Superior anti-swelling and durably lubricious bio-hydrogels via robust crystalline domain construction for diverse biodevice coating

Mechanically robust and super anti-swelling bio-hydrogel was prepared by adopting an innovative electrostatic crosslinking-stabilized crystalline domain strategy. This breakthrough originates from sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP) enabling simultaneous electrostatic crosslinking and in situ salting out to protect against electrolyte disturbance, leading to the formation of ultra-strong crystalline domain networks. After manufacturing a tough surface semi-interpenetrating hydration layer, the bio-hydrogel shows stable and durable super-lubrication behavior, along with excellent wear resistance as lubricious coating of devices from friction crack-blunting effect.