The development of longitudinally and radially gradient open-cell polyurethane foams is reported. Local and global mechanical properties and pore structure have been characterized using video extensometry with x−y strain-mapping capability, and x-ray microtomography (CT) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), respectively. The local axial Poisson’s ratio varies in a smoothly continuous manner along the length of the longitudinally gradient foam from large negative (auxetic), through zero, to positive (conventional) values. The production of radially gradient foams having a coaxial core–sheath structure is reported for the first time. Two radially gradient foams have been produced, each displaying similar global negative axial Poisson’s ratio responses but with markedly different local axial Poisson’s ratio and local axial Young’s modulus behaviours. One of the radially gradient foams displays a positive Poisson’s ratio core and an auxetic sheath resulting from conventional and higher density re-entrant open-cell pore structures, respectively.
Collagen type I, in various physical forms, is widely used in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. To control the mechanical properties and biodegradability of collagen-based devices, exogenous cross-links are introduced into the 3D supramolecular structure. However, potent cross-linking methods are associated with cytotoxicity, whilst mild cross-linking methods are associated with suboptimal mechanical resilience. Herein, we assessed the influence of resilin, a super-elastic and highly stretchable protein found within structures in arthropods where energy storage and long-range elasticity are needed, on the biophysical and biological properties of mildly cross-linked extruded collagen fibres. The addition of resilin-like protein in the 4-arm poly(ethylene glycol) ether tetrasuccinimidyl glutarate cross-linked collagen fibres resulted in a significant increase of stress and strain at break values and a significant decrease of modulus values. The addition of resilin-like protein did not compromise cell metabolic activity and DNA concentration. All groups are supported parallel to the longitudinal fibre axis cell orientation. Herein we provide evidence that the addition of resilin-like protein in mildly cross-linked collagen fibres improves their biomechanical properties, without jeopardising their biological properties.
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