Hydrogels having enhanced elasticity and mechanical strength properties

A method of forming a hydrogel material having enhanced mechanical strength properties comprising:

• (i) combining at least one ethylenically-unsaturated monomer and a multi-olefinic crosslinking agent to form an admixture thereof;
• (ii) subjecting the admixture to polymerization conditions, optionally further subjecting the admixture to foaming conditions substantially concurrent therewith, effective to form a hydrogel composite thereof;
• (iii) combining at least one strengthening agent with the admixture prior to or after performing step (ii) so that said hydrogel composite contains said at least one strengthening agent;
• and
• (iv) subjecting the hydrogel composite containing strengthening agent to strengthening conditions effective to afford the hydrogel material having enhanced strength properties, wherein said strengthening conditions entail (a) contacting the hydrogel composite with a chemical strengthening agent selected from at least one of an ionotropic gellation agent, a polyphenolic complexing agent, an acid, a latex compound, and a glue, or (b) cryogellation conditions.