Mounting evidences have recognized that dual cross-link and double-network gels can promisingly recapitulate the complex living tissue architecture and overcome mechanical limitations of conventional scaffolds used hitherto in regenerative medicine. Here, dual cross-link gels formed of a bioactive lactose-modified chitosan reticulated via both temporary (boric acid-based) and permanent (genipin-based) cross-linkers are reported. While boric acid rapidly binds to lactitol flanking diols increasing the overall viscosity, a slow temperature-driven genipin binding process takes place allowing for network strengthening. Combination of frequency and stress sweep experiments in the linear stress-strain region shows that ultimate gel strength, toughness, and viscoelasticity depend on polymer-to-genipin molar ratio. Notably, herewith it is demonstrated that linear stretching correlates with strain energy dissipation through boric acid binding/unbinding dynamics. Strain-hardening effect in the nonlinear regime, along with good biocompatibility in vitro, points at an interesting role of present system as biological extracellular matrix substitute.
Keywords: adaptable mechanics; bioactive biopolymer; dual cross-link hydrogel; mechanotransduction; tissue engineering.
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