Nanofiber‐Based Hydrogels: Controllable Synthesis and Multifunctional Applications

• Published in: Macromolecular rapid communications. Vol. 39; no. 10; pp. e1800058 - n/a
• Main Authors: Fu, Qiuxia, Duan, Cheng, Yan, Zishuo, Li, Yan, Si, Yang, Liu, Lifang, Yu, Jianyong, Ding, Bin
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Germany Wiley Subscription Services, Inc 01.05.2018
• Subjects: Biocompatibility; composite materials; Drug delivery; Drug delivery systems; Drying; Hydrogels; Hydrophilicity; Mechanical properties; Molecular chains; multifunctional applications; Nanofibers; Three dimensional printing; Tissue engineering; hydrogels; multifunctional applications; nanofibers; composite materials
• ISSN: 1022-1336; 1521-3927
• DOI: 10.1002/marc.201800058

Nanofiber‐based hydrogels (NFHGs) prepared by the combination of traditional hydrogels and novel nanofibers have demonstrated great potential in various application fields, owing to their integrated advantages of superhydrophilicity, high water‐holding capacity, good biocompatibility, enhanced mechanical strength, and excellent structural tenability. In this review, a comprehensive overview of the structure design and synthetic strategy of NFHGs derived from electrospinning technique, weaving, freeze‐drying, 3D printing, and molecular self‐assembling method is provided. The widely researched multifunctional applications, primarily involving tissue engineering, drug delivery, sensing, intelligent actuator, and oil/water separation are also presented. Furthermore, some unsolved scientific issues and possible directions for future development of this field are also intensively discussed. Nanofiber‐based hydrogels composed of traditional hydrogels and novel nanofibers have presented great potential in various applications, owing to their integrated advantages of superhydrophilicity, high water‐holding capacity, good biocompatibility, enhanced mechanical strength, and excellent structural tenability. This review systematically summarizes recent advances in nanofiber‐based hydrogel materials with emphasis on the structure design, synthetic strategy, and multifunctional applications.