Synergistic Reinforcing Mechanisms in Cellulose Nanofibrils Composite Hydrogels: Interfacial Dynamics, Energy Dissipation, and Damage Resistance

Bioinspired pullulan-starch nanoplatelets nanocomposite films with enhanced mechanical properties

Inspired by the leaf-vein network structure, the pullulan-starch nanoplatelets (SNPs) bioinspired films with enhanced strength and toughness were successfully fabricated through a water evaporation-induced self-assembly technique. SNPs (SNP200 and SNP600) of two sizes were separated by differential centrifugation. Interactions between SNPs and pullulan during drying resulted in the vein-like network structure in both nanocomposite films when the appropriate amounts of SNP200 or SNP600 were added to pullulan, respectively. The TS and toughness values of pullulan with 1 % w/w SNP200 films reached up to 51.05 MPa and 69.65 MJ·m-3, which were 86 % and 223 % higher than those of the neat pullulan films, respectively. Moreover, the TS and toughness values of pullulan-SNP200 were significantly higher than those of pullulan-SNP600 films, when SNP content exceeded the 1 % w/w level. By applying a graph theory, the network structures were found to correlate with the mechanical properties of the pullulan-SNPs bioinspired films. The new strategy for designing starch nanoplatelets-based edible films that combine mechanical strength and toughness holds promises for the development of novel biobased composite materials for food packaging application.

Multifunctional soybean protein isolate-graft-carboxymethyl cellulose composite as all-biodegradable and mechanically robust mulch film for "green" agriculture

Multifunctional mulch films with robust mechanical behaviors of biopolymer-based biodegradable mulch materials were highly demanded in promoting the development of "green" agriculture. Herein, a sort of mechanically robust and all-biodegradable soybean protein isolate-graft‑sodium carboxymethyl cellulose composite mulch film was innovatively proposed through the amidation reactions between -COOH on protonated sodium carboxymethyl cellulose and -NH2 on soybean protein isolate. Arising from the reinforced intermolecular interactions upon chemical covalent bonds and physical hydrogen bonds, the maximum tensile strength and the elongation at break were increased from 10.61 MPa and 20.67 % for sodium carboxymethyl cellulose film to 42.15 MPa and 24.8 % for the optimized soybean protein isolate-graft‑sodium carboxymethyl cellulose composite mulch film, respectively. In addition, experimental results showed that the optimized soybean protein isolate-graft‑sodium carboxymethyl cellulose composite mulch film possesses soil moisture retention and controlled urea release properties. When employed as mulch film in practice, the cabbage seed presents higher germination when soil was covered with this versatile mulch film compared to commercial low-density polyethylene mulch film. Our discoveries build a prototype for the manufacture of eco-friendly mulch films with high mechanical strength, soil moisture retention, controlled urea release features.

Water-Induced Cellulose Nanofibers/Poly(vinyl alcohol) Hydrogels Regulated by Hydrogen Bonding for In Situ Water Shutoff

Hydrogels have been widely applied to the water shutoff in oilfields due to their excellent three-dimensional network and thermal and physicochemical stability, and it is still a huge challenge to develop new hydrogels with simple preparation, low cost, and high mechanical performance that can meet the requirements of practical applications. Herein, we devised a simple and universal manufacturing method for regulating the hydrogen bonds between poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and cellulose nanofibers (CNF) via the water-diffusion action, thus fabricating a physically tough PVA-CNF hydrogel for the in situ water shutoff. This method allowed the polymer chains to strengthen the molecular interactions between polymers upon replacing with water (a poor solvent) to regulate the cross-linking structure, characterizing by the nano-crystallinity domains and fibrillar segments, which also accounted for the thermal stability, extraordinary elasticity, high stretchability, and toughness of PVA-CNF hydrogel. Further, the obtained PVA-CNF hydrogel exhibited superb plugging performance, that is, the breakthrough pressure gradient could reach 71.56 MPa·m-1, surpassing all currently reported gelling water shutoff agents. This water-induced in situ hydrogelation made it well suited as a water shutoff agent in oilfields and may provide a promising strategy to fabricate mechanically robust smart materials for the water shutoff projects with low cost, simple processing, and high efficiency.

An injectable and self-healing cellulose nanofiber-reinforced alginate hydrogel for bone repair

Biomedical materials are in high demand for transplantation in cases of diseased or damaged bone tissue. Hydrogels are potential candidates for bone defect repair; however, traditional hydrogels lack the necessary strength and multiple functions. Herein, we effectively synthesized a cellulose nanofiber (CNF)-reinforced oxidized alginate (OSA)/gelatin (Gel) semi-interpenetrating network hydrogel through a facile one-step approach without a cross-linker by using the synergistic effects of dynamic imine bonds and hydrogen bonds. The OSA/Gel/CNF sample showed a notable compressive modulus (up to 361.3 KPa). The gelation time (~150 s) ensured excellent injectability. Self-healing exhibited a high efficiency of up to 92 %, which would enable minimally invasive, dynamic adjustments and personalized therapies. Furthermore, the OSA/Gel/CNF hydrogel showed excellent biomineralization (Ca/P ratio ~ 1.69) and enhanced preosteoblast cell (MC3T3-E1) viability (over 96 %), proliferation, and osteogenic differentiation. Thus, this multifunctional hydrogel has promising potential for using in the bone tissue repairs.

APPROACHING SUSTAINABILITY: NANOCELLULOSE REINFORCED ELASTOMERS—A REVIEW

Awareness of the environmental implications of conventional reinforcing fillers and the urge to reduce the carbon footprint have lead researchers to focus more on natural and sustainable materials. Nanocellulose from multitudinous sources finds use in elastomer engineering because of its distinctive properties, such as renewability, sustainability, abundance, biodegradability, high aspect ratio, excellent mechanical properties, and low cost. Green alternatives for conventional fillers in elastomer reinforcing have gained considerable interest to curb the risk of fillers from nonrenewable sources. The differences in properties of nanocellulose and elastomers render attractiveness in the search for synergistic properties resulting from their combination. This review addresses the isolation techniques for nanocellulose and challenges in its incorporation into the elastomer matrix. Surface modifications for solving incompatibility between filler and matrices are discussed. Processing of nanocomposites, various characterization techniques, mechanical behavior, and potential applications of nanocellulose elastomer composites are also discussed in detail.

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Bio-inspired hydrogels with fibrous structure: A review on design and biomedical applications

Numerous tissues in the human body have fibrous structures, including the extracellular matrix, muscles, and heart, which perform critical biological functions and have exceptional mechanical strength. Due to their high-water content, softness, biocompatibility and elastic nature, hydrogels resemble biological tissues. Traditional hydrogels, on the other hand, have weak mechanical properties and lack tissue-like fibrous structures, limiting their potential applications. Thus, bio-inspired hydrogels with fibrous architectures have piqued the curiosity of biomedical researchers. Here, we review fabrication strategies for fibrous hydrogels and their recent progress in the biomedical fields of wound dressings, drug delivery, tissue engineering scaffolds and bioadhesives. Challenges and future perspectives are also discussed.

Histatin-1 loaded multifunctional, adhesive and conductive biomolecular hydrogel to treat diabetic wound

Micro-/macroangiopathy, neuropathy and prolonged inflammation are common in diabetic wound, however, traditional wound dressing cannot treat these problems in the same time. Herein, we developed a multifunctional hydrogel with promoted angiogenesis, cell proliferation and anti-inflammation ability to treat diabetic wound. The hydrogel was composed of natural polymers, including gelatin and chitosan, which have excellent biocompatibility. Histatin-1 (His-1) was added into the hydrogel to improve the cell adhesion, proliferation and angiogenesis. Besides, polypyrrole based conductive nanoparticles (G-Ppy) were introduced in the hydrogel to enhance the electrical signal conduction between skin and promote the mechanical strength of the hydrogel. The polypyrrole nanoparticles were growth in the chain of methacryloyl grafted gelatin (Gel-MA), leading to a better biocompatibility and water dispersibility. In vivo wound healing experiment proved that the hydrogel accelerated the wound healing rate, down regulation the expression of pro-inflammation factor TNF-α and upregulation the expression of CD31 and α-SMA, indicating the prospects in the application of diabetic wound healing.

Research progress of smart response composite hydrogels based on nanocellulose

In recent years, smart-responsive nanocellulose composite hydrogels have attracted extensive attention due to their unique porous substrate, hydrophilic properties, biocompatibility and stimulus responsiveness. At present, the research on smart response nanocellulose composite hydrogel mainly focuses on the selection of composite materials and the construction of internal chemical bonds. The common composite materials and connection methods used for preparation of smart response nanocellulose composite hydrogels are compared according to the different types of response sources such as temperature, pH and so on. The response mechanisms and the application prospects of different response types of nanocellulose composite hydrogels are summarized, and the transformation of internal ions, functional groups and chemical bonds, as well as the changes in mechanical properties such as modulus and strength are discussed. Finally, the shortcomings and application prospects of nanocellulose smart response composite hydrogels are summarized and prospected.

3D printing and properties of cellulose nanofibrils-reinforced quince seed mucilage bio-inks

Plant-based hydrogels have attracted great attention in biomedical fields since they are biocompatible and based on natural, sustainable, cost-effective, and widely accessible sources. Here, we introduced new viscoelastic bio-inks composed of quince seed mucilage and cellulose nanofibrils (QSM/CNF) easily extruded into 3D lattice structures through direct ink writing in ambient conditions. The QSM/CNF inks enabled precise control on printing fidelity where CNF endowed objects with shape stability after freeze-drying and with suitable porosity, water uptake capacity, and mechanical strength. The compressive and elastic moduli of samples produced at the highest CNF content were both increased by ~100% (from 5.1 ± 0.2 kPa and 32 ± 1 kPa to 10.7 ± 0.5 and 64 ± 2 kPa, respectively). These values ideally matched those reported for soft tissues; accordingly, the cell compatibility of the printed samples was evaluated against HepG2 cells (human liver cancer). The results confirmed the 3D hydrogels as being non-cytotoxic and suitable to support attachment, survival, and proliferation of the cells. All in all, the newly developed inks allowed sustainable 3D bio-hydrogels fitting the requirements as scaffolds for soft tissue engineering.

Revealing the enhanced structural recovery and gelation mechanisms of cation-induced cellulose nanofibrils composite hydrogels

In this study, we fabricate physically dual-crosslinked cellulose-based hydrogels by varying coordination bonding effects with the addition of either divalent or trivalent metal cations. The first crosslinked network is created by metal-carboxylate coordination bonds between the cellulose nanofibrils that have abundant carboxyl groups and the metal cations. The second crosslinked network is formed by the reaction of tetra-functional borate ion complex and the hydroxyl groups in polyvinyl alcohol. These physically dual-crosslinked networks are strongly interwoven by non-sacrificial hydrogen bonds, this dual-crosslinked network leads to enhanced recovery characteristics in the resulting hydrogels. We use three interval thixotropic testing to investigate the deformation and recovery behaviors of the hydrogels and plot their structural deformation parameters in phase diagrams to understand the underlying complexity of energy dissipation and viscoelastic dynamics of the dual-crosslinked hydrogels.

Dynamic nanocellulose hydrogels: Recent advancements and future outlook

Nanocellulose is of great interest in material science nowadays mainly because of its hydrophilic, renewable, biodegradable, and biocompatible nature, as well as its excellent mechanical strength and tailorable surface ready for modification. Currently, nanocellulose is attracting attention to overcome the current challenges of dynamic hydrogels: robustness, autonomous self-healing, and self-recovery (SELF) properties simultaneously occurring in one system. In this regard, this review aims to explore current advances in design and fabrication of dynamic nanocellulose hydrogels and elucidate how incorporating nanocellulose with dynamic motifs simultaneously improves both SELF and robustness of hydrogels. Finally, current challenges and prospects of dynamic nanocellulose hydrogels are discussed.

Soft-hard hybrid covalent-network polymer sponges with super resilience, recoverable energy dissipation and fatigue resistance under large deformation

Energy absorption or dissipation ability has been widely developed in tough hydrogels and 3D nano-structured sponges for a variety of applications. However, fully recoverable energy dissipation and fatigue resistance under large deformation is still challenging yet highly desirable. Polymer network with homogeneous chemical crosslinking structures is an efficient way to construct hydrogels with high resilience and fatigue resistance. Unfortunately, such polymer network usually has poor energy dissipation capability. In this paper, we propose a new approach to build the ability of fully recoverable energy dissipation into covalent-crosslink polymer network by integrating soft and hard chains in a uniform crosslinking network and present the one-pot synthesis method for constructing corresponding polymer sponges by low-temperature phase-separation photopolymerization. The application of such polymer sponges as a tissue engineering scaffold, fabricated by using cyclic acetal units and PEG based monomers in particular is demonstrated. For the first time, we show the feasibility of building a synthetic scaffold with the characteristics of high porosity, super compressibility and resilience, fast recovery, completely recoverable energy dissipation, high fatigue resistance, biodegradability and biocompatibility. Such a scaffold is promising in tissue engineering especially in load-bearing applications.

New insights into food hydrogels with reinforced mechanical properties: A review on innovative strategies

Enhancement on the mechanical properties of hydrogels leads to a wider range of their applications in various fields. Therefore, there has been a great interest recently for developing new strategies to reinforce hydrogels. Moreover, food gels must be edible in terms of both raw materials and production. This paper reviews innovative techniques such as particle/fiber-reinforced hydrogel, double network, dual crosslinking, freeze-thaw cycles, physical conditioning and soaking methods to improve the mechanical properties of hydrogels. Additionally, their fundamental mechanisms, advantages and disadvantages have been discussed. Important biopolymers that have been employed for these strategies and also their potentials in food applications have been summarized. The general mechanism of these strategies is based on increasing the degree of crosslinking between interacting polymers in hydrogels. These links can be formed by adding fillers (oil droplets or fibers in filled gels) or cross-linkers (regarding double network and soaking method) and also by condensation or alignment of the biopolymers (freeze-thaw cycle and physical conditioning) in the gel network. The properties of particle/fiber-reinforced hydrogels extremely depend on the filler, gel matrix and the interaction between them. In freeze-thaw cycles and physical conditioning methods, it is possible to form new links in the gel network without adding any cross-linkers or fillers. It is expected that the utilization of gels will get broader and more varied in food industries by using these strategies.

Gelatin Hydrogels Reinforced by Absorbable Nanoparticles and Fibrils Cured In Situ by Visible Light for Tissue Adhesive Applications

Most gelatin hydrogels used in regenerative medicine applications today are fabricated by photocrosslinking due to the convenience and speed of this method. However, in most cases photoinitiators are used, which require UV light, which, in turn, can cause cell and tissue damage, or using functionalized gelatin. Recently, ruthenium (II) tris-bipyridyl chloride has been studied as an initiator that can induce dityrosine bond formation using visible light. In addition, continuous fibrils and small particles are often used to reinforce composite materials. Therefore, this study investigated the visible-light-induced photocrosslinking of native gelatin molecules via dityrosine bonds formation as well as gel reinforcement by collagen fibrils and mesoporous bioactive glass (MBG) particles. The results show that collagen and MBG exerted a synergistic effect on maintaining gel integrity with a dental LED curing light when the irradiation time was shortened to 30 s. Without the two reinforcing components, the gel could not form a geometric shape stable gel even when the exposure time was 120 s. The shear strength increased by 62% with the collagen and MBG compared with the blank control. Furthermore, our results demonstrate that the addition of collagen and MBG enhanced gel stability in an artificial saliva solution. These results demonstrate the considerable advantages of using tyrosine-containing biomolecules, and using a dental LED curing light for the crosslinking of hydrogels in terms of their suitability and feasibility for use as bioadhesives in confined clinical working space, such as the oral cavity, and in application as in situ-crosslinked injectable hydrogels.

Nanochitin/metal ion dual reinforcement in synthetic polyacrylamide network-based nanocomposite hydrogels

Nanocomposite hydrogels consisting of a synthetic matrix reinforced by nanosized crystalline polysaccharides offer significant potential in various fields. Different from nanocellulose, the combination of nanochitin with synthetic polymers to obtain nanocomposite hydrogels has not been extensively and systematically studied. Herein, a physically and chemically dual crosslinked nanocomposite hydrogel was successfully synthesized, where chitin nanowhiskers (ChNWs) and Zn²⁺ were incorporated within polyacrylamide (PAAm) matrix. Nanochitin/metal ion dual reinforcement imparts increased elasticity, enhanced mechanical properties, and improved recovery performance to PAAm network. The PAAm/ChNWs/Zn²⁺ hydrogel could be stretched to over 13 times its original length with tensile strength of 321.9 ± 8.2 kPa, and restore its original shape rapidly even when compressed at a strain of 95% with a corresponding compressive strength of 6.95 ± 0.20 MPa. The multiple crosslinks and interactions among ChNWs, Zn²⁺ and synthetic polymeric network were investigated. Moreover, the hydrogel was applied in drug release and soft bioelectronics.

Dynamic plant-derived polysaccharide-based hydrogels

Plant-derived polysaccharides are widely used to fabricate hydrogels because of their ease of gelation and functionalization, plus exceptional biological properties. As an example, nanocellulose is a suitable candidate to fabricate hydrogels for tissue engineering applications due to its enhanced mechanical and biological properties. However, hydrogels are prone to permanent failure whilst under load without the ability to reform their networks once damaged. Recently, considerable efforts are being made to fabricate dynamic hydrogels via installation of reversible crosslinks within their networks. In this paper, we review the developments in the design of dynamic hydrogels from plant-derived polysaccharides, and discuss their applications in tissue engineering, sensors, bioelectronics devices, etc. The main goal of the paper is to elucidate how the network design of hydrogels can influence their dynamic properties: self-healing and self-recovery. Complementary to this, current challenges and prospects of dynamic plant-derived hydrogels are discussed.

Highly Stretchable, Strain-Sensitive, and Ionic-Conductive Cellulose-Based Hydrogels for Wearable Sensors

To extend the applications of natural polymer-based hydrogels to wearable sensors, it is both important and a great challenge to improve their mechanical and electrical performance. In this work, highly stretchable, strain-sensitive, and ionic-conductive cellulose-based hydrogels (CHs) were prepared by random copolymerization of allyl cellulose and acrylic acid. The acquired hydrogels exhibit high stretchability (~142% of tensile strain) and good transparency (~86% at 550 nm). In addition, the hydrogels not only demonstrate better sensitivity in a wide linear range (0–100%) but also exhibit excellent repeatable and stable signals even after 1000 cycles. Notably, hydrogel-based wearable sensors were successfully constructed to detect human movements. Their reliability, sensitivity, and wide-range properties endow the CHs with great potential for application in various wearable sensors.

Self-healing stimuli-responsive cellulose nanocrystal hydrogels

A facile and universal approach to prepare cellulose nanocrystal reinforced functional hydrogels is proposed. An organic solvent-free and eco-friendly method was adopted, where both the modification and polymerization were conducted in an aqueous solution. Cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) and sodium alginate (SA) were first oxidized under mild conditions to introduce aldehyde groups. Subsequently, amine-containing vinyl functionalized monomers were introduced to the surface of CNC or backbone of oxidized SA via a dynamic Schiff-base reaction. The bio-based hydrogels were then prepared via a one-pot in-situ polymerization, where the functional CNC and SA served as novel macro-cross-linkers that contributed to the structural integrity and mechanical stability of the hydrogels. The hydrogels displayed uniform chemical and macroscopic structures and could self-heal within several hours at room temperature. The design of specific monomers will allow the introduction of stimuli-responsive properties to the functional hydrogels and a chemically robust thermally-triggered actuator was demonstrated. Due to its flexible design and practical approach, the hydrogels could find potential uses in agricultural and pharmaceutical products.

Strain Rate-Dependent Viscoelasticity and Fracture Mechanics of Cellulose Nanofibril Composite Hydrogels

In this work, the composite hydrogel toughening behaviors as manifested by strain rate-dependent viscoelastic properties and enhanced fracture mechanics, that is, suppressed catastrophic crack propagation with increased resistance, are systematically examined by using cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) as fillers in the polyacrylamide (PAAm) matrix. The uniaxial deformation tests show that the tearing energy increases with crack velocity and becomes dominated by the viscoelastic energy dissipation in front of the crack tip. The creep dynamics of the composite hydrogels under a constant stress is examined, and the results indicate that the incorporation of the CNF pronouncedly suppresses the creep deformation. In addition, the microdeformation and failure mechanisms are analyzed through the observation of morphology of arrested crack tips and the damage zone by transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. By aligning the CNF along the crack direction, it is possible to focus on the study of interfacial slip mechanics and identify the role of interfacial slip during the energy dissipation process. The results indicate that the CNFs are largely orientated parallel to the loading direction to maximize the energy dissipation, where the initiation of crack propagation is the primary fracture mechanism in composite hydrogels. The coarse feature on the composite fracture surface implies that the CNF initiates deflection of crack propagation fronts and thus increases the strain energy for continuation of the fracture. It is envisioned that with the incorporation of interdisciplinary strategies, one can rationally combine multiple approaches toward the creation of nanocomposite hydrogels with enhanced mechanical properties.

Cellulose nanocrystals and cellulose nanofibrils based hydrogels for biomedical applications

The production of cellulose nanomaterials from lignocellulosic biomass opens an opportunity for the development and application of new materials in nanotechnology. Over the last decade, cellulose nanomaterials based hydrogels have emerged as promising materials in the field of biomedical applications due to their low toxicity, biocompatibility, biodegradability, as well as excellent mechanical stability. In this review, recent progress on the preparation of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) and cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) based hydrogels and their biomedical applications is summarized and discussed based on the analyses of the latest studies (especially for the reports in the past five years). We begin with a brief introduction of the differences in preparation methods and properties of two main types of cellulose nanomaterials: CNCs and CNFs isolated from lignocellulosic biomass. Then, various processes for the fabrication of CNCs based hydrogels and CNFs based hydrogels were elaborated, respectively, with the focus on some new methods (e.g. 3D printing). Furthermore, a number of biomedical applications of CNCs and CNFs based hydrogels, including drug delivery, wound dressings and tissue engineering scaffolds were highlighted. Finally, the prospects and ongoing challenges of CNCs and CNFs based hydrogels for biomedical applications were summarized. This work demonstrated that the CNCs and CNFs based hydrogels have great promise in a wide range of biomedical applications in the future.

Composite Double-Network Hydrogels To Improve Adhesion on Biological Surfaces

Despite the development of hydrogels with high mechanical properties, insufficient adhesion between these materials and biological surfaces significantly limits their use in the biomedical field. By controlling toughening processes, we designed a composite double-network hydrogel with ∼90% water content, which creates a dissipative interface and robustly adheres to soft tissues such as cartilage and meniscus. A double-network matrix composed of covalently cross-linked poly(ethylene glycol) dimethacrylate and ionically cross-linked alginate was reinforced with nanofibrillated cellulose. No tissue surface modification was needed to obtain high adhesion properties of the developed hydrogel. Instead, mechanistic principles were used to control interfacial crack propagation. Comparing to commercial tissue adhesives, the integration of the dissipative polymeric network on the soft tissue surfaces allowed a significant increase in the adhesion strength, such as ∼130 kPa for articular cartilage. Our findings highlight the significant role of controlling hydrogel structure and dissipation processes for toughening the interface. This research provides a promising path to the development of highly adhesive hydrogels for tissues repair.

Multifunctional cellulose-based hydrogels for biomedical applications

In recent decades, cellulose has been extensively investigated due to its favourable properties, such as hydrophilicity, low-cost, biodegradability, biocompatibility, and non-toxicity, which makes it a good feedstock for the synthesis of biocompatible hydrogels. The plentiful hydrophilic functional groups (such as hydroxyl, carboxyl, and aldehyde groups) in the backbone of cellulose and its derivatives can be used to prepare hydrogels easily with fascinating structures and properties, leading to burgeoning research interest in biomedical applications. This review focuses on state-of-the-art progress in cellulose-based hydrogels, which covers from their preparation methods (including chemical methods and physical methods) and physicochemical properties (such as stimuli-responsive properties, mechanical properties, and self-healing properties) to their biomedical applications, including drug delivery, tissue engineering, wound dressing, bioimaging, wearable sensors and so on. Moreover, the current challenges and future prospects for cellulose-based hydrogels in regard to their biomedical applications are also discussed at the end.

High-Strength, Tough, and Self-Healing Nanocomposite Physical Hydrogels Based on the Synergistic Effects of Dynamic Hydrogen Bond and Dual Coordination Bonds

Dynamic noncovalent interactions with reversible nature are critical for the integral synthesis of self-healing biological materials. In this work, we developed a simple one-pot strategy to prepare a fully physically cross-linked nanocomposite hydrogel through the formation of the hydrogen bonds and dual metal-carboxylate coordination bonds within supramolecular networks, in which iron ions (Fe³⁺) and TEMPO oxidized cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) acted as cross-linkers and led to the improved mechanical strength, toughness, time-dependent self-recovery capability and self-healing property. The spectroscopic analysis and rheological measurements corroborated the existence of hydrogen bonds and dual coordination bonds. The mechanical tests and microscopic morphology were explored to elucidate the recovery properties and toughening mechanisms. The hydrogen bonds tend to preferentially break prior to the coordination bonds associated complexes that act as skeleton to maintain primary structure integrity, and the survived coordination bonds with dynamic feature also serve as sacrificial bonds to dissipate another amount of energy after the rupture of hydrogen bonds, which collectively maximize the contribution of sacrificial bonds to energy dissipation while affording elasticity. Additionally, the multiple noncovalent interactions in diverse types synergistically serve as dynamic but highly stable associations, leading to the effective self-healing efficiency over 90% after damage. We expect that this facile strategy of incorporating the biocompatible and biodegradable CNFs as building blocks may enrich the avenue in exploration of dynamic and tunable cellulosic hydrogels to expand their potential applications in the biomedical field.