Structure and Mechanical Response of Protein Hydrogels Reinforced by Block Copolymer Self-Assembly.

ABSTRACT: A strategy for responsively toughening an injectable protein hydrogel has been implemented by incorporating an associative protein as the midblock in triblock copolymers with thermoresponsive poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) endblocks, producing materials with a low yield stress necessary for injectability and durability required for load-bearing applications post-injection. Responsive reinforcement triggered by PNIPAM association leads to significant increases in the gel's elastic modulus as well as its resistance to creep. The performance of these materials is a strong function of molecular design, with certain formulations reaching elastic moduli of up to 130 kPa, effectively reinforced by a factor of 14 over their low temperature moduli, and having stress relaxation times increased

SUBMITTER: Glassman MJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4321950 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature