Toward Tissue-Like Material Properties: Inducing In Situ Adaptive Behavior in Fibrous Hydrogels

The materials properties of biological tissues are unique. Nature is able to spatially and temporally manipulate (mechanical) properties while maintaining responsiveness toward a variety of cues; all without majorly changing the material's composition. Artificial mimics, synthetic or biomaterial-based are far less advanced and poorly reproduce the natural cell microenvironment. A viable strategy to generate materials with advanced properties combines different materials into nanocomposites. This work describes nanocomposites of a synthetic fibrous hydrogel, based on polyisocyanide (PIC), that is noncovalently linked to a responsive cross-linker. The introduction of the cross-linker transforms the PIC gel from a static fibrous extracellular matrix mimic to a highly dynamic material that maintains biocompatibility, as demonstrated by in situ modification of the (non)linear mechanical properties and efficient self-healing properties. Key in the material design is cross-linking at the fibrillar level using nanoparticles, which, simultaneously may be used to introduce more advanced properties.

Automated summary

The unique materials properties of biological tissues, which can spatially and temporally manipulate properties while maintaining responsiveness toward cues, are far beyond the capabilities of artificial mimics. In this study, a strategy of combining different materials into nanocomposites was employed to generate materials with advanced properties. The introduction of a responsive cross-linker transformed a synthetic fibrous hydrogel into a highly dynamic material with biocompatibility and efficient self-healing properties. The key in material design is cross-linking at the fibrillar level using nanoparticles, which could also introduce more advanced properties.