Biomaterials, for example bone and skin have a remarkable capacity to self-heal. These natural materials are hydrogels, however synthetic hydrogels cannot perform the same task as they are inherently weak and not usually self-healing. We will develop a new class of hydrogels that can provide the same function as natural tissues. In collaboration with the A/Prof Li at the ANU Medical School the Connal group is developing new bioinspired materials for applications as skin, ligament and cartilage replacement therapies. We have prepared a range of new polymer materials that display high strength and are also self-healing. This project will develop these materials for biological applications, for example as an artificial skin (below).

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