OICC Press Progress in Biomaterials 2194-0517 6 4 (December 2017) 2017 10 23 Anisotropic dehydration of hydrogel surfaces 10.1007/s40204-017-0075-9 EN Georgia Kaklamani Institute of Electronic Structure and Laser, Foundation for Research and Technology Hellas, Heraklion, Crete, GR David Cheneler Engineering Department, Lancaster University, Lancaster, LA1 4YR, GB Liam M. Grover School of Chemical Engineering, The University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, B15 2TT, GB Michael J. Adams School of Chemical Engineering, The University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, B15 2TT, GB Spiros H. Anastasiadis Institute of Electronic Structure and Laser, Foundation for Research and Technology Hellas, Heraklion, Crete, GR Department of Chemistry, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, GR James Bowen Department of Engineering and Innovation, The Open University, Milton Keynes, MK7 6AA, GB Journal Article 2017 10 23 Abstract Efforts to develop tissue-engineered skin for regenerative medicine have explored natural, synthetic, and hybrid hydrogels. The creation of a bilayer material, with the stratification exhibited by native skin, is a complex problem. The mechanically robust, waterproof epidermis presents the stratum corneum at the tissue/air interface, which confers many of these protective properties. In this work, we explore the effect of high temperatures on alginate hydrogels, which are widely employed for tissue engineering due to their excellent mechanical properties and cellular compatibility. In particular, we investigate the rapid dehydration of the hydrogel surface which occurs following local exposure to heated surfaces with temperatures in the range 100–200 °C. We report the creation of a mechanically strengthened hydrogel surface, with improved puncture resistance and increased coefficient of friction, compared to an unheated surface. The use of a mechanical restraint during heating promoted differences in the rate of mass loss; the rate of temperature increase within the hydrogel, in the presence and absence of restraint, is simulated and discussed. It is hoped that the results will be of use in the development of processes suitable for preparing skin-like analogues; application areas could include wound healing and skin restoration.