The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jun. 16, 2026
Filed:
Dec. 14, 2023
The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, CN;
The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, CN;
Abstract
The subject invention pertains to multifunctional tendon-mimetic hydrogels constructed from anisotropic assembly of aramid nanofiber composites. The stiff nanofibers and soft polyvinyl alcohol in these anisotropic composite hydrogels (ACHs) mimic the structural interplay between aligned collagen fibers and proteoglycans in tendons. The ACHs uniquely exhibit a high modulus of ˜1.1 GPa, strength of ˜72 MPa, fracture toughness of 7333 J/m, and many additional characteristics matching those of natural tendons. The surfaces of ACHs can be functionalized with bioactive molecules to present biophysical cues for the modulation of morphology, phenotypes, and other behaviors of attached cells. Moreover, soft bioelectronic components can be integrated on ACHs, enabling in-situ stimulation and sensing of various physiological parameters. The outstanding mechanics and functionality of these tendon-mimetics can be advantageously applied to advanced tissue engineering, implantable prosthetics, human-machine interactions, and other technologies.