NANOSTRUCTURED PHYSICALLY-ASSOCIATING HYDROGELS FOR INJECTABLE, RESPONSIVE AND TOUGH BIOMATERIALS

摘要

Described herein are block copolymer conjugates that form double-network hydrogels under appropriate conditions. The conjugates comprise a block of polymer end- group, a block of self-associating peptide or protein, and flexible linkers between the two. Hydrogels comprising the conjugates have the mechanical properties, including elastic modulus and fracture toughness, required for load-bearing applications, while maintaining desirable shear-thinning properties, for example, for injectability.