An Injectable Interpenetrating Polymer Network Hydrogel with Tunable Mechanical Properties and Self‐Healing Abilities

Abstract

AbstractIn this work, a versatile and simple strategy to build an injectable interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) hydrogel with tunable mechanical properties and self‐healing ability is reported. The gelation time and mechanical properties can be tuned by pH or the solid content. Due to the exchange of acylhydrazone and boronate ester bonds formed between functionalized prepolymers, the hydrogels can self‐heal at either acidic or basic condition. Furthermore, the pH‐induced IPN to semi‐IPN reversible transition endows the hydrogels with tunable pore structure and mechanical properties. It is hoped that this novel strategy will provide new opportunities in design and preparation of 3D‐printable IPN hydrogels, fostering their use in a wide range of applications such as controlled drug release and tissue engineering.