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Adhesion01:14

Adhesion

Adhesion occurs when one type of molecule is attracted to a different molecule. Water exhibits adhesive properties in the presence of polar surfaces, such as glass or cellulose in plants. For instance, when water is poured into a glass, the positively charged hydrogen molecules of water are more attracted to the negatively charged oxygen molecules in the silica than to the oxygen in neighboring water molecules.
Capillary action is a result of water’s adhesive tendencies. When a narrow glass...
Molecular Weight of Step-Growth Polymers01:08

Molecular Weight of Step-Growth Polymers

Step growth polymerization involves bi or multifunctional monomers. Bifunctional monomers react to form linear step growth polymers, whereas multifunctional monomers react to form non-linear or branched polymers.
As the step-growth polymerization involves step-wise condensation of monomers, the molecular weight also builds up eventually. Consequently, high molecular weight polymers are obtained at the late stages of the polymerization, where 99% of monomers have been consumed.
The extent of the...

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Updated: Jun 25, 2026

Studying the Effects of Matrix Stiffness on Cellular Function using Acrylamide-based Hydrogels
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Fewer polymer chains but higher adhesion: How gradient-stiffness hydrogel layers mediate adhesion through network

Md Mahmudul Hasan1, Alison C Dunn1,2

  • 1Department of Mechanical Science and Engineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, 1206 W Green St., Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA.

The Journal of Chemical Physics
|November 10, 2023
PubMed
Summary

Gradient-stiffness hydrogels exhibit enhanced adhesion due to their adaptable polymer networks. Thicker gradient layers in polyacrylamide hydrogels promote greater stretch and adhesion, crucial for biomaterials and environmental applications.

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Area of Science:

  • Materials Science
  • Biophysics
  • Polymer Chemistry

Background:

  • Gradient softer outer layers are common in biological tissues and synthetic hydrogels.
  • These layers influence interactions with opposing surfaces and contact mechanics.
  • Polymer distribution in gradient layers may enhance stretch and adhesion through network adaptability.

Purpose of the Study:

  • Investigate depth-dependent adhesion in gradient-stiffness polyacrylamide hydrogels.
  • Assess the impact of varying gradient layer thicknesses on adhesion characteristics.
  • Understand the role of polymer network reorganization in adhesion phenomena.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) nanoindentation.
  • Fabricated polyacrylamide hydrogels with gradient stiffness using glass and polyoxymethylene (POM) molds.
  • Analyzed depth-dependent adhesion, load-unload hysteresis, and work of separation.

Main Results:

  • POM-molded hydrogels (thicker gradient layer) showed greater adhesion than glass-molded hydrogels (thinner gradient layer).
  • Indentation within the gradient layer increased hysteresis due to fluid transport in the sparse outer network.
  • Enhanced adhesion and work of separation were observed at shallow depths, attributed to the outer network's stretching capability.

Conclusions:

  • Gradient-stiffness hydrogels possess tunable adhesion properties influenced by layer thickness and polymer distribution.
  • The sparse outer polymer network plays a key role in promoting adhesion through enhanced stretching.
  • Findings support the application of gradient hydrogels in health and environmental science.