Polysaccharide-based recoverable double-network hydrogel with high strength and self-healing properties

J Mater Chem B. 2020 Jan 28;8(4):794-802. doi: 10.1039/c9tb01679a. Epub 2020 Jan 6.

Abstract

Polysaccharide-based hydrogels (PSBHs) have received significant attention for numerous bio-applications due to their biocompatibility and non-immunogenic performance. However, the construction of PSBH with superior mechanical properties by a simple method is rarely adequately researched. This study focuses on the construction of a novel PSBH with superior mechanical and recoverable properties by integrating the synergistic and complementary interactions of covalent bond-associated oxidized sodium alginate (SA-CHO) gel and hydrogen bond-associated agarose (Aga) gel. With the synergy and complementarity of the SA-CHO and Aga networks, the hydrogel exhibited 17 and 15 times (20 and 9 times) greater compressive stress and modulus, respectively, compared with the SA-CHO gel (Aga gel). The hydrogel also displayed excellent fatigue resistance, recurrent shapeability, acid resistance and recovery ability, as well as self-healing ability. This study provides a unique perspective for enhancing the mechanical properties of PSBH through the synergy and complementarity of different kinds of polysaccharides without sacrificing the functionality of the PSBH.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Alginates / chemistry*
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Humans
  • Hydrogels / chemistry*
  • Materials Testing
  • Polysaccharides / chemistry*
  • Sepharose / chemistry*
  • Stress, Mechanical*

Substances

  • Alginates
  • Hydrogels
  • Polysaccharides
  • Sepharose