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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.
Highlights
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
Inspired by the significant influence nanoparticle shape has on drug delivery[12], cell–nanoparticle interaction and internalization rate[13,14], and even cell behavior or differentiation of stem cells[15], we hypothesized that the mechanical properties and adhesion between hydrogel materials could be controlled by tuning nanoparticle shape
We seek to exploit the influence of nanoparticle shape on material properties by preparing polymeric nanoparticles using crystallization-driven self-assembly (CDSA), a methodology that allows high levels of control over particle size, morphology, and surface chemistry
Summary
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. Beyond enhancing preexistent hydrogel properties, additional features can be exploited using gel NCs, including adhesion to surfaces[21] In this direction, silica[22,23] or polymer-based[24] nanoparticles have been employed as adhesives between hydrogels and biological tissues. We seek to exploit the influence of nanoparticle shape on material properties by preparing polymeric nanoparticles using crystallization-driven self-assembly (CDSA), a methodology that allows high levels of control over particle size, morphology, and surface chemistry. Using translationally relevant calcium-alginate hydrogels, we demonstrate that 2D platelets significantly increase both the adhesion between hydrogel surfaces and the material’s mechanical strength, when blended into the polymeric network, compared to their 0D spherical or 1D cylindrical counterparts
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