Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 20, 2025
08:34
Bioprinting Cellularized Constructs Using a Tissue-specific Hydrogel Bioink
Published on: April 21, 2016
17.1K
Injectable and Cytocompatible Dual Cross-Linking Hydrogels with Enhanced Mechanical Strength and Stability.
Zezhao Qin1,2,3, Xiaofeng Yu1,3, Haiyang Wu1,2,3
1State Key Laboratory of Polymer Physics and Chemistry, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 5625 Renmin Street, Changchun 130022, P. R. China.
ACS Biomaterials Science & Engineering
|January 19, 2021
Summary
We developed a strong, stable, and injectable hydrogel using dual cross-linking for tissue engineering. This new biomaterial overcomes limitations of current injectable hydrogels in physiological environments.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Tissue Engineering
- Drug Delivery
Background:
- Injectable hydrogels are crucial for tissue engineering and drug delivery.
- Current hydrogels suffer from poor mechanical strength and stability in physiological conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a stable, strong, and injectable hydrogel with enhanced mechanical properties and stability in physiological environments.
Main Methods:
- Developed a dual cross-linking strategy by combining strong micelle cross-linking with tetra-armed polyethylene glycol (PEG).
- Evaluated hydrogel properties including mechanical strength, stability in physiological environments, anti-fatigue, tissue adhesion, and cytocompatibility.
Main Results:
- Achieved a compressive stress of 40 MPa at 95% strain.
- Demonstrated stable mechanical properties after two months in a physiological environment.
- Exhibited excellent anti-fatigue properties, good tissue adhesion, and cytocompatibility.
Conclusions:
- The dual cross-linking strategy results in a non-swelling hydrogel with maintained network integrity.
- This injectable hydrogel offers superior mechanical strength and stability for biomedical applications.
- The developed hydrogel shows significant potential for repairing load-bearing soft tissues.
