Abstract
AbstractThe applications of synthetic hydrogels in cartilage regeneration are usually limited by their weak mechanical properties, uncontrolled swelling/degradation, and insufficient osteogenic activity. Developing tough hydrogels have been attracting great attention in biomedical engineering. In this study, a high strength and tough poly(γ‐glutamic acid) (γ‐PGA) hydrogels with excellent anti‐swelling property were developed by immersing as‐prepared γ‐PGA hydrogels in LaCl3 aqueous solution. Results revealed that the concentration of LaCl3 aqueous solution has great influence on the mechanical properties of γ‐PGA hydrogels. The tensile strength of γ‐PGA hydrogels improved from 0.12 ± 0.02 MPa to 14.65 ± 0.48 MPa when LaCl3 concentration was 0.15 M. Moreover, the swelling ratio decreased from 1035.75 ± 33.16% to 18.21 ± 3.08%. The morphology and microstructure of La3+ reinforced γ‐PGA hydrogels were characterized by SEM/EDS, FT‐IR and XPS. Furthermore, in vitro cytocompatibility of La3+ reinforced γ‐PGA hydrogels was evaluated via MC3T3‐E1 cells. Finally, this study provides a facile and effective strategy for modifying the mechanical and swelling properties of γ‐PGA‐based hydrogels, which offers great potential applications in cartilage repair and regeneration.
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