Water dynamics in silanized hydroxypropyl methylcellulose based hydrogels designed for tissue engineering

Silanized hydroxypropyl methylcellulose based hydrogels were developed for cartilage and intervertebral disc tissue engineering. Herein, study of dynamics of confined water showed two different populations, identified as hydration and bulk-like water. The diffusion coefficient showed that bulk-like water diffuses over distances ∼10 μm without being affected by the hydrogel matrix. Addition of silica nanofibers leads to improved mechanical properties and enhanced diffusion coefficient. Good diffusion within hydrogels is essential for the application.