Mechanically reinforced hydrogel with nanofibers through plasma-driven PCL fibers surface treatment

Fiber-reinforced hydrogels are widely utilized in biomedical field; however, their mechanical strength and biological functionality are constrained by the poor integration between the fibrous components and the hydrogel matrix. Herein, we developed a biomimetic composite hydrogel (H-P-MA) with effective molecular integration through covalently photopolymerization between a GelMA/HAMA/DopaMA hydrogel network and reactive surface-functionalized PCLMA short fibers created by plasma technology. The H-P-MA composite hydrogel presented a micro-nano topological structure similar to that of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and exhibited superior mechanical properties as well as adhesion capabilities through strong covalent bonding between fibers and matrix, thereby facilitating better cell proliferation. This strategy provides a reliable pathway for developing composite hydrogel materials with ECM biomimicry.