A tough nanofiber hydrogel incorporating ferritin

Abstract

We have developed tough nanofiber hydrogels incorporating ferritin nanoparticles with a core-shell structure that is suitable for stress concentration reduction. The swelling properties of the nanocomposite hydrogel under external forces were enhanced, leading to fast water absorption. The elastic modulus, tensile strength, and elongation at break of the nanocomposite hydrogel measured in solutions were dramatically enhanced as compared to those of the bare polymer hydrogel. During the tensile tests, the strong bonding between the nanofiller and polymer matrix played an important role in enhancing the toughness of the composite hydrogel fibers.