Abstract
Strain-stiffening properties are the most applied in mechano-responsive hydrogels that respond to external mechanical forces. Wounds subjected to frequent deformations are difficult to treat because external mechanical forces can easily interfere with the healing process. The strain-stiffening property reduces the effect of external mechanical forces and acts as a damper response to these forces. Therefore, tough wound closure with stimuli-responsive strain-stiffening release properties for treating these wounds is highly desirable. In this study, we developed a strain-stiffening polyampholyte hydrogel that aims to accelerate wound closure as a damper of external mechanical forces. Self-assembly technique was used to fabricate a polyampholyte hydrogel. The differential modulus of the polyampholyte hydrogel exhibited strain-stiffening property. In addition, the mechanical stress applied to the polyampholyte hydrogel increased strain-stiffening penetration into the skin tissue. The strain-stiffening properties of the polyampholyte hydrogel also demonstrated an excellent damping of external mechanical forces to accelerate wound closure. The developed strain-stiffening hydrogel is promising for wound closure applications in wounds subjected to frequent deformations from external mechanical forces.