Issue 48, 2023

Recent advances in double network hydrogels based on naturally-derived polymers: synthesis, properties, and biological applications

Abstract

Hydrogels composed of naturally-derived biopolymers have garnered significant research interest due to the bioavailability and biocompatibility of starting materials. However, translating these advantages to practical use is challenged by limitations of mechanical properties and stability of the resulting materials. The development of double network (DN) hydrogels has led to greatly enhanced mechanical properties and shows promise toward broadening the applications of conventional synthetic or natural hydrogels. This review highlights recently developed protein-based and polysaccharide-based DN hydrogels. For each biopolymer, we focus on a subset of DN hydrogels centered around a theme related to synthetic design or applications. Network structures and crosslinking mechanisms that endow enhanced mechanical properties and performance to the materials are discussed. Important applications, including tissue engineering, drug delivery, bioadhesives, wound healing, and wearable sensors, that arise from the inherent properties of the natural polymer or its combination with other materials are also emphasized. Finally, we discuss ongoing challenges to stimulate the discovery of new design principles for the future of DN hydrogels based on naturally-derived polymers for biological applications.

Graphical abstract: Recent advances in double network hydrogels based on naturally-derived polymers: synthesis, properties, and biological applications

Article information

Article type
Review Article
Submitted
08 Eph 2023
Accepted
16 Okt 2023
First published
04 Dis 2023

J. Mater. Chem. B, 2023,11, 11460-11482

Recent advances in double network hydrogels based on naturally-derived polymers: synthesis, properties, and biological applications

K. V. G. Sinad, R. C. Ebubechukwu and C. K. Chu, J. Mater. Chem. B, 2023, 11, 11460 DOI: 10.1039/D3TB00773A

To request permission to reproduce material from this article, please go to the Copyright Clearance Center request page.

If you are an author contributing to an RSC publication, you do not need to request permission provided correct acknowledgement is given.

If you are the author of this article, you do not need to request permission to reproduce figures and diagrams provided correct acknowledgement is given. If you want to reproduce the whole article in a third-party publication (excluding your thesis/dissertation for which permission is not required) please go to the Copyright Clearance Center request page.

Read more about how to correctly acknowledge RSC content.

Social activity

Spotlight

Advertisements