| | - Ziyang Xu
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Composite and Functional Materials, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300350, China
| | - Wenguang Liu
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Composite and Functional Materials, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300350, China
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Kumankuma-Sarpong J, Chang C, Hao J, Li T, Deng X, Han C, Li B. Entanglement Added to Cross-Linked Chains Enables Tough Gelatin-Based Hydrogel for Zn Metal Batteries. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024:e2403214. [PMID: 38748854 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202403214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2024] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024]
Abstract
Currently, it is still challenging to develop a hydrogel electrolyte matrix that can successfully achieve a harmonious combination of mechanical strength, ionic conductivity, and interfacial adaptability. Herein, a multi-networked hydrogel electrolyte with a high entanglement effect based on gelatin/oxidized dextran/methacrylic anhydride, denoted as ODGelMA is constructed. Attribute to the Schiff base network formulation of ─RC═N─, oxidized dextran integrated gelatin chains induce a dense hydrophilic conformation group. Furthermore, addition of methacrylic anhydride through a grafting process, the entangled hydrogel achieves impressive mechanical features (6.8 MPa tensile strength) and high ionic conductivity (3.68 mS cm-1 at 20 °C). The ODGelMA electrolyte regulates the zinc electrode by circumventing dendrite growth, and showcases an adaptable framework reservoir to accelerate the Zn2+ desolvation process. Benefiting from the entanglement effect, the Zn anode achieves an outstanding average Coulombic efficiency (CE) of 99.8% over 500 cycles and cycling stability of 900 h at 5 mA cm-2 and 2.5 mAh cm-2. The Zn||I2 full cell yields an ultra-long cycling stability of 10 000 cycles with a capacity retention of 92.4% at 5 C. Furthermore, a 60 mAh single-layer pouch cell maintains a stable work of 350 cycles.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Kumankuma-Sarpong
- Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Caiyun Chang
- Faculty of Materials Science and Energy Engineering, Shenzhen University of Advanced Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, China
- Institute of Technology for Carbon Neutrality, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Jing Hao
- Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Titi Li
- Faculty of Materials Science and Energy Engineering, Shenzhen University of Advanced Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Xianming Deng
- Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Cuiping Han
- Faculty of Materials Science and Energy Engineering, Shenzhen University of Advanced Technology, Shenzhen, 518055, China
- Institute of Technology for Carbon Neutrality, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Baohua Li
- Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, Shenzhen, 518055, China
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Li T, Zhao J, Yue Y, Han B, Wang W, Zhang H, Liu Z, Chen Z, Tian X. Preparation of nano-silver containing black phosphorus based on quaternized chitosan hydrogel and evaluating its effect on skin wound healing. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 268:131950. [PMID: 38685547 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.131950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Revised: 04/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
Hydrogels with favorable biocompatibility and antibacterial properties are essential in postoperative wound hemorrhage care, facilitating rapid wound healing. The present investigation employed electrostatic adsorption of black phosphorus nanosheets (BPNPs) and nano‑silver (AgNPs) to cross-link the protonated amino group NH3+ of quaternized chitosan (QCS) with the hydroxyl group of hyaluronic acid (HA). The electrostatic interaction between the two groups resulted in the formation of a three-dimensional gel network structure. Additionally, the hydrogel containing AgNPs deposited onto BPNPs was assessed for its antibacterial properties and effects on wound healing. Hydrogel demonstrated an outstanding drug-loading capacity and could be employed for wound closure. AgNPs loaded on the BPNPs released silver ions and exhibited potent antibacterial properties when exposed to 808 nm near-infrared (NIR) radiation. The ability of the hydrogel to promote wound healing in an acute wound model was further evaluated. The BPNPs were combined with HA and QCS in the aforementioned hydrogel system to improve adhesion, combine the photothermal and antibacterial properties of the BPNPs, and promote wound healing. Therefore, the reported hydrogels displayed excellent biocompatibility and hold significant potential for application in the field of tissue engineering for skin wound treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianjiao Li
- Key Laboratory of Xinjiang Phytomedicine Resource and Utilization, Ministry of Education, College of Pharmacy, Shihezi University, Shihezi 832002, China
| | - Jiaqi Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Xinjiang Phytomedicine Resource and Utilization, Ministry of Education, College of Pharmacy, Shihezi University, Shihezi 832002, China
| | - Yajuan Yue
- Key Laboratory of Xinjiang Phytomedicine Resource and Utilization, Ministry of Education, College of Pharmacy, Shihezi University, Shihezi 832002, China
| | - Bo Han
- Key Laboratory of Xinjiang Phytomedicine Resource and Utilization, Ministry of Education, College of Pharmacy, Shihezi University, Shihezi 832002, China
| | - Wenjuan Wang
- Sinopharm Xinjiang Pharmaceutical Co. LTD, Urumqi 830032, China
| | - Han Zhang
- College of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Zhiyong Liu
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shihezi University, Shihezi 832003, China.
| | - Zhenyang Chen
- Sinopharm Xinjiang Pharmaceutical Co. LTD, Urumqi 830032, China.
| | - Xing Tian
- Key Laboratory of Xinjiang Phytomedicine Resource and Utilization, Ministry of Education, College of Pharmacy, Shihezi University, Shihezi 832002, China; Sinopharm Xinjiang Pharmaceutical Co. LTD, Urumqi 830032, China.
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Chen S, Chen X, Luo K, Yang W, Yan X, Liu L. Thermo-growing ion clusters enabled healing strengthening and tough adhesion for highly reliable skin electronics. MATERIALS HORIZONS 2024; 11:1923-1933. [PMID: 38343364 DOI: 10.1039/d3mh01975f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
Self-healing and self-adhesion capacities are essential for many modern applications such as skin-interfaced electronics for improving longevity and reliability. However, the self-healing efficiency and adhesive toughness of most synthetic polymers are limited to their original network, making reliability under dynamic deformation still challenging. Herein, inspired by the growth of living organisms, a highly stretchable supramolecular elastomer based on thermo-responsive ion clusters and a dynamic polysulfide backbone was developed. Attributed to the synergic growth of ion clusters and dynamic exchange of disulfide bonds, the elastomer exhibited unique healing strengthening (healing efficiency >200%) and thermo-enhanced tough adhesion (interfacial toughness >500 J m-2) performances. To prove its practical application in highly reliable skin electronics, we further composited the elastomer with a zwitterion to prepare a highly conductive ionic elastomer and applied it in wearable strain sensing and long-term electrophysiological detection. This work provides a new avenue to realize high reliability in skin interfaced electronics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Song Chen
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Key Lab of Guangdong Province for High Property and Functional Macromolecular Materials, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510641, P. R. China.
- School of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Anhui University, Hefei, Anhui, 230601, P. R. China
| | - Xinyu Chen
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Key Lab of Guangdong Province for High Property and Functional Macromolecular Materials, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510641, P. R. China.
| | - Kaiying Luo
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Key Lab of Guangdong Province for High Property and Functional Macromolecular Materials, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510641, P. R. China.
| | - Wenwei Yang
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Key Lab of Guangdong Province for High Property and Functional Macromolecular Materials, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510641, P. R. China.
| | - Xueling Yan
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Key Lab of Guangdong Province for High Property and Functional Macromolecular Materials, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510641, P. R. China.
| | - Lan Liu
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Key Lab of Guangdong Province for High Property and Functional Macromolecular Materials, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510641, P. R. China.
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Liang M, Liu Q, Chen Q, Wu Y, Wu C, Wang Y. Self-Assembling Gelatin-Curdlan Fibril Hydrogels for Oriented Neural Cell Growth. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2024; 16:15741-15751. [PMID: 38518114 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c17379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/24/2024]
Abstract
The ex vivo replication of the highly helical and fibril structures of load-bearing soft tissue is a challenging goal for the study of hydrogels. Inspired by nature, we prepared tissue-like physical gels based on curdlan and gelatin by self-assembly. The hybrid gels have a flexible fibril-matrix architecture, and the fibril orientation is highly tunable. The tensile strength of the gels can be tuned from ∼1.1 to ∼16.5 MPa. The coil-helix transition and nanofibril formation process in the self-assembly system was thoroughly investigated. These helical gels exhibit excellent cell compatibility, which supports adhesion and oriented growth of neural cells. Furthermore, the oriented nanofibrils in the gel are found to be associated with an upregulated expression of regeneration-related genes like N-cadherin (Cdh2) and neural growth factor (NGF). Owing to the strength and biomimetic structure, these gels have great potential in tissue engineering applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minting Liang
- Institute of Biomedicine, Department of Cell Biology, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiuying Liu
- Institute of Biomedicine, Department of Cell Biology, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, People's Republic of China
| | - Qunjie Chen
- Institute of Biomedicine, Department of Cell Biology, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanting Wu
- Institute of Biomedicine, Department of Cell Biology, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, People's Republic of China
| | - Chaoxi Wu
- Institute of Biomedicine, Department of Cell Biology, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, People's Republic of China
| | - Yifei Wang
- Institute of Biomedicine, Department of Cell Biology, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, People's Republic of China
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Ju Y, Xue H, Yang P, Liu X, Sun J, Yu M, Lei L, Fang B. Nanosphere-reinforced polysaccharide self-healing hydrogels for infected wound healing. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 264:130593. [PMID: 38437934 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.130593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024]
Abstract
Bacterial infection remarkably impedes wound healing, with antibiotics traditionally serving as the primary therapeutic intervention. However, the escalating misuse of antibiotics and the emergence of bacterial resistance present substantial treatment challenges for infected wounds. Consequently, the development of antibiotic-free antimicrobial dressings holds pertinent research and clinical relevance. To this end, this study aimed to introduce an all-natural hydrogel dressing, amalgamating polyphenols and polysaccharides, exhibiting pronounced antibacterial and antioxidant properties without relying on antibiotics. First, we constructed curcumin-tannic acid‑zinc ion nanospheres (CTZN) through self-assembly. Our experimental results showed that the nanospheres had excellent biocompatibility, antioxidant, and antimicrobial abilities. Subsequently, we prepared carboxymethylated chitosan/oxidized sodium alginate hydrogels via Schiff base reactions. Incorporation of CTZN into the hydrogel system not only improves the inherent qualities of the hydrogel but also confers multifunctional properties, including antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory abilities. In this study, we enhanced the physicochemical properties and biological activity of hydrogels by introducing natural material nanospheres, offering a novel approach that could pave the way for the development of purely natural biomaterial dressings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yikun Ju
- Department of Plastic and Aesthetic (Burn) Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, China
| | - Huaqian Xue
- School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Ningxia 750004, China
| | - Pu Yang
- Department of Plastic and Aesthetic (Burn) Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, China
| | - Xiangjun Liu
- Department of Plastic and Aesthetic (Burn) Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, China
| | | | - Mengyi Yu
- Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China
| | - Lanjie Lei
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou 310015, China.
| | - Bairong Fang
- Department of Plastic and Aesthetic (Burn) Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, China.
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Cui Y, Zhang W, Shan J, He J, Niu Q, Zhu C, Wang W, Chen XL, Wang X. Copper Nanodots-Based Hybrid Hydrogels with Multiple Enzyme Activities for Acute and Infected Wound Repair. Adv Healthc Mater 2024; 13:e2302566. [PMID: 37931140 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202302566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
Effectively controlling bacterial infection, reducing the inflammation and promoting vascular regeneration are all essential strategies for wound repair. Nanozyme technology has potential applications in the treatment of infections because its non-antibiotic dependent, topical and noninvasive nature. In wound management, copper-based nanozymes have emerged as viable alternatives to antibiotics. In this study, an ultrasmall cupric enzyme with high enzymatic activity is synthesized and added to a nontoxic, self-healing, injectable cationic guar gum (CG) hydrogel network. The nanozyme exhibits remarkable antioxidant properties under neutral conditions, effectively scavenging reactive nitrogen and oxygen species (RNOS). Under acidic conditions, Cu NDs have peroxide (POD) enzyme-like activity, which allows them to eliminate hydrogen peroxides and produce free radicals locally. Antibacterial experiments show that they can kill bacteria and remove biofilms. It reveals that low concentrations of Cu ND/CG decrease the expression of the inflammatory factors in cells and tissues, effectively controlling inflammatory responses. Cu ND/CG hydrogels also inhibit HIF-1α and promote VEGF expression in the wound with the ability to promote vascular regeneration. In vivo safety assessments reveal a favorable biosafety profile. Cu ND/CG hydrogels offer a promising solution for treating acute and infected wounds, highlighting the potential of innovative nanomaterials in wound healing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuyu Cui
- Department of Burns, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Research and Engineering Center of Biomedical Materials, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Jie Shan
- Department of Burns, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Jia He
- Department of Burns, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Qiang Niu
- Department of Clinical Medicine, The First School of Clinical Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Can Zhu
- Department of Clinical Medicine, The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Wenqi Wang
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Research and Engineering Center of Biomedical Materials, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Xu-Lin Chen
- Department of Burns, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
| | - Xianwen Wang
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Research and Engineering Center of Biomedical Materials, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
- College and Hospital of Stomatology, Key Lab. of Oral Diseases Research of Anhui Province, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, P. R. China
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Ju Y, Yang P, Liu X, Qiao Z, Shen N, Lei L, Fang B. Microenvironment Remodeling Self-Healing Hydrogel for Promoting Flap Survival. Biomater Res 2024; 28:0001. [PMID: 38390027 PMCID: PMC10882600 DOI: 10.34133/bmr.0001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Random flap grafting is a routine procedure used in plastic and reconstructive surgery to repair and reconstruct large tissue defects. Flap necrosis is primarily caused by ischemia-reperfusion injury and inadequate blood supply to the distal flap. Ischemia-reperfusion injury leads to the production of excessive reactive oxygen species, creating a pathological microenvironment that impairs cellular function and angiogenesis. In this study, we developed a microenvironment remodeling self-healing hydrogel [laminarin-chitosan-based hydrogel-loaded extracellular vesicles and ceria nanozymes (LCH@EVs&CNZs)] to improve the flap microenvironment and synergistically promote flap regeneration and survival. The natural self-healing hydrogel (LCH) was created by the oxidation laminarin and carboxymethylated chitosan via a Schiff base reaction. We loaded this hydrogel with CNZs and EVs. CNZs are a class of nanomaterials with enzymatic activity known for their strong scavenging capacity for reactive oxygen species, thus alleviating oxidative stress. EVs are cell-secreted vesicular structures containing thousands of bioactive substances that can promote cell proliferation, migration, differentiation, and angiogenesis. The constructed LCH@EVs&CNZs demonstrated a robust capacity for scavenging excess reactive oxygen species, thereby conferring cellular protection in oxidative stress environments. Moreover, these constructs notably enhance cell migration and angiogenesis. Our results demonstrate that LCH@EVs&CNZs effectively remodel the pathological skin flap microenvironment and marked improve flap survival. This approach introduces a new therapeutic strategy combining microenvironmental remodeling with EV therapy, which holds promise for promoting flap survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yikun Ju
- Department of Plastic and Aesthetic (Burn) Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China
| | - Pu Yang
- Department of Plastic and Aesthetic (Burn) Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China
| | - Xiangjun Liu
- Department of Plastic and Aesthetic (Burn) Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China
| | - Zhihua Qiao
- Department of Plastic and Aesthetic (Burn) Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China
| | - Naisi Shen
- Department of Plastic and Aesthetic (Burn) Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China
| | - Lanjie Lei
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310015, China
| | - Bairong Fang
- Department of Plastic and Aesthetic (Burn) Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China
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Ma Y, Gong J, Li Q, Liu X, Qiao C, Zhang J, Zhang S, Li Z. Triple-Mechanism Enhanced Flexible SiO 2 Nanofiber Composite Hydrogel with High Stiffness and Toughness for Cartilaginous Ligaments. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024:e2310046. [PMID: 38183373 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202310046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/08/2024]
Abstract
Hydrogels are widely used in tissue engineering, soft robotics and wearable electronics. However, it is difficult to achieve both the required toughness and stiffness, which severely hampers their application as load-bearing materials. This study presents a strategy to develop a hard and tough composite hydrogel. Herein, flexible SiO2 nanofibers (SNF) are dispersed homogeneously in a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) matrix using the synergistic effect of freeze-drying and annealing through the phase separation, the modulation of macromolecular chain movement and the promotion of macromolecular crystallization. When the stress is applied, the strong molecular interaction between PVA and SNF effectively disperses the load damage to the substrate. Freeze-dried and annealed-flexible SiO2 nanofibers/polyvinyl alcohol (FDA-SNF/PVA) reaches a preferred balance between enhanced stiffness (13.71 ± 0.28 MPa) and toughness (9.9 ± 0.4 MJ m-3 ). Besides, FDA-SNF/PVA hydrogel has a high tensile strength of 7.84 ± 0.10 MPa, super elasticity (no plastic deformation under 100 cycles of stretching), fast deformation recovery ability and excellent mechanical properties that are superior to the other tough PVA hydrogels, providing an effective way to optimize the mechanical properties of hydrogels for potential applications in artificial tendons and ligaments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yvqing Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Separation Membranes and Membrane Processes/ National Center for International Joint Research on Separation Membranes/Key Laboratory of Advanced Textile Composites of Ministry of Education, School of Textile Science and Engineering, Tiangong University, Tianjin, 300387, P. R. China
| | - Jixian Gong
- State Key Laboratory of Separation Membranes and Membrane Processes/ National Center for International Joint Research on Separation Membranes/Key Laboratory of Advanced Textile Composites of Ministry of Education, School of Textile Science and Engineering, Tiangong University, Tianjin, 300387, P. R. China
| | - Qiujin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Separation Membranes and Membrane Processes/ National Center for International Joint Research on Separation Membranes/Key Laboratory of Advanced Textile Composites of Ministry of Education, School of Textile Science and Engineering, Tiangong University, Tianjin, 300387, P. R. China
| | - Xiuming Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Separation Membranes and Membrane Processes/ National Center for International Joint Research on Separation Membranes/Key Laboratory of Advanced Textile Composites of Ministry of Education, School of Textile Science and Engineering, Tiangong University, Tianjin, 300387, P. R. China
| | - Changsheng Qiao
- School of Biological Engineering, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin, 300457, P. R. China
| | - Jianfei Zhang
- National Innovation Center of Advanced Dyeing and Finishing Technology, Taian, 271001, P. R. China
| | - Songnan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Separation Membranes and Membrane Processes/ National Center for International Joint Research on Separation Membranes/Key Laboratory of Advanced Textile Composites of Ministry of Education, School of Textile Science and Engineering, Tiangong University, Tianjin, 300387, P. R. China
| | - Zheng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Separation Membranes and Membrane Processes/ National Center for International Joint Research on Separation Membranes/Key Laboratory of Advanced Textile Composites of Ministry of Education, School of Textile Science and Engineering, Tiangong University, Tianjin, 300387, P. R. China
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