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Double-network acrylamide hydrogel compositions adapted to achieve cartilage-like dynamic stiffness

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Biomechanics and Modeling in Mechanobiology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Since articular cartilage has a limited potential for spontaneous healing, various techniques are employed to repair cartilage lesions. Acrylate-based double-network (DN) hydrogels containing ~90% water have shown promising properties as repair materials for skeletal system soft tissues. Although their mechanical properties approach those of native cartilage, the critical factor—stiffness—of DN-gels does not equal the stiffness of articular cartilage. This study investigated whether revised PAMPS/PAAm compositions with lower water content result in stiffness parameters closer to cartilage. DN-gels containing 61, 86 and 90% water were evaluated using two non-destructive, mm-scale indentation test modes: fast-impact (FI) and slow-sinusoidal (SS) deformation. Deformation resistance (dynamic modulus) and energy handling (loss angle) were determined. The dynamic modulus increased with decreasing water content in both testing modes. In the 61% water DN-gel, the modulus resembled that of cartilage (FI-mode: DN-gel = 12, cartilage = 17; SS-mode: DN-gel = 4, cartilage = 1.7 MPa). Loss angle increased with decreasing water content in fast-impact, but not in slow-sinusoidal deformation. However, loss angle was still much lower than cartilage (FI: DN-gel = 5, cartilage = 11; SS: DN-gel = 10, cartilage = 32°), indicating somewhat less ability to dissipate energy. Overall, results show that it is possible to adapt DN-gel composition to produce dynamic stiffness properties close to normal articular cartilage.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Laboratory of Biomechanics and Biocalorimetry (LOB2), Biozentrum/Pharmazentrum, Faculty of Medicine, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 50-70, 4056, Basel, Switzerland

    S. Ronken, D. Wirz & A. U. Daniels

  2. Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Skeletal Traumatology, Kantonsspital Bruderholz, 4101, Bruderholz, Switzerland

    D. Wirz & M. P. Arnold

  3. Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan

    T. Kurokawa & J. P. Gong

  4. Creative Research Institution “Sousei”, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan

    T. Kurokawa

Authors
  1. S. Ronken
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  2. D. Wirz
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  3. A. U. Daniels
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  4. T. Kurokawa
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  5. J. P. Gong
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  6. M. P. Arnold
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Correspondence to S. Ronken.

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Ronken, S., Wirz, D., Daniels, A.U. et al. Double-network acrylamide hydrogel compositions adapted to achieve cartilage-like dynamic stiffness. Biomech Model Mechanobiol 12, 243–248 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10237-012-0395-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10237-012-0395-6

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