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Highly Stretchable and Tough Physical Silk Fibroin-Based Double Network Hydrogels
Yu Zhao1, Juan Guan1, Su Jun Wu1,2
1Intl. Research Center for Advanced Structural and Biomaterials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, 100191, China.
Macromolecular Rapid Communications
|November 7, 2019
Summary
This study developed robust regenerated silk fibroin (RSF) double network (DN) hydrogels. These enhanced RSF DN hydrogels exhibit superior mechanical properties and low cytotoxicity for biomedical applications.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Materials Engineering
Background:
- Regenerated silk fibroin (RSF) shows promise for biomedical uses.
- Poor mechanical properties of RSF hydrogels limit their application as structural components.
Purpose of the Study:
- To prepare and optimize equilibrium RSF hydrogels using the double network (DN) concept.
- To enhance the mechanical strength, extensibility, and toughness of RSF hydrogels.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of equilibrium RSF hydrogels based on the double network (DN) concept.
- Optimization through soaking in water and removal of small molecules.
- Characterization of mechanical properties (tensile strength, elongation, work of extension) and cytotoxicity.
Main Results:
- Equilibrium RSF DN hydrogels demonstrated stability in water.
- Achieved high tensile strength (0.26-0.44 MPa), elongation (500-900%), and toughness (2 MJ m⁻³).
- Homogeneous morphology and inter-network interactions contributed to superior mechanical performance.
Conclusions:
- The developed RSF DN hydrogels overcome swelling and fracture issues seen in previous designs.
- Mechanically superior and low-cytotoxicity RSF DN hydrogels are achievable.
- These hydrogels hold significant potential for various biomedical applications due to their biocompatibility and cost-effectiveness.
