Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) are promising renewable nanoparticles with unique properties including high mechanical strength and a large aspect ratio. As such, CNCs form strong hydrogels and aerogels either by being crosslinked to each other or to a networked polymer matrix. This work will first look at “CNC-only” aerogels which are 3D structures with bimodal porosity and shape recovery features that make them ideal to fill bone defects and promote bone regeneration. Next, CNC-poly(oligoethylene glycol methacrylate) (POEGMA) nanocomposite hydrogels with controlled orientation of CNCs and structure in 2.5D and 3D will be demonstrated. Directional freeze casting, magnetic alignment, and biaxial and uniaxial shrinking of hydrogel disks, films and electrospun fibres were used to obtain novel structured biomaterials. Electron microscopy and X-ray microcomputed tomography allowed for visualization of the favorable interactions that occur between CNC structures and cells. Shrinking CNC materials on pre-strained substrates not only provides new structures but also elucidates their mechanical properties. <i>In vitro</i> and <i>in vivo</i> results with CNC aerogels and hydrogels will be presented including cell compatibility, cell and protein adherence, tissue differentiation, hydroxyapatite nucleation and biodistribution of fluorescently labelled CNCs in an animal model. These studies highlight the potential of CNC-based materials in a variety of biomedical applications and allow us to gain a better understanding of CNC toxicity, biodegradation and clearance.

Crosslinked cellulose nanocrystal aerogels and hydrogels with hierarchical structure for tissue engineering

Macromolecular Chemistry: The Second Century

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ACS Spring 2020 National Meeting & Expo

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.