Strong fiber reinforced hydrogels for biomedical applications

We describe a new class of hydrogels based on fiber reinforced hydrogel composites with a cartilage-like structure. In analogy to the spinning of a spider web, a pultrusion system is developed to spin micron -diameter fibers from polymer solution in order to build three dimensional patterned fibrous structures. Impregnating the fibrous construct with epoxy -amine hydrogel forms fiber -reinforced hydrogel composites. The fibrous construct improves the strength, modulus and toughness of the hydrogel and also constrains the swelling. By altering the construct geometry (fiber diameter, density and polymer solution) and studying the effect on mechanical properties we will develop the understanding needed to design strong hydrogels for biomedical devices and soft machines.