Polysaccharide-Based Double-Network Hydrogels: Polysaccharide Effect, Strengthening Mechanisms, and Applications

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Materials Engineering

Background:

• Biological hydrogels are crucial in living organisms, with mechanical properties dictating their function.
• Polysaccharides, abundant natural polymers, offer unique properties like biocompatibility and biodegradability.
• Synthetic double-network (DN) hydrogels exhibit enhanced mechanical strength and tunability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advancements in polysaccharide-based DN hydrogels.
• To elucidate the relationship between polysaccharide properties, strengthening mechanisms, and hydrogel applications.
• To provide mechanical insights into designing novel polysaccharide-based DN hydrogels.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on polysaccharide-based DN hydrogels.
• Analysis of polysaccharide properties (source, structure, bioactivity, rheology).
• Examination of inner strengthening mechanisms and mechanical behavior in DN hydrogels.

Main Results:

• Polysaccharides from marine, microbial, plant, and animal sources are key components in designing strong and tough DN hydrogels.
• The unique chemical structures and conformations of polysaccharides contribute to desirable hydrogel properties.
• A clear correlation exists between polysaccharide composition, hydrogel performance, and application potential.

Conclusions:

• Polysaccharide-based DN hydrogels represent a promising class of advanced biomaterials.
• Understanding polysaccharide-structure-property relationships is vital for optimizing DN hydrogel design.
• These hydrogels have diverse applications driven by their tunable mechanical properties and biocompatibility.