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Strong and tough nanofibrous hydrogel composites based on biomimetic principles
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Document Title
Strong and tough nanofibrous hydrogel composites based on biomimetic principles
Author
Tonsomboon K., Butcher A.L., Oyen M.L.
Name from Authors Collection
Affiliations
Department of Engineering, The Nanoscience Centre, 11 JJ Thomson Avenue, Cambridge, CB3 0FF, United Kingdom; National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC), National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), Klong Luang, Pathum Thani, Thailand
Type
Article
Source Title
Materials Science and Engineering C
ISSN
09284931
Year
2017
Volume
72
Page
220-227
Open Access
All Open Access, Hybrid Gold, Green
Publisher
Elsevier Ltd
DOI
10.1016/j.msec.2016.11.025
Format
Abstract
Mechanically robust hydrogels are required for many tissue engineering applications to serve as cell-supporting structures. Unlike natural tissues, the majority of existing tough hydrogels lack ordered microstructures organized to withstand specific loading conditions. In this work, electrospun gelatin nanofibres, mimicking the collagen network in native tissues, are used to strengthen and resist crack propagation in brittle alginate hydrogels. Aligned nanofibre reinforcement enhances the tensile strength of the hydrogels by up to two orders of magnitude. The nanofibres can be arranged as multilayer laminates with varying orientations, which increases the toughness by two orders of magnitude compared with the unreinforced hydrogel. This work demonstrates a two-part strategy of fibre reinforcement and composite lamination in manufacturing strong and tough hydrogels with flexible microstructures to suit different mechanical and biomedical requirements. © 2016 The Authors
Keyword
Fracture | Hydrogel | Nanocomposite | Nanofibres | Toughness
Industrial Classification
Knowledge Taxonomy Level 1
Knowledge Taxonomy Level 2
Knowledge Taxonomy Level 3
Funding Sponsor
Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council
License
N/A
Rights
N/A
Publication Source
Scopus