Bioinspired polysaccharide-based nanocomposite membranes with robust wet mechanical properties for guided bone regeneration

Abstract Polysaccharide-based membranes with excellent mechanical properties are highly desired. However, severe mechanical deterioration under wet conditions limits their biomedical applications. Here, inspired by the structural heterogeneity of strong yet hydrated biological materials, we propose a strategy based on heterogeneous crosslink-and-hydration (HCH) of molecule/nano dual-scale network to fabricate polysaccharide-based nanocomposites with robust wet mechanical properties. The heterogeneity lies in that the crosslink-and-hydration occurs in the molecule-network while unaffecting the stress-bearing nanofiber-network. As one demonstration, a membrane assembled by bacterial cellulose nanofiber-network and Ca2+-crosslinked and hydrated sodium alginate molecule-network is designed. Studies show that the crosslinked-and-hydrated molecule-network restricts water invasion and boosts stress transfer of the nanofiber-network by serving as interfibrous bridge. Overall, the molecule-network makes membrane hydrated and flexible; the nanofiber-network as stress-bearing component provides strength and toughness. The HCH dual-scale network featuring cooperative effect stimulates the design of advanced biomaterials applied under wet conditions such as guided bone regeneration membranes.