Bioinspired Supramolecular Lubricating Hydrogel Induced by Shear Force.

Abstract

Bioinspired lubricating materials are great challenge toward artificial joints. In this contribution, we synthesize a bioinspired hydrogel by combining a thixotropic supramolecular network and polymer double network, exhibiting a unique shear-responsive lubricating property. The disassembly of the N-fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl-l-tryptophan supramolecular network triggered by shear force will endow lubricating function to the hydrogel; meanwhile PAAm and PVA double network acts as the supporting skeleton with high mechanical property. This work will bring new insight on the design of artificial lubricating joint.