Bioinspired Nanofibrous Spongyhydrogels via the Hofmeister Effect and Thermally Co-Induced Assembly

Human tissues integrate the advantages of both hydrogels and sponges, yet existing biomaterials fail to achieve tissue-like hydration, mechanical adaptability, and bioactivity simultaneously. Here, a class of bioinspired nanofibrous spongyhydrogels is introduced, which bridge hydrogels and sponges by leveraging the Hofmeister effect and thermally co-induced assembly process. Unlike conventional hydrogels that swell or sponges that lack viscoelasticity, these spongyhydrogels feature a nanofibrous network with intermediate structural scale and hydration state, enabling non-swelling, highly compressible, and viscoelastic properties. The biomimetic nanofibrous structure promotes cell adhesion, proliferation, and in vivo wound healing. Moreover, the system allows for the incorporation of functional metal cations, opening avenues for diverse biomedical applications. This work establishes a robust platform for designing bioinspired nanofibrous materials with tunable hydration and multifunctional capabilities.