Silanized hydroxypropyl methylcellulose based hydrogels were developed for cartilage and intervertebral disc tissue engineering. Herein, study of dynamics of confined water showed two different populations, identified as hydration and bulk-like water. The diffusion coefficient showed that bulk-like water diffuses over distances ∼10 μm without being affected by the hydrogel matrix. Addition of silica nanofibers leads to improved mechanical properties and enhanced diffusion coefficient. Good diffusion within hydrogels is essential for the application.
Keywords: Cellulose; Confinement; Hydrogel; Interface; Water dynamics.
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