# Biomimetic Gradient Lubrication Hydrogel Contrived by Self-Reinforced MOFs Nanoparticle Network

## TL;DR

A new hydrogel with a gradient structure and enhanced durability was created using 3D-printed MOF nanoparticles for biomedical applications.

## Contribution

A self-reinforced MOF nanoparticle network was integrated into hydrogels to achieve biomimetic gradient lubrication with improved mechanical and lubrication properties.

## Key findings

- The hydrogel has a low coefficient of friction (~0.1141) and high wear resistance (40,000 cycles).
- The deeper hydrogel layer provides mechanical support with a fracture strength of ~2.50 MPa.
- Gradient stiffness was modulated by controlling MOF spatial distribution in the 3D-printed skeleton.

## Abstract

Self-reinforced network of metal-organic frameworks nanoparticles significantly improved the mechanical strength and durability of the hydrogel.Biomimetic lubricating hydrogels with architectural and compositional gradients enabled by multi-material 3D printing.Slippery hydrogel meniscus substitutes with complicated gradient structures and reliable cushioning layers were manufactured.

Self-reinforced network of metal-organic frameworks nanoparticles significantly improved the mechanical strength and durability of the hydrogel.

Biomimetic lubricating hydrogels with architectural and compositional gradients enabled by multi-material 3D printing.

Slippery hydrogel meniscus substitutes with complicated gradient structures and reliable cushioning layers were manufactured.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40820-025-02001-x.

The development of gradient lubrication materials is critical for numerous biomedical applications, particularly in magnifying mechanical properties and service longevity. Herein, we present an innovative approach to fabricate biomimetic gradient lubrication hydrogel through the synergistic integration of three-dimensional (3D) printed metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) nanoparticle network hydrogel skeletons with bio-inspired lubrication design. Specifically, robust hydrogel skeletons were engineered through single or multi-material 3D printing, followed by the in situ growth of MOFs nanoparticles within this hydrogel network to create a reinforced, load-bearing architecture. Subsequently, biomimetic lubrication capability was enabled by mechanically coupling another lubricating hydrogel within 3D-printed MOFs nanoparticle network hydrogel skeleton. The superficial layer is highly lubricious to ensure low coefficient of friction (~ 0.1141) and wear resistance (40,000 cycles), while the deeper layer is stiffer to afford the obligatory mechanical support (fracture strength ~ 2.50 MPa). Furthermore, the gradient architecture stiffness of the hydrogel can be modulated by manipulating the spatial distribution of MOFs within the 3D-printed hydrogel skeleton. As a proof-of-concept, biomimetic gradient hydrogel meniscus structures with C- and O-shaped configurations were constructed by leveraging multi-material 3D printing, demonstrating exceptional lubrication performance. This innovative biomimetic design opens new avenues for creating implantable biomedical gradient lubricating materials with reinforced mechanical and lubrication performance.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40820-025-02001-x.