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Constructing Stiff β-Sheet for Self-Reinforced Alginate Fibers

  • 0State Key Laboratory of Bio-Fibers and Eco-Textiles, College of Materials Science and Engineering, Shandong Collaborative Innovation Center of Marine Biobased Fibers and Ecological Textiles, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China.
Materials (basel, Switzerland) +

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July 13, 2024

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July 13, 2024

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Researchers developed stronger alginate fibers using a nature-inspired self-reinforcing strategy. This method enhances mechanical properties like strength and toughness without additives, preserving biodegradability for potential biological applications.

Area Of Science

  • Materials Science
  • Polymer Chemistry
  • Biomaterials Engineering

Background

  • Alginate fibers possess limitations in mechanical properties, restricting their widespread application.
  • Developing enhanced alginate-based materials is crucial for advanced biological and industrial uses.

Purpose Of The Study

  • To introduce a novel self-reinforcing strategy for fabricating alginate fibers with improved mechanical performance.
  • To investigate the role of ethanol in modifying the secondary structure of sodium alginate (SA) for reinforcement.
  • To evaluate the effectiveness of combined β-sheet reinforcement and Ca2+ crosslinking on fiber properties.

Main Methods

  • Utilized a modified wet-spinning process with a coagulation bath containing CaCl2 and ethanol.
  • Employed rheological analysis to understand the reinforcing mechanism of β-sheet structures.
  • Quantified improvements in tensile strength and toughness of the reinforced alginate fibers.

Main Results

  • Ethanol in the coagulation bath increased the β-sheet content in sodium alginate (SA).
  • The stiff β-sheet structures provided a reinforcing mechanism, enhancing modulus and strength.
  • Self-reinforced alginate fibers showed a 39.0% increase in tensile strength and a 71.9% increase in toughness compared to controls.
  • The strategy preserved alginate's inherent degradability without additional additives.

Conclusions

  • The proposed self-reinforcing strategy effectively enhances the mechanical properties of alginate fibers.
  • Understanding β-sheet structures in polysaccharides offers a pathway for creating stronger, tougher biomaterials.
  • Reinforced alginate fibers demonstrate significant potential for diverse biological applications due to their improved performance and retained biodegradability.

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