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Updated: May 17, 2026

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Tough and hierarchically-structured silk hydrogel for artificial tendons.

Sicheng Zhou1, Kexin Nie2, Boxuan Wu2

  • 1Department of Orthopedics of the Second Affiliated Hospital and Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China; Department of Sports Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China.

Biomaterials
|May 15, 2026
PubMed

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Summary

Researchers developed tough, hierarchically-structured silk hydrogels for artificial tendons using directional-freezing and hot-stretching. These biomaterials mimic native tendon structure, showing promising mechanical properties and promoting tendon healing for clinical applications.

Area of Science:

  • Biomaterials Science
  • Regenerative Medicine
  • Polymer Chemistry

Background:

  • Tendon injuries are common, causing pain and disability.
  • Current surgical treatments for ruptured tendons face challenges.
  • Need for advanced artificial tendon materials for functional restoration.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop tough, hierarchically-structured silk hydrogels for artificial tendons.
  • To mimic native tendon structure using bioinspired fabrication methods.
  • To evaluate the mechanical properties and in vivo performance of the developed hydrogels.

Main Methods:

  • Combined directional-freezing and hot-stretching strategies.
  • Fabricated silk hydrogels with high water content (~70 wt%).
Keywords:
Artificial tendonDirectional freezingHierarchically-structured hydrogelHot-stretchingSilk fibroinWater-associated glass transition temperature

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  • Investigated multi-level anisotropy and structural features (honeycomb pores, β-sheets).

    • Main Results:

    • Achieved ultimate tensile strength of 13.9 MPa and fracture toughness of 45.5 kJ/m².
    • Demonstrated prolonged degradation and improved mechanical stability in vitro and in vivo.
    • Observed enhanced cell alignment, neo-tendon ingrowth, and mature tendon formation.

    Conclusions:

    • The developed DFHS hydrogels offer superior mechanical properties and biocompatibility.
    • The bioinspired fabrication strategy facilitates tendon healing and functional restoration.
    • This approach holds potential for clinical translation in artificial tendon development.