Stimuli-responsive myosin-polyacrylamide double-network gel: ionic strength-dependent mechanical properties and volume changes

Abstract A myosin-polyacrylamide double-network gel was developed for enhancing the mechanical properties of protein-based hydrogels. The resulting gel exhibited high mechanical strength and stimuli-responsiveness. When the ionic strength decreased, its mechanical strength increased, reflecting a fiber-reinforcement effect arising from the assembly of myosin into thick filament-like structures.