News
BACKGROUND
Researchers from the University of Calgary have created an ultra-stretchable (over 12,400%) Ag-lignin nanoparticle-based hydrogel possessing long-lasting adhesion and strong antimicrobial activity. Such hydrogels may be used for the effective, scaled-up fabrication of one-dimensional (1D) macroscopic hydrogel fibers with desirable inherent bio-properties and excellent mechanical properties. Antimicrobial hydrogels for use in healthcare applications often lack stretchability and tensile strength, with the currently engineered Ag-lignin nanoparticle-based hydrogels presenting challenges of limitation in their mechanical properties. The hydrogel has been tested and exhibited inherent bio-properties, including antimicrobial activity and robust adhesion. The technology is also characterized with excellent mechanical properties with tensile stress of 422.0 MPa, strain of 86.5%, Young’s modulus of 8.7 GPa, and toughness of 281.6 MJ⋅m-3. With scalable production, this technology could be expanded into the healthcare platform, as its mechanical properties can be tailored to biological applications for various tissues.
AREAS OF APPLICATION
- Wound repair, tissue mimicking and integration
- Soft robots in the fields of bioscience
- Load-bearing applications
- Adhesive or coating
COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGES
- The hydrogel is prepared at room temperature.
- The continuous draw-spinning process allows for scalable production of hydrogel fibers that are characterized with uniform diameter and promising mechanical properties.
- The preparation of the hydrogel does not require external stimuli such as UV radiation or heat.
- Allows for antimicrobial activity, ultra-high stretchability, and long-term adhesion.
PUBLICATIONS AND RESOURCES
- PCT publication: WO2022226650A1
- Journal publication: He X et al. (2021). Ultrastretchable, adhesive, and antibacterial hydrogel with robust spinnability for manufacturing strong hydrogel micro/nanofibers. Small 17(49).
- Researcher profile: Dr. Qingye (Gemma) Lu
- Lab website: Laboratory of Interfacial Science and Advanced Materials
