Imparting ultralow lubricity to double-network hydrogels by surface-initiated controlled radical polymerization under ambient conditions. (June 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zhang, Kaihuan; Simic, Rok; Spencer, Nicholas D.
• Is Part Of: Biotribology. Volume 26(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-06
• Subjects: Double-network hydrogels -- Interfacial reactions -- Surface-initiated polymerization -- Surface modification -- Polymer brushes; Biological interfaces -- Periodicals; Biomedical materials -- Periodicals; Biomechanics -- Periodicals; Tribology -- Periodicals; 610.2805
• DOI: 10.1016/j.biotri.2021.100161
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2352-5738

Abstract

Abstract: Hydrogels, especially double-network hydrogels, are attractive candidates as load-bearing biomaterials, e.g., tissue-engineering supports for articular cartilages and bones. In this study, we describe the modification of a double-network hydrogel by the introduction of a third monomer, N -[3-(dimethylamino)propyl]methacrylamide, to the network system, which serves as a reactive site for subsequent interfacial reactions and surface-initiated controlled radical polymerization under ambient conditions. The as-prepared poly(2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl trimethylammonium chloride) (PMETAC) polyelectrolyte polymer brush-modified DN hydrogel exhibited an ultralow coefficient of friction (0.001–0.004) under high contact pressure—comparable to that of the synovial joint. Highlights: A high-modulus, double-network hydrogel with a cartilage-mimicking, highly lubricious polymer-brush coating. µ for a PMETAC brush-covered PAMPS/P(AAm-DMAPMA) double-network hydrogel against glass in water is 0.001-0.004 (1-10 N load). A large variety of different polymer brushes can be grown from a PAMPS/P(AAm-DMAPMA) DN hydrogel under ambient conditions.