Understanding Biopolymer Interactions in Multicomponent Systems Toward Imparting Multifunctionality.

Biopolymer-based hydrogels have emerged as versatile materials due to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and sustainable sourcing, offering promising applications in fields ranging from biomedical engineering to environmental remediation. However, single-component polysaccharide hydrogels often lack the mechanical robustness and multifunctionality required for advanced applications. This study presents the development of a novel ternary polysaccharide-based hydrogel system, composed of bacterial cellulose, agar, and xanthan gum, designed to synergistically combine mechanical strength, thermoresponsiveness, and ionic crosslinkability, without the need for synthetic additives or chemical modifications.

Through the systematic exploration of binary and ternary interactions within the hydrogel network, the structural, rheological, and mechanical properties were investigated using techniques such as small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), shear, and compressive mechanical testing. The ternary system demonstrates enhanced mechanical performance, attributable to the synergistic interactions between bacterial cellulose and agar as load-bearing components, while xanthan gum facilitates ionic crosslinking and imparts structural integrity. Furthermore, the thermoresponsive behavior of the hydrogel, driven by the agar component, enables temperature-controlled gelation, which is crucial for extrusion-based additive manufacturing.

Rheological analysis confirmed shear-thinning behavior, essential for 3D printing applications, with the hydrogel regaining viscosity post-extrusion to maintain the integrity of the printed structures. This study establishes a foundation for the fabrication of multifunctional, structurally robust hydrogels tailored for complex and customizable 3D-printed structures, advancing the potential of biopolymer-based inks in industrial applications.