Four distinct network patterns of supramolecular/polymer composite hydrogels controlled by formation kinetics and interfiber interactions.

ABSTRACT: Synthetic composite hydrogels comprising supramolecular fibers and covalent polymers have attracted considerable attention because their properties are similar to biological connective tissues. However, an in-depth analysis of the network structures has not been performed. In this study, we discovered the composite network can be categorized into four distinct patterns regarding morphology and colocalization of the components using in situ, real-time confocal imaging. Time-lapse imaging of the network formation process reveals that the patterns are governed by two factors, the order of the network formation and the interactions between the two different fibers. Additionally, the imaging studies revealed a unique composite hydrogel undergoing dynamic network remodeling on the scale of a hun

SUBMITTER: Nakamura K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10042874 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature