Research Projects

The study proposes a novel strategy to develop a double network (DN) hydrogel system with reinforced short magnetic nanofibers. The DN hydrogel matrix will consist of methacrylic acid functionalized polysaccharides fucoidan blended with carboxy methyl cellulose fibres (CMC). The presence of photocross-linkable methacrylic acid on fucoidan will provide flexibility and strength, while the introduction of a -CHO group on CMC will make the hydrogel more adhesive to the bone. The reinforced short magnetic nanofibers will align under a magnetic field, forming an anisotropy structure resembling a native ligament. This unique anisotropic double network (DN) hydrogel system will guide 3D cellular alignment and organization by the precise microarchitecture-mimicking ligament via a remote controlled magnetic field.