Exploiting the role of nanoparticle shape in enhancing hydrogel adhesive and mechanical properties

Abstract

The ability to control nanostructure shape and dimensions presents opportunities to design materials in which their macroscopic properties are dependent upon the nature of the nanoparticle. Although particle morphology has been recognized as a crucial parameter, the exploitation of the potential shape-dependent properties has, to date, been limited. Herein, we demonstrate that nanoparticle shape is a critical consideration in the determination of nanocomposite hydrogel properties. Using translationally relevant calcium-alginate hydrogels, we show that the use of poly(L-lactide)-based nanoparticles with platelet morphology as an adhesive results in a significant enhancement of adhesion over nanoparticle glues comprised of spherical or cylindrical micelles. Furthermore, gel nanocomposites containing platelets showed an enhanced resistance to breaking under strain compared to their spherical and cylindrical counterparts. This study opens the doors to a change in direction in the field of gel nanocomposites, where nanoparticle shape plays an important role in tuning mechanical properties.

Emerging applications for living crystallization-driven self-assembly

“…This has now been achieved for a variety of crystallizable core-forming blocks, such as PFDMS, 250,253,254 polycarbonate, 62 PDHF, 251 PCL, 169,255 PLLA, 252,[256][257][258] , PE, 70,72 OPV. 259 Watersoluble low dispersity triblock fiber-like comicelles with a PFDMS core have also been prepared by living CDSA.…”

“…Furthermore, a significant enhancement of adhesion and mechanical strength was found compared to nanoparticle glues containing spherical or fiber-like micelles (see Figure 6c). 252 These biocompatible materials are potentially useful in a wide range of applications, including drug delivery and tissue engineering. Colloidosomes are microcapsules where the droplet interface is stabilized by colloidal particles.…”

Smart Nanoparticles in Biomedicine: An Overview of Recent Developments and Applications

“…On the other hand, shape plays a pivotal role in mechanical properties and adhesion with hydrogel materials, as suggested by Arno ad co-worker. Analysing the interaction between polymeric NPs and calcium-alginate hydrogels, they found an increase in both the adhesion and the material's mechanical strength concerning spherical or cylindrical counterparts [50].…”

Multifunctional Hydrogel Nanocomposites for Biomedical Applications

“…Traditional dressings and sealants often require the use of antibiotics to prevent microbial infection [57]. Researchers have demonstrated the incorporation of nanoparticles can endow hydrogels with antipathogenic properties [39,54,[58][59][60], as well as add angiogenic, or adhesive properties [27,29,57,[61][62][63], thus improving their use for wound healing [64][65][66].…”