I. Research Overview

Faced with the existing therapeutic limitations for tricuspid valve dysfunction, inspired by the biological structures of nautilus, jellyfish and lotus leaf, a helical multi‑layer hydrogel scaffold with Janus wettability is constructed. Various properties of this magneto‑thermally dual‑responsive scaffold for valve repair are explored, and multi‑dimensional in‑vitro, ex‑vivo and in‑vivo experiments are carried out to evaluate material performance.

II. Core Innovations

A trilayer helical configuration with asymmetric wettability is fabricated to achieve remote non‑contact clamping under magnetic fields. Relying on in‑situ stiffening of the thermoresponsive layer at physiological temperature, suture‑free tissue anchoring is realized to adapt to the dynamic cyclic motion of the heart.

III. Key Material Design and Validation

The top hydrophobic composite material endows magnetic responsiveness and antithrombotic properties. The bottom hydrophilic hydrogel enables tissue adhesion. The intermediate thermoresponsive hydrogel modulates overall mechanical properties. A series of tests including mechanics, magnetic actuation, adhesion, biocompatibility and ex‑vivo cardiac stability are completed to verify structural and functional feasibility.

 IV. Insights and Outlook

 (1) Reverse thinking: Drawing lessons from natural biological features and translating them into structural and interfacial design strategies for biomedical materials. 

(2) Systematic design: The coordination of interfaces, components and structures satisfies multiple requirements for actuation, adhesion and mechanical performance simultaneously. 

(3) Platform potential: This modular design concept can provide references for the research and development of heart‑related hydrogel devices.

V. Original Article Information

(1) Journal source: Advanced Functional Materials

(2) Article title: Bioinspired Helical Hydrogel Scaffold with Janus Wettability for Magnetically and Thermally Responsive Tricuspid Valve Repair

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