Nonlinear Rheological Properties of Endothelial Cell Laden-cellulose Nanofibrils Hydrogels

Cellulose nanofibrils (CNF) based on wood pulp fibers are gained much attention as part of biocompatible hydrogels for biomedical applications such as tissue engineering scaffolds, biomedicine, and drug carrier. However, CNF hydrogels have relatively poor mechanical properties, impeding their applications requiring high mechanical integrity. In this work, we prepare 2,2,6,6-tetramethylipiperidin-oxyl (TEMPO) oxidated cellulose nanofibrils hydrogels mediated with metal cations, which form the metal-carboxylate coordination bonds for enhanced mechanical strength and toughness. We conduct the large amplitude oscillatory shear (LAOS) test and Live/dead cell assay for obtaining nonlinear viscoelastic parameters and cell viability, respectively. In particular, the cell proliferation and viability change depending on the type of metal salt, which also affected the rheological properties of the hydrogels.