Enzymatically-mineralized double-network hydrogels with ultrahigh mechanical strength, toughness, and stiffness.

ABSTRACT: Background: Synthetic hydrogels are commonly mechanically weak which limits the scope of their applications. Methods: In this study, we synthesized an organic-inorganic hybrid hydrogel with ultrahigh strength, stiffness, and toughness via enzyme-induced mineralization of calcium phosphate in a double network of bacterial cellulose nanofibers and alginate-Ca²⁺. Results: Cellulose nanofibers formed the first rigid network via hydrogen binding and templated the deposition of calcium phosphate, while alginate-Ca²⁺ formed the second energy-dissipating network via ionic interaction. The two networks created a brick-mortar-like structure, in which the "tortuous fracture path" mechanism by breaking the interlaced calcium phosphate-coated bacterial cellulo

SUBMITTER: Wang L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9830447 | biostudies-literature | 2023

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature