1
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Duarte LKR, Rizzi LG. Revisiting the strain-induced softening behaviour in hydrogels. SOFT MATTER 2024; 20:5616-5624. [PMID: 38979672 DOI: 10.1039/d4sm00430b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
The strain-induced softening behaviour observed in the differential modulus K(T,γ) of hydrogels is typically attributed to the breakage of internal network structures, such as the cross-links that bind the polymer chains. In this study, however, we consider a stress-strain relationship derived from a coarse-grained model to demonstrate that rupture of the network is not necessary for rubber-like gels to exhibit such behaviour. In particular, we show that, in some cases, the decrease of K(T,γ) as a function of the strain γ can be associated with the energy-related contribution to the elastic modulus that has been experimentally observed, e.g., for tetra-PEG hydrogels. Our findings suggest that the softening behaviour can be also attributed to the effective interaction between polymer chains and their surrounding solvent molecules, rather than the breakage of structural elements. We compare our theoretical expressions with experimental data determined for several hydrogels to illustrate and validate our approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- L K R Duarte
- Departamento de Física, Universidade Federal de Viçosa (UFV), Av. P. H. Rolfs, s/n, 36570-900, Viçosa, Brazil.
- Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia de Minas Gerais, Praça José Emiliano Dias, 87, 35430-034, Ponte Nova, Brazil
| | - L G Rizzi
- Departamento de Física, Universidade Federal de Viçosa (UFV), Av. P. H. Rolfs, s/n, 36570-900, Viçosa, Brazil.
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2
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Wang XQ, Xie AQ, Cao P, Yang J, Ong WL, Zhang KQ, Ho GW. Structuring and Shaping of Mechanically Robust and Functional Hydrogels toward Wearable and Implantable Applications. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2024; 36:e2309952. [PMID: 38389497 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202309952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
Hydrogels possess unique features such as softness, wetness, responsiveness, and biocompatibility, making them highly suitable for biointegrated applications that have close interactions with living organisms. However, conventional man-made hydrogels are usually soft and brittle, making them inferior to the mechanically robust biological hydrogels. To ensure reliable and durable operation of biointegrated wearable and implantable devices, mechanical matching and shape adaptivity of hydrogels to tissues and organs are essential. Recent advances in polymer science and processing technologies have enabled mechanical engineering and shaping of hydrogels for various biointegrated applications. In this review, polymer network structuring strategies at micro/nanoscales for toughening hydrogels are summarized, and representative mechanical functionalities that exist in biological materials but are not easily achieved in synthetic hydrogels are further discussed. Three categories of processing technologies, namely, 3D printing, spinning, and coating for fabrication of tough hydrogel constructs with complex shapes are reviewed, and the corresponding hydrogel toughening strategies are also highlighted. These developments enable adaptive fabrication of mechanically robust and functional hydrogel devices, and promote application of hydrogels in the fields of biomedical engineering, bioelectronics, and soft robotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Qiao Wang
- National Engineering Laboratory for Modern Silk, College of Textile and Clothing Engineering, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - An-Quan Xie
- National Engineering Laboratory for Modern Silk, College of Textile and Clothing Engineering, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Pengle Cao
- National Engineering Laboratory for Modern Silk, College of Textile and Clothing Engineering, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Jian Yang
- National Engineering Laboratory for Modern Silk, College of Textile and Clothing Engineering, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Wei Li Ong
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, National University of Singapore, 4 Engineering Drive 3, Singapore, 117583, Singapore
| | - Ke-Qin Zhang
- National Engineering Laboratory for Modern Silk, College of Textile and Clothing Engineering, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Ghim Wei Ho
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, National University of Singapore, 4 Engineering Drive 3, Singapore, 117583, Singapore
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3
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Prince E, Morozova S, Chen Z, Adibnia V, Yakavets I, Panyukov S, Rubinstein M, Kumacheva E. Nanocolloidal hydrogel mimics the structure and nonlinear mechanical properties of biological fibrous networks. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2220755120. [PMID: 38091296 PMCID: PMC10743449 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2220755120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibrous networks formed by biological polymers such as collagen or fibrin exhibit nonlinear mechanical behavior. They undergo strong stiffening in response to weak shear and elongational strains, but soften under compressional strain, in striking difference with the response to the deformation of flexible-strand networks formed by molecules. The nonlinear properties of fibrous networks are attributed to the mechanical asymmetry of the constituent filaments, for which a stretching modulus is significantly larger than the bending modulus. Studies of the nonlinear mechanical behavior are generally performed on hydrogels formed by biological polymers, which offers limited control over network architecture. Here, we report an engineered covalently cross-linked nanofibrillar hydrogel derived from cellulose nanocrystals and gelatin. The variation in hydrogel composition provided a broad-range change in its shear modulus. The hydrogel exhibited both shear-stiffening and compression-induced softening, in agreement with the predictions of the affine model. The threshold nonlinear stress and strain were universal for the hydrogels with different compositions, which suggested that nonlinear mechanical properties are general for networks formed by rigid filaments. The experimental results were in agreement with an affine model describing deformation of the network formed by rigid filaments. Our results lend insight into the structural features that govern the nonlinear biomechanics of fibrous networks and provide a platform for future studies of the biological impact of nonlinear mechanical properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth Prince
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ONM5S3H6, Canada
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ONN2L3G1, Canada
- Waterloo Institute for Nanotechnology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ONN2L3G1, Canada
| | - Sofia Morozova
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ONM5S3H6, Canada
- N. E. Bauman Moscow State Technical University, Moscow105005, Russia
| | - Zhengkun Chen
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ONM5S3H6, Canada
| | - Vahid Adibnia
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ONM5S3H6, Canada
- Department of Applied Oral Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NSB3H4R2, Canada
| | - Ilya Yakavets
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ONM5S3H6, Canada
| | - Sergey Panyukov
- Center of Soft Matter and Physics of Fluids, P. N. Lebedev Physics Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow117924, Russia
- Department of Theoretical Physics, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Moscow 141700, Russia
| | - Michael Rubinstein
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Duke University, Durham, NC27708
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC27708
- Department of Physics, Duke University, Durham, NC27708
- Department of Chemistry, Duke University, Durham, NC27708
- Institute for Chemical Reaction Design and Discovery, Hokkaido University, Sapporo001-0021, Japan
| | - Eugenia Kumacheva
- Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ONM5S3H6, Canada
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ONM5S3G9, Canada
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ONM5S3E5, Canada
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4
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Ma T, Peng L, Ran Q, Zeng Y, Liang F. Toward the Development of Simplified Lateral Flow Assays Using Hydrogels as the Universal Control Line. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2023; 6:5685-5694. [PMID: 38035477 DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.3c00817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
Lateral flow assays (LFA) have been widely utilized as point-of-care testing devices in diverse fields. However, it is imperative to preprint costly bioreceptors onto the lateral flow nitrocellulose membrane at the control line. The complex manufacturing process and relatively limited detection capabilities of LFA have impeded their utilization in more challenging fields. Here, we propose a novel and simple strategy to simplify the manufacture of LFA while simultaneously improving the sensitivity by modifying the hydrogel line (HL). In our study, it was observed that the sensitivity of commercial LFA strips could be enhanced by 2-5-fold by incorporating an extra HL. Particularly, a universal control line was developed to accommodate multiple LFA detection modes by substituting the conventional antibody control line with a hydrogel control line (HCL). As a proof of concept, the HCL performance could be associated with the slowdown and interception effect toward fluid, which are dependent on the permeation and hydrophilicity of the hydrogel with varying concentrations in the nitrocellulose membrane. This new design builds the foundation to enhance the sensitivity and develop the simplified LFA sensing platform without additional complicated processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Ma
- The State Key Laboratory of Refractories and Metallurgy, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, China
| | - Linlin Peng
- The State Key Laboratory of Refractories and Metallurgy, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, China
| | - Qinying Ran
- The State Key Laboratory of Refractories and Metallurgy, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, China
| | - Yan Zeng
- The State Key Laboratory of Refractories and Metallurgy, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, China
| | - Feng Liang
- The State Key Laboratory of Refractories and Metallurgy, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, China
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5
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Piazza F, Parisse P, Passerino J, Marsich E, Bersanini L, Porrelli D, Baj G, Donati I, Sacco P. Controlled Quenching of Agarose Defines Hydrogels with Tunable Structural, Bulk Mechanical, Surface Nanomechanical, and Cell Response in 2D Cultures. Adv Healthc Mater 2023; 12:e2300973. [PMID: 37369130 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202300973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
The scaffolding of agarose hydrogel networks depends critically on the rate of cooling (quenching) after heating. Efforts are made to understand the kinetics and evolution of biopolymer self-assembly upon cooling, but information is lacking on whether quenching might affect the final hydrogel structure and performance. Here, a material strategy for the fine modulation of quenching that involves temperature-curing steps of agarose is reported. Combining microscopy techniques, standard and advanced macro/nanomechanical tools, it is revealed that agarose accumulates on the surface when the curing temperature is set at 121 °C. The inhomogeneity can be mostly recovered when it is reduced to 42 °C. This has a drastic effect on the stiffness of the surface, but not on the viscoelasticity, roughness, and wettability. When hydrogels are strained at small/large deformations, the curing temperature has no effect on the viscoelastic response of the hydrogel bulk but does play a role in the onset of the non-linear region. Cells cultured on these hydrogels exhibit surface stiffness-sensing that affects cell adhesion, spreading, F-actin fiber tension, and assembly of vinculin-rich focal adhesions. Collectively, the results indicate that the temperature curing of agarose is an efficient strategy to produce networks with tunable mechanics and is suitable for mechanobiology studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Piazza
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Via Licio Giorgieri 5, Trieste, I-34127, Italy
| | - Pietro Parisse
- NanoInnovation Lab, Elettra-Sincrotrone Trieste S.C.p.A., Trieste, I-34149, Italy
- Istituto Officina dei Materiali (IOM-CNR), Area Science Park, Trieste, I-34149, Italy
| | - Julia Passerino
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Via Licio Giorgieri 5, Trieste, I-34127, Italy
| | - Eleonora Marsich
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Piazza dell'Ospitale 1, Trieste, I-34129, Italy
| | - Luca Bersanini
- Optics11 Life, Hettenheuvelweg 37-39, Amsterdam, 1101 BM, The Netherlands
| | - Davide Porrelli
- Interdepartmental Centre for Advanced Microscopy, Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Via Alexander Fleming 31/A, Trieste, I-34127, Italy
| | - Gabriele Baj
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Via Licio Giorgieri 5, Trieste, I-34127, Italy
| | - Ivan Donati
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Via Licio Giorgieri 5, Trieste, I-34127, Italy
| | - Pasquale Sacco
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Via Licio Giorgieri 5, Trieste, I-34127, Italy
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6
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Liu JX, Haataja MP, Košmrlj A, Datta SS, Arnold CB, Priestley RD. Liquid-liquid phase separation within fibrillar networks. Nat Commun 2023; 14:6085. [PMID: 37770446 PMCID: PMC10539382 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-41528-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Complex fibrillar networks mediate liquid-liquid phase separation of biomolecular condensates within the cell. Mechanical interactions between these condensates and the surrounding networks are increasingly implicated in the physiology of the condensates and yet, the physical principles underlying phase separation within intracellular media remain poorly understood. Here, we elucidate the dynamics and mechanics of liquid-liquid phase separation within fibrillar networks by condensing oil droplets within biopolymer gels. We find that condensates constrained within the network pore space grow in abrupt temporal bursts. The subsequent restructuring of condensates and concomitant network deformation is contingent on the fracture of network fibrils, which is determined by a competition between condensate capillarity and network strength. As a synthetic analog to intracellular phase separation, these results further our understanding of the mechanical interactions between biomolecular condensates and fibrillar networks in the cell.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason X Liu
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, 08544, USA
- Princeton Materials Institute, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, 08544, USA
| | - Mikko P Haataja
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, 08544, USA
- Princeton Materials Institute, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, 08544, USA
| | - Andrej Košmrlj
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, 08544, USA
- Princeton Materials Institute, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, 08544, USA
| | - Sujit S Datta
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, 08544, USA
| | - Craig B Arnold
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, 08544, USA
- Princeton Materials Institute, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, 08544, USA
| | - Rodney D Priestley
- Princeton Materials Institute, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, 08544, USA.
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, 08544, USA.
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7
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Morozova SM, Gevorkian A, Kumacheva E. Design, characterization and applications of nanocolloidal hydrogels. Chem Soc Rev 2023. [PMID: 37464914 DOI: 10.1039/d3cs00387f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
Nanocolloidal gels (NCGs) are an emerging class of soft matter, in which nanoparticles act as building blocks of the colloidal network. Chemical or physical crosslinking enables NCG synthesis and assembly from a broad range of nanoparticles, polymers, and low-molecular weight molecules. The synergistic properties of NCGs are governed by nanoparticle composition, dimensions and shape, the mechanism of nanoparticle bonding, and the NCG architecture, as well as the nature of molecular crosslinkers. Nanocolloidal gels find applications in soft robotics, bioengineering, optically active coatings and sensors, optoelectronic devices, and absorbents. This review summarizes currently scattered aspects of NCG formation, properties, characterization, and applications. We describe the diversity of NCG building blocks, discuss the mechanisms of NCG formation, review characterization techniques, outline NCG fabrication and processing methods, and highlight most common NCG applications. The review is concluded with the discussion of perspectives in the design and development of NCGs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia M Morozova
- N.E. Bauman Moscow State Technical University, 5/1 2-nd Baumanskaya street, 105005, Moscow, Russia
- Department of Chemistry University of Toronto, 80 Saint George street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3H6, Canada.
| | - Albert Gevorkian
- Department of Chemistry University of Toronto, 80 Saint George street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3H6, Canada.
| | - Eugenia Kumacheva
- Department of Chemistry University of Toronto, 80 Saint George street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3H6, Canada.
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry University of Toronto, 200 College street, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3E5, Canada
- The Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering University of Toronto, 4 Taddle Creek Road, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3G9, Canada
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8
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Crespo-Cuevas V, Ferguson VL, Vernerey F. Poroviscoelasto-plasticity of agarose-based hydrogels. SOFT MATTER 2023; 19:790-806. [PMID: 36625244 DOI: 10.1039/d2sm01356h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Agarose gels are excellent candidates for tissue engineering as they are tunable, viscoelastic, and show a pronounced strain-stiffening response. These characteristics make them ideal to create in vitro environments to grow cells and develop tissues. As in many other biopolymers, viscoelasticity and poroelasticity coexist as time-dependent behaviors in agarose gels. While the viscoelastic behavior of these hydrogels has been considered using both phenomenological and continuum models, there remains a lack of connection between the underlying physics and the macroscopic material response. Through a finite element analysis and complimentary experiments, we evaluated the complex time-dependent mechanical response of agarose gels in various conditions. We then conceptualized these gels as a dynamic network where the global dissociation/association rate of intermolecular bonds is described as a combination of a fast rate native to double helices forming between aligned agarose molecules and a slow rate of the agarose molecules present in the clusters. Using the foundation of the transient network theory, we developed a physics-based constitutive model that accurately describes agarose behavior. Integrating experimental results and model prediction, we demonstrated that the fast dissociation/association rate follows a nonlinear force-dependent response, whose exponential evolution agrees with Eyring's model based on the transition state theory. Overall, our results establish a more accurate understanding of the time-dependent mechanics of agarose gels and provide a model that can inform design of a variety of biopolymers with a similar network topology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor Crespo-Cuevas
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80309, USA.
| | - Virginia L Ferguson
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80309, USA.
| | - Franck Vernerey
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80309, USA.
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9
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Yan J, Wang L, Zhao C, Xiang D, Li H, Lai J, Wang B, Li Z, Lu H, Zhou H, Wu Y. Stretchable Semi-Interpenetrating Carboxymethyl Guar Gum-Based Composite Hydrogel for Moisture-Proof Wearable Strain Sensor. LANGMUIR : THE ACS JOURNAL OF SURFACES AND COLLOIDS 2023; 39:1061-1071. [PMID: 36623252 DOI: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.2c02725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Wearable strain sensors of conductive hydrogels have very broad application prospects in electronic skins and human-machine interfaces. However, conductive hydrogels suffer from unstable signal transmission due to environmental humidity and inherent shortcomings of their materials. Herein, we introduce a novel moisture-proof conductive hydrogel with high toughness (2.89 MJ m-3), mechanical strength (1.00 MPa), and high moisture-proof sensing performance by using dopamine-functionalized gold nanoparticles as conductive fillers into carboxymethyl guar gum and acrylamide. Moreover, the hydrogel can realize real-time monitoring of major and subtle human movements with good sensitivity and repeatability. In addition, the hydrogel-assembled strain sensor exhibits stable sensing signals after being left for 1 h, and the relative resistance change rate under different strains (25-300%) shows no obvious noise signal up to 99% relative humidity. Notably, the wearable strain sensing is suitable for wearable sensor devices with high relative humidity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiao Yan
- The Center of Functional Materials for Working Fluids of Oil and Gas Field, School of New Energy and Materials, Southwest Petroleum University, Chengdu610500, China
| | - Li Wang
- The Center of Functional Materials for Working Fluids of Oil and Gas Field, School of New Energy and Materials, Southwest Petroleum University, Chengdu610500, China
| | - Chunxia Zhao
- The Center of Functional Materials for Working Fluids of Oil and Gas Field, School of New Energy and Materials, Southwest Petroleum University, Chengdu610500, China
| | - Dong Xiang
- The Center of Functional Materials for Working Fluids of Oil and Gas Field, School of New Energy and Materials, Southwest Petroleum University, Chengdu610500, China
| | - Hui Li
- The Center of Functional Materials for Working Fluids of Oil and Gas Field, School of New Energy and Materials, Southwest Petroleum University, Chengdu610500, China
| | - Jingjuan Lai
- The Center of Functional Materials for Working Fluids of Oil and Gas Field, School of New Energy and Materials, Southwest Petroleum University, Chengdu610500, China
| | - Bin Wang
- The Center of Functional Materials for Working Fluids of Oil and Gas Field, School of New Energy and Materials, Southwest Petroleum University, Chengdu610500, China
| | - Zhenyu Li
- The Center of Functional Materials for Working Fluids of Oil and Gas Field, School of New Energy and Materials, Southwest Petroleum University, Chengdu610500, China
| | - Hongsheng Lu
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southwest Petroleum University, Chengdu610500, China
| | - Hongwei Zhou
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Photoelectric Functional Materials and Devices, School of Materials and Chemical Engineering, Xi'an Technological University, Xi'an710021, China
| | - Yuanpeng Wu
- The Center of Functional Materials for Working Fluids of Oil and Gas Field, School of New Energy and Materials, Southwest Petroleum University, Chengdu610500, China
- State Key Laboratory of Oil and Gas Reservoir Geology and Exploitation, Southwest Petroleum University, Chengdu610500, China
- Sichuan Engineering Technology Research Center of Basalt Fiber Composites Development and Application, Southwest Petroleum University, Chengdu610500, China
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10
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Xu J, Jiang Y, Gao L. Synthetic strain-stiffening hydrogels towards mechanical adaptability. J Mater Chem B 2023; 11:221-243. [PMID: 36507877 DOI: 10.1039/d2tb01743a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Living organisms are made of wet, soft tissues. However, there is only one candidate to simultaneously replicate the mechanical and composition features of load-bearing tissues, that is, strain-stiffening hydrogels. The conventional mechanical match design principle is mostly limited to stiffness matching. However, this strategy cannot sufficiently and necessarily lead to mechanical matching over the whole physiologic deformation period for tissues and damages the tissues over time. In this review, we aim to provide a comprehensive summary of the reported synthetic strain-stiffening hydrogels and particularly focus on the relationship between their structure and performance. Initially, we present a brief introduction on the significance of strain-stiffening hydrogels in mimicking the mechanics of tissues, and then we discuss the qualitative evaluation of the strain-stiffening behaviors to guide the design of materials towards mimicking soft tissue. After distinguishing the mechanical testing methods, we focus on the methods for the preparation of typical strain-stiffening hydrogels based on categories, such as network without strand entanglement, semiflexible network, and anisotropic networks. Subsequently, we discuss the structural evolution of strain-stiffening hydrogels. We hope that this review will serve as an updated introduction and reference for researchers who are interested in exploring strain-stiffening hydrogels as tissue-mimics for addressing the societal needs at various frontiers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingyu Xu
- School of Light Industry and Chemical Engineering, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China.
| | - Yin Jiang
- School of Light Industry and Chemical Engineering, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China.
| | - Liang Gao
- School of Light Industry and Chemical Engineering, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China. .,Jieyang Branch of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Rongjiang Laboratory), Jieyang 515200, China
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11
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Cui J, Chen J, Ni Z, Dong W, Chen M, Shi D. High-Sensitivity Flexible Sensor Based on Biomimetic Strain-Stiffening Hydrogel. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2022; 14:47148-47156. [PMID: 36205693 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c15203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Recently, flexible wearable and implantable electronic devices have attracted enormous interest in biomedical applications. However, current bioelectronic systems have not solved the problem of mechanical mismatch of tissue-electrode interfaces. Therefore, the biomimetic hydrogel with tissue-like mechanical properties is highly desirable for flexible electronic devices. Herein, we propose a strategy to fabricate a biomimetic hydrogel with strain-stiffening property via regional chain entanglements. The strain-stiffening property of the biomimetic hydrogel is realized by embedding highly swollen poly(acrylate sodium) microgels to act as the microregions of dense entanglement in the soft polyacrylamide matrix. In addition, poly(acrylate sodium) microgels can release Na+ ions, endowing hydrogel with electrical signals to serve as strain sensors for detecting different human movements. The resultant sensors own a low Young's modulus (22.61-112.45 kPa), high nominal tensile strength (0.99 MPa), and high sensitivity with a gauge factor up to 6.77 at strain of 300%. Based on its simple manufacture process, well mechanical matching suitability, and high sensitivity, the as-prepared sensor might have great potential for a wide range of large-scale applications such as wearable and implantable electronic devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianbing Cui
- Key Laboratory of Synthetic and Biological Colloids, Ministry of Education, School of Chemical and Material Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi214122, China
| | - Jiwei Chen
- Key Laboratory of Synthetic and Biological Colloids, Ministry of Education, School of Chemical and Material Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi214122, China
| | - Zhongbin Ni
- Key Laboratory of Synthetic and Biological Colloids, Ministry of Education, School of Chemical and Material Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi214122, China
| | - Weifu Dong
- Key Laboratory of Synthetic and Biological Colloids, Ministry of Education, School of Chemical and Material Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi214122, China
| | - Mingqing Chen
- Key Laboratory of Synthetic and Biological Colloids, Ministry of Education, School of Chemical and Material Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi214122, China
| | - Dongjian Shi
- Key Laboratory of Synthetic and Biological Colloids, Ministry of Education, School of Chemical and Material Engineering, Jiangnan University, Wuxi214122, China
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12
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Liu Y, Lin SH, Chuang WT, Dai NT, Hsu SH. Biomimetic Strain-Stiffening in Chitosan Self-Healing Hydrogels. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2022; 14:16032-16046. [PMID: 35321544 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c01720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The strain-stiffening and self-healing capabilities of biological tissues enable them to preserve the structures and functions from deformation and damage. However, biodegradable hydrogel materials with both of these biomimetic characteristics have not been explored. Here, a series of strain-stiffened, self-healing hydrogels are developed through dynamic imine crosslinking of semiflexible O-carboxymethyl chitosan (main chain) and flexible dibenzaldehyde-terminated telechelic poly(ethylene glycol) (crosslinker). The biomimetic hydrogels can be reversibly stiffened to resist the deformation and can even recover to their original state after repeated damages. The mechanical properties and stiffening responses of the hydrogels are tailored by varying the component contents (1-3%) and the crosslinker length (4 or 8 kDa). A combinatorial system of in situ coherent small-angle X-ray scattering with rheological testing is developed to investigate the network structures (in sizes 1.5-160 nm) of hydrogels under shear strains and reveals that the strain-stiffening originates from the fibrous chitosan network with poly(ethylene glycol) crosslinking fixation. The biomimetic hydrogels with biocompatibility and biodegradability promote wound healing. The study provides an insight into the nanoscale design of biomimetic strain-stiffening self-healing hydrogels for biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Liu
- Institute of Polymer Science and Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan 10617, R.O.C
| | - Shih-Ho Lin
- Institute of Polymer Science and Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan 10617, R.O.C
| | - Wei-Tsung Chuang
- National Synchrotron Radiation Research Center, Hsinchu, Taiwan 30076, R.O.C
| | - Niann-Tzyy Dai
- Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan 11490, R.O.C
| | - Shan-Hui Hsu
- Institute of Polymer Science and Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan 10617, R.O.C
- Institute of Cellular and System Medicine, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, Taiwan 35053, R.O.C
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13
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Mendoza-Martinez AK, Loessner D, Mata A, Azevedo HS. Modeling the Tumor Microenvironment of Ovarian Cancer: The Application of Self-Assembling Biomaterials. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:5745. [PMID: 34830897 PMCID: PMC8616551 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13225745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Revised: 11/07/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer (OvCa) is one of the leading causes of gynecologic malignancies. Despite treatment with surgery and chemotherapy, OvCa disseminates and recurs frequently, reducing the survival rate for patients. There is an urgent need to develop more effective treatment options for women diagnosed with OvCa. The tumor microenvironment (TME) is a key driver of disease progression, metastasis and resistance to treatment. For this reason, 3D models have been designed to represent this specific niche and allow more realistic cell behaviors compared to conventional 2D approaches. In particular, self-assembling peptides represent a promising biomaterial platform to study tumor biology. They form nanofiber networks that resemble the architecture of the extracellular matrix and can be designed to display mechanical properties and biochemical motifs representative of the TME. In this review, we highlight the properties and benefits of emerging 3D platforms used to model the ovarian TME. We also outline the challenges associated with using these 3D systems and provide suggestions for future studies and developments. We conclude that our understanding of OvCa and advances in materials science will progress the engineering of novel 3D approaches, which will enable the development of more effective therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Karen Mendoza-Martinez
- School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London E1 4NS, UK;
- Institute of Bioengineering, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London E1 4NS, UK
| | - Daniela Loessner
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia;
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia
- Max Bergmann Center of Biomaterials Dresden, Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research Dresden e.V., 01069 Dresden, Germany
| | - Alvaro Mata
- School of Pharmacy, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK;
- Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
- Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Helena S. Azevedo
- School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London E1 4NS, UK;
- Institute of Bioengineering, Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, London E1 4NS, UK
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14
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Zhang Q, Willis-Fox N, Daly R. Capturing the value in printed pharmaceuticals - A study of inkjet droplets released from a polymer matrix. Int J Pharm 2021; 599:120436. [PMID: 33662470 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2021.120436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Revised: 02/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The future of personalised combination dosages will rely on the programming and delivery of multiple, separate APIs, their carrier fluids and excipients to a stable matrix, where each will remain separate until it is needed to be released. A recent technique has demonstrated how to print, capture and release materials from a polymer matrix using inkjet printing, a low cost and customisable technique. Droplets of a formulation are delivered to a fluid polymer matrix, where they are imbibed and remain pinned just under the upper surface, held in place by a balance of interfacial energies. Once the surrounding matrix cures and solidifies, the coating or matrix has trapped the formulation, but each drop has a small opening or pore to the outside that will allow delivery through diffusion. However, while the trapping mechanism has been explored in detail, to-date the release involved in this delivery has never been studied or quantified to the same level. Here we show a first study to quantify the release of a model system from a polymer matrix. An aqueous fluorescein solution is delivered and trapped, with release demonstrated to an agarose gel and aqueous environments. The work reveals that the balance of interfacial tensions prevents a reliable release until low concentrations of surfactant are included. This provides a route forward to further explore stabilising combinations of drugs within one material using a digitally controlled and affordable technique.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingxin Zhang
- Institute for Manufacturing, Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, UK
| | - Niamh Willis-Fox
- Institute for Manufacturing, Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, UK
| | - Ronan Daly
- Institute for Manufacturing, Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, UK.
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