Bioinspired 3D braided artificial ligament with human-like mechanical properties and self-healing capability

The hybrid SMA-PE design resolves the trade-off between biomechanical performance and self-healing: PE provides foundational tensile strength, while SMA enables electrothermal self-healing via phase transformation. The 3D braided structure replicates natural ligaments' J-shaped stress-strain behavior, ensuring adaptability to dynamic joint movements. Compared to piezoelectric nanomaterial (PENM)-based designs (focused on proprioception), this ligament prioritizes mechanical stability and rapid self-healing, making it suitable for clinical rehabilitation and assistive devices. Future work will address limitations like wired power supply (via wireless modules) and long-term stability (via anti-degradation coatings).