A Synthetic Hydrogel Composite with the Mechanical Behavior and Durability of Cartilage

Journal Article (Journal Article)

This article reports the first hydrogel with the strength and modulus of cartilage in both tension and compression, and the first to exhibit cartilage-equivalent tensile fatigue strength at 100 000 cycles. These properties are achieved by infiltrating a bacterial cellulose (BC) nanofiber network with a poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)–poly(2-acrylamido-2-methyl-1-propanesulfonic acid sodium salt) (PAMPS) double network hydrogel. The BC provides tensile strength in a manner analogous to collagen in cartilage, while the PAMPS provides a fixed negative charge and osmotic restoring force similar to the role of aggrecan in cartilage. The hydrogel has the same aggregate modulus and permeability as cartilage, resulting in the same time-dependent deformation under confined compression. The hydrogel is not cytotoxic, has a coefficient of friction 45% lower than cartilage, and is 4.4 times more wear-resistant than a PVA hydrogel. The properties of this hydrogel make it an excellent candidate material for replacement of damaged cartilage.

Full Text

Duke Authors

Cited Authors

  • Yang, F; Zhao, J; Koshut, WJ; Watt, J; Riboh, JC; Gall, K; Wiley, BJ

Published Date

  • September 1, 2020

Published In

Volume / Issue

  • 30 / 36

Electronic International Standard Serial Number (EISSN)

  • 1616-3028

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

  • 1616-301X

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

  • 10.1002/adfm.202003451

Citation Source

  • Scopus