Strong and tough collagen/cellulose nanofibril composite films via the synergistic effect of hydrogen and metal–ligand bonds. (5th November 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Yue, Chengfei; Ding, Changkun; Yang, Ning; Luo, Ying; Su, Jieliang; Cao, Lele; Cheng, Bowen
• Is Part Of: European polymer journal. Volume 180(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-11-05
• Subjects: Collagen -- Cellulose nanofibril -- Self-assembly -- Hydrogen bonds -- Metal–ligand bonds -- Synergistic effect; Polymers -- Periodicals; Polymerization -- Periodicals; Polymères -- Périodiques; Polymérisation -- Périodiques; Polymerization; Polymers; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 547.705
• DOI: 10.1016/j.eurpolymj.2022.111628
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0014-3057

Abstract

Graphical abstract: Highlights: Collagen/cellulose nanofibril composite films were firstly fabricated via solution casting-solvent evaporation induced collagen molecules self-assembly in cellulose nanofibrils supramolecular network. The mechanical properties of the composite films were enhanced via the synergistic effect of hydrogen and metal–ligand bonds. Collagen/cellulose nanofibril composite films has a good balance between bioactivity and antimicrobial activity. Abstract: In this paper, the collagen (COL)/cellulose nanofibril (CNF) composite films were fabricated via solution casting-solvent evaporation induced COL molecule self-assembly in CNF supramolecular network to form a high-density physically crosslinked supramolecular double network and then moved to inorganic saline solutions to induce the structure rearrangement and crosslinking of the composite films on the nanoscale through soaking. The supramolecular double network structure and synergistic effect of hydrogen and metal–ligand bonds on the mechanical properties of the COL/CNF composite films were also investigated through various characterization techniques to thoroughly comprehend the reinforcement mechanism. COL/CNF composite films with ferric ion exhibited excellent thermal stability, outstanding dry and wet mechanical performances (112.7 MPa and 55.5 MPa). Additionally, the composite films displayed super bioactivity and antimicrobial activity even in the presence of metal ions, making them promising materials for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.