Graphene-Assisted Porosity in Acrylate-Endcapped Urethane-Based Hydrogels for Biomedical Applications

Abstract

The development of advanced hybrid hydrogels is essential for numerous biomedical applications, including tissue engineering, drug delivery, and wound healing, owing to their enhanced mechanical properties and biocompatibility. The incorporation of additives, such as graphene, imparts specific functional properties to hydrogel networks. In this study, we report the successful integration of Few-Layer Graphene (FLG) into acrylate-endcapped urethane (AUP) hydrogels, resulting in materials with significantly improved structural integrity and suitability for biomedical use. The addition of FLG not only reinforced the hydrogel network but also introduced a porous microstructure, highlighting its role as an active component in the hydrogel matrix rather than a passive filler. This induced porosity is critical for promoting nutrient diffusion and cellular infiltration. Moreover, FLG serves as an efficient nucleating agent during the crystallization process, accelerating both the extent and rate of crystallization. A comprehensive array of characterization techniques was employed to examine the influence of FLG on the hydrogel's physical and mechanical properties. Cytotoxicity assays confirmed the biocompatibility of the FLG-enhanced hydrogels, validating their safety for potential biomedical applications. Furthermore, antimicrobial testing demonstrated that FLG incorporation significantly enhances the hydrogel's ability to inhibit the growth of common pathogens. Collectively, these findings underscore the potential of FLG-enriched hydrogels as physiologically relevant 3D materials with diverse applications in tissue engineering, drug delivery, and wound healing.