Enhanced mechanical properties of hydrogels reinforced with biodegradable microfibers

Enhanced mechanical properties of hydrogels reinforced with biodegradable microfibers

Abstract

Hydrogel films have gained significant attention due to their versatility in various biomedical applications. Their physical properties can be tuned using natural and synthetic polymers or fibres depending on the final application (acute/chronic skin wounds). Hydrogels are widely used because of their hydrophilic character and ability to form a 3D polymer network while remaining stable and hydrated, which is suitable for moist wound healing. This study investigates the effect of composition and fabrication methods on the mechanical properties of enhancement biopolymer-based hydrogels by incorporating biodegradable, hydrophobic microfibers. Biopolymers/polymers used are biocompatible and known for their hydrophilic nature and excellent film-forming capabilities. They are used together with biocompatible plasticizers to increase elasticity and film transparency. Hydrophobic microfibers have reinforcement potential due to their high tensile strength and modulus. The reinforcement effect of the fibres can be attributed to the homogeneous dispersion and interfacial adhesion of the hydrogel matrix in solution within the microfibers, facilitating load transfer and enhancing structural integrity. Furthermore, incorporating microfibers did not compromise the hydrophilicity of the hydrogel films. Swelling behaviour and hydrolytic degradation were influenced by hydrogel composition and fabrication methods. The most efficient method allowed the fabrication of transparent, hydrolytically stable and mechanically strong hydrogel, offering promising avenues for advanced applications in wound healing management.

Hydrogel films have gained significant attention due to their versatility in various biomedical applications. Their physical properties can be tuned using natural and synthetic polymers or fibres depending on the final application (acute/chronic skin wounds). Hydrogels are widely used because of their hydrophilic character and ability to form a 3D polymer network while remaining stable and hydrated, which is suitable for moist wound healing. This study investigates the effect of composition and fabrication methods on the mechanical properties of enhancement biopolymer-based hydrogels by incorporating biodegradable, hydrophobic microfibers. Biopolymers/polymers used are biocompatible and known for their hydrophilic nature and excellent film-forming capabilities. They are used together with biocompatible plasticizers to increase elasticity and film transparency. Hydrophobic microfibers have reinforcement potential due to their high tensile strength and modulus. The reinforcement effect of the fibres can be attributed to the homogeneous dispersion and interfacial adhesion of the hydrogel matrix in solution within the microfibers, facilitating load transfer and enhancing structural integrity. Furthermore, incorporating microfibers did not compromise the hydrophilicity of the hydrogel films. Swelling behaviour and hydrolytic degradation were influenced by hydrogel composition and fabrication methods. The most efficient method allowed the fabrication of transparent, hydrolytically stable and mechanically strong hydrogel, offering promising avenues for advanced applications in wound healing management.

Hydrogel, transparent, microfiber, biopolymer, mechanical properties

Hydrogel, transparent, microfiber, biopolymer, mechanical properties

ČERNÁ, E.; VARCHENKO, M.; PAVLIŇÁKOVÁ, V.; HŘEBÍČEK, T.; RŮŽIČKOVÁ, J.; VOJTOVÁ, L.

25.04.2024

Praha, Czech Republic

978-80-01-07293-6

XV. mezinárodní konference Bioimplantologie a regenerativní medicína 2024

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