Sweet-MXene hydrogel with mixed-dimensional components for biomedical applications.

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Regenerative Medicine
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Biodegradable hydrogels are crucial for biomedical applications, mimicking extracellular matrices.
• Injectable hydrogels for regenerative therapies require self-healing and swelling properties.
• Current hydrogels often lack electrical conductivity and complex structural features.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a facile, electrically conductive, and biodegradable hydrogel.
• To create a composite hydrogel with mixed-dimensional components for enhanced properties.
• To evaluate the hydrogel's potential for tissue regeneration applications.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a novel sweet-MXene (S-MXene) hydrogel.
• Incorporation of 0D fluorescent carbon dots in honey, 2D Ti3C2 nanosheets, and 3D chitosan networks.
• Characterization of the hydrogel's porous architecture, swelling, degradation, and electrical conductivity.

Main Results:

• The developed (Ti3C2-MXene-honey-chitosan) heterostructure exhibited excellent porous architecture.
• The hydrogel demonstrated desired swelling properties and controlled degradation.
• The electrically conductive composite was highly biocompatible, supporting cell attachment and survival.

Conclusions:

• The S-MXene hydrogel is a promising biomaterial for regenerative therapies.
• Its unique mixed-dimensional composition provides desirable mechanical and biological properties.
• This versatile hydrogel offers a new platform for advanced biomedical applications.