Work

Cartilage-bioinspired tenacious concrete-like hydrogel verified via in-situ testing

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/polyethylene glycol (PEG) hydrogels, being low-cost and abundant materials, can demonstrate tremendous potential in applications requiring mechanical robustness by harnessing the enhancements afforded by a structure inspired by articular cartilage (AC). This study presents the fabrication of bioinspired PVA/PEG (BPP) hydrogel, characterized by their high mechanical strength and low friction coefficient. By utilizing a concrete-like structure composed of PVA particles and PVA/PEG fibers, the BPP hydrogel demonstrates notable properties such as high compressive strength (86%, 29.5 MPa), high tensile strength (265%, 10.5 MPa), fatigue resistance, impact resistance, and cut resistance. Moreover, under submerged conditions, it exhibits low coefficient of friction (COF) and minimal wear. The packaged hydrogel sensor demonstrates high sensitivity, high linearity, and fast response time. Ultimately, we endeavor to apply the straightforward yet competent bioinspired strategy to intelligent protective sensing equipment, showcasing extensive prospects for practical applications. Hydrogels have potential in a number of applications, but for many, mechanical robustness is required. Here, the authors report the preparation of a PVA/PEG hydrogel with a cartilage-inspired structure, with high compressive strength and low coefficient of friction, amongst other properties.

Source: Nature Communications

DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-57653-5

Authors: Jize Liu, Wei Zhao, Zhichao Ma, Hongwei Zhao, Luquan Ren

Institutions: Jilin University, Liaoning Academy of Materials

Language: English

Topic: Hydrogels: synthesis, properties, applications

Subfield: Molecular Medicine

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $6,990