Abstract
It is challenging to recapitulate the natural extracellular matrix’s hierarchical nano/microfibrous three-dimensional (3D) structure with multilevel pores, good mechanical and hydrophilic properties, and excellent bioactivity for designing and developing advanced biomimetic materials. This work reports a new facile strategy for the scalable manufacturing of such a 3D architecture. Natural polymers in an aqueous solution are interpenetrated into a 3D microfibrous matrix with arbitrary shapes and property characteristics to self-assemble in situ into a nanofibrous network. The collagen fiber-like hierarchical structure and interconnected multilevel pores are achieved by self-assembly of the formed nanofibers within the 3D matrix, triggered by a simple cross-linking treatment. The as-prepared alginate/polypropylene biomimetic matrices are bioactive and have a tunable mechanical property (compressive modulus from ∼17 to ∼24 kPa) and a tunable hydrophilicity (water contact angle from ∼94° to 63°). This facile and versatile strategy allows eco-friendly and scalable manufacturing of diverse biomimetic matrices or modification of any existing porous matrices using different polymers.
Original language | English |
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Journal | Nano Letters |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Accepted/In press - 2023 |
Keywords
- alginate/gelatin nanofibers
- biomimetic structure
- collagen fibers
- extracellular matrix
- self-assembly
- silk fibroin nanofibers
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Bioengineering
- General Chemistry
- General Materials Science
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Mechanical Engineering