Modeling and design of programmable fiber-reinforced hydrogels

Natural tissues often exhibit “J-shaped” stress-strain responses, combining flexibility with high extensibility. This study fabricated parametric ultrafine fiber networks (UFNs) with sinusoidal rhombic lattices via Melt Electrowriting, embedding them in GelMA60 hydrogel to create biocomposite films (BCFs) replicating this behavior. A 1D 3D mortar-type finite element method, based on kinematic coupling between beam centerlines and the solid domain, was developed and validated to analyze BCFs with varying structural parameters. Results demonstrate that composite mechanical properties are effectively tuned by adjusting UFNs geometry. Furthermore, the numerical framework was applied to simulate a biocomposite tubular scaffold (BCTS) featuring a cylindrical fiber network. This work provides a specialized computational tool and design insights for the mechanical regulation of fiber-reinforced hydrogels. • Parametrically designed ultrafine fiber networks and biocomposite films were fabricated. • An embedded mortar-type finite element method was established and experimentally validated. • Biocomposite films with different structural parameters were analyzed and compared. • The mechanical performance of biocomposite tubular scaffolds was numerically investigated.