Network architecture dependent mechanical response in temperature responsive collagen-PNIPAM composites.

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the mammalian extracellular matrix. In-vitro collagen-based materials with specific mechanical properties are important for various bio-medical and tissue-engineering applications. Here, we study the reversible mechanical switching behaviour of a bio-compatible composite formed by collagen networks seeded with thermo-responsive poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) microgel particles, by exploiting the swelling/de-swelling of the particles across the lower critical solution temperature (LCST).