Method for preparing electro-mechanically stretched hydrogel micro fibers

A method for preparing a hydrogel microfiber having a uniaxial internal alignment, the method comprising:

• (a) providing at least one starting aqueous solution comprising one or more polymers;
• (b) applying an electrical potential to the at least one starting aqueous solution sufficient to initiate a jet stream of polymer solution;
• and
• (c) mechanically stretching the jet stream of polymer solution during or after collecting the jet stream of polymer solution in a collection bath comprising a stabilizing solution, wherein the collection bath is positioned at a separation distance between about 3 cm to about 6 cm such that the jet stream of polymer solution is collected before it is accelerated by an electrical field created by the applied electrical potential, wherein (i) the collection bath comprises a stationary collection plate, and wherein the jet stream of polymer solution is deposited on the stationary collection plate using a back and forth motion to mechanically stretch the jet stream of polymer solution as it is deposited on the stationary collection plate;
• or (ii) the collection bath comprises a stationary collection plate, and wherein the jet stream of polymer solution is deposited on the stationary collection plate using a back and forth motion to mechanically stretch the jet stream of polymer solution as it is deposited on the stationary collection plate.