Paper Number
GN29                         My Program 

Session
Self-assemblies, Gels and Networks

Title
Time-resolved nonlinear rheology of interpenetrating biocomposite networks using the SPP framework: From experimental characterization to simulation models

Presentation Date and Time
October 21, 2025 (Tuesday) 3:45

Track / Room
Track 2 / Sweeney Ballroom B

Authors (Click on name to view author profile)

1. Fontaine-Seiler, Wayan A. (Georgetown University, Department of Physics)
2. Blair, Daniel L. (Georgetown University, Department of Physics)
3. Del Gado, Emanuela (Georgetown University, Department of Physics)
4. Donley, Gavin J. (National Institute of Standards and Technology, Engineering Laboratory)

Author and Affiliation Lines (in printed abstract book)
Wayan A. Fontaine-Seiler¹, Daniel L. Blair¹, Emanuela Del Gado¹ and Gavin J. Donley^2
1Department of Physics, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057; ²Engineering Laboratory, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD 20899

Speaker / Presenter 
Blair, Daniel L.

Keywords
experimental methods; computational methods; applied rheology; biomaterials; future of rheology; gels; methods; networks; rheometry

Text of Abstract
Functional biomaterials are often composed of multicomponent systems. Designing their biological and mechanical functionality depends on the precise control of their microscopic constituent properties on all relevant lengthscales. When utilized for 3D printing and cellular scaffolding applications, these hydrogel-based materials undergo large strain deformation which can dramatically alter their structure and mechanical properties. In this talk, we will present experimental rheological results for a biologically derived interpenetrating network composed of gelatin, fibrin and a non-specific enzymatic crosslinker along with Molecular Dynamics simulations models results. To quantify the nonlinear response, we apply the Sequence of Physical Processes (SPP) framework to Large Amplitude Oscillatory Strain (LAOS) rheology along with a statistical and geometric framework that we have created to interpret the time dependent moduli. Using this methodology, we will quantitatively describe the microscopic interdependence of the composite gels and also show the non-additive mechanical behavior at high strain amplitudes and discuss the mechanisms which underlie the transitions from linear to nonlinear behavior. Additionally, we explore and discuss Molecular Dynamics simulation models capable of explaining and predicting the experimental bulk nonlinear responses of as well as the potentially linked structural changes under high strains at different lengthscales at their origin. Finally, we show that our statistical analysis of SPP framework provides a more generic interpretation of LAOS rheology which can be applied to both experimental data and molecular dynamics simulations models.