Exploiting the role of nanoparticle shape in enhancing hydrogel adhesive and mechanical properties

Maria C. Arno (), Maria Inam, Andrew C. Weems, Zehua Li, Abbie L. A. Binch, Christopher I. Platt, Stephen M. Richardson, Judith A. Hoyland, Andrew P. Dove () and Rachel K. O’Reilly ()
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Maria C. Arno: University of Birmingham
Maria Inam: University of Warwick
Andrew C. Weems: University of Birmingham
Zehua Li: University of Birmingham
Abbie L. A. Binch: Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Stopford Building
Christopher I. Platt: Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Stopford Building
Stephen M. Richardson: Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Stopford Building
Judith A. Hoyland: Division of Cell Matrix Biology and Regenerative Medicine, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Stopford Building
Andrew P. Dove: University of Birmingham
Rachel K. O’Reilly: University of Birmingham

Nature Communications, 2020, vol. 11, issue 1, 1-9

Abstract: 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.

Date: 2020
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-15206-y

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