Nonlinear mechanics of hybrid polymer networks that mimic the complex mechanical environment of cells

Mechanical properties of living organisms are determined by intra- and extra-cellular biopolymer networks. Here, the authors show how the mechanics of polyisocyanopeptide hydrogels, mimicking biopolymers, can be readily manipulated by introducing a second polymer network.

Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Maarten Jaspers, Sarah L. Vaessen, Pim van Schayik, Dion Voerman, Alan E. Rowan, Paul H. J. Kouwer
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Nature Publishing Group 2017-05-01
Series:Nature Communications
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1038/ncomms15478
Description
Summary:Mechanical properties of living organisms are determined by intra- and extra-cellular biopolymer networks. Here, the authors show how the mechanics of polyisocyanopeptide hydrogels, mimicking biopolymers, can be readily manipulated by introducing a second polymer network.
ISSN:2041-1723