The main aim of BioNets is to develop novel, bioactive double network (DN) hydrogel composites using cellulose nanomaterials together with bioactive small phenolics from wood bark through green polymerization approaches and non-covalent inter-network assembly strategies. 3D-printed scaffolds of the DN hydrogels will be tuned for different biomedical applications, including bone tissue engineering and wound healing. The DN hydrogels will also be transformed into lightweight foams with UV-shielding and antioxidant properties. These foams in wet and dry form will enable large-scale use of lignocellulosic building blocks for replacing plastics and are promising for novel applications in active coatings, optical applications and smart packaging.
Main results
The nanocellulose and polyphenols from willow bark formed a semi-double network structure limiting the production of super-strong gels
The hydrogel was successfully transformed into wet foam forming self-standing films upon drying. The bioactive properties of willow bark were preserved in the dry foam film and, moreover, the water resistance of foams was improved enabling their applicability to smart packaging