PVA-AAm-AG multi-network hydrogel with high mechanical strength and cell adhesion

The self-healing ability of articular cartilage is poor, and hydrogel materials are expected to be used for cartilage replacement due to their high-water content and good biocompatibility. Here, the polyvinyl alcohol-acrylamide-agarose multi-network hydrogel was proposed. The hydrogel has a compressive modulus of 1.19 MPa and a compressive strength limit of 8.87 MPa, as well as a tensile modulus of 0.63 MPa and a tensile strength limit of 1.08 MPa. The mechanical properties of hydrogel meet the requirement for cartilage replacement materials. The in vitro cell experiments indicate that the introduction of agarose improves the cell adhesion of the hydrogel, which is expected to be beneficial in the field of biomedicine.