Engineering Lignin-Based Tubular Hydrogel Scaffolds for Load-Bearing Biomedical Applications.

ABSTRACT: The development of mechanically robust, biocompatible, and biodegradable hydrogels remains a significant challenge for biomedical applications involving load-bearing soft tissues. Herein, a tubular lignin-derived hydrogel is engineered to assess its physicochemical, mechanical, and biological properties. Kraft and organosolv lignin are systematically compared at varying crosslinker concentrations to determine their effect on pore morphology, swelling behavior, and mechanical performance. Organosolv lignin formulations at 5% crosslinker concentration demonstrate an optimal balance between strength (ultimate tensile strength: 83.14 ± 0.16 kPa), flexibility (elongation: up to 176%), and hydration (swelling capacity: 261%), and are further fabricated into tubular geometries, with and without p

SUBMITTER: Muddasar M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12548947 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature