A team of researchers from the Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences has developed a new type of hydrogel that mimics the elasticity of tendons. This bioinspired material could be used in a variety of medical applications, such as tissue regeneration or drug delivery. The hydrogel is composed of a network of polysaccharides, proteins, and cross-linked polymers, making it a multi-functional material. This gives it the ability to stretch, contract, and move in response to external stimuli, similar to the way a tendon does in the human body. The researchers have tested the hydrogel in cell culture and in vivo, and have shown that it can promote cell adhesion and proliferation, as well as improve wound healing. The team hopes that this tissue-mimicking hydrogel will eventually be used to improve the quality of life for people with a variety of medical conditions.

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source: Phys.org