Magneto-mechanically derived diffusion processes in ultra-soft biological hydrogels
Jorge González‐Rico, S. Garzon-Hernandez, Chad M. Landis, Daniel Garcia‐Gonzalez
Abstract
Magneto-active hydrogels (MAHs) consist of a polymeric network doped with magnetic particles that enable the material to mechanically respond to magnetic stimuli. This multifunctionality allows for modulation of mechanical properties in a remote and dynamic manner. These characteristics combined with the biocompatibility of hydrogels, make MAHs excellent for drug delivery and biological scaffolds. In this work, ultra-soft biological MAHs with strong magnetostriction are fabricated from human blood plasma (∼20 Pa). The material is experimentally tested using a novel in-house device that allows for a precise control of magnetic actuation conditions, enabling the hydrogel modulation in terms of mechanical deformation and stiffness. We study the impact of magnetic actuation on the solvent expulsion and diffusion dynamics within the polymeric network. To further elucidate the mechanisms driving solvent diffusion processes, a computational framework for modeling the diffusion process of two different species within a magneto-responsive material is proposed. These experimental and computational outcomes open exciting new opportunities for the use of ultra-soft MAHs in bioengineering applications.