[en] Photopolymerized hydrogels are extensively investigated for various tissue engineering applications, primarily due to their ability to form hydrogels in a minimally invasive manner. Although photocrosslinkable hydrogels provide necessary biological and chemical characteristics to mimic cellular microenvironments, they often lack sufficient mechanical properties. Recently, nanocomposite approaches have demonstrated potential to overcome these deficits by reinforcing the hydrogel network with. In this study, we investigate some physical, chemical, and biological properties of photocrosslinked poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)-silica hydrogels. The addition of silica nanospheres significantly suppresses the hydration degree of the PEG hydrogels, indicating surface interactions between the silica nanospheres and the polymer chains. No significant change in hydrogel microstructure or average pore size due to the addition of silica nanospheres was observed. However, addition of silica nanospheres significantly increases both the mechanical strength and the toughness of the hydrogel networks. The biological properties of these nanocomposite hydrogels were evaluated by seeding fibroblast cells on the hydrogel surface. While the PEG hydrogels showed minimum cell adhesion, spreading and proliferation, the addition of silica nanospheres enhanced initial cell adhesion, promoted cell spreading and increased the metabolic activity of the cells. Overall, results indicate that the addition of silica nanospheres improves the mechanical stiffness and cell adhesion properties of PEG hydrogels and can be used for biomedical applications that required controlled cell adhesion. - Graphical abstract: Structural, mechanical and biological properties of photocrosslinked nanocomposite hydrogels from silica and poly(ethylene oxide) are investigated. Silica reinforce the hydrogel network and improved mechanical strength. Addition of induces cell adhesion characteristic properties for various biotechnological and biomedical applications. Highlights: ► Photocrosslinked nanocomposite hydrogels from silica and PEG are developed. ► Silica reinforce the hydrogel network and improve mechanical strength. ► Addition of induces cell adhesion characteristic properties. ► It can potentially be used for various biotechnological and biomedical applications

[en] Zein, a prolamin of corn, is a bio-renewable resource that can potentially offer alternatives for petroleum-based polymers in many applications. Nanocomposite formation with the addition of silicate nanoparticles (Laponite) to zein films, cast from 70% ethanol solutions, significantly improved the mechanical, thermal and barrier properties. Based on FTIR findings, a mechanism for zein–Laponite nanocomposite formation is proposed, which suggests Laponite nanoparticles bind to zein molecules through Si–N bond formation. Structural characteristics investigated using AFM and TEM confirmed exfoliation of the nanoparticle. The changes in the surface energy of the films were evaluated using water contact angle measurements and showed an increase in surface hydrophobicity. The Young’s modulus and tensile strength increased with nanoparticle concentration. The glass transition temperature increased, and water vapor permeability decreased with only a small amount of Laponite.