Interpenetrated polymer networks of chitosan (CHI), polyacrylic acid (PAA) and polyacrylamide (PAM) were prepared by free radical polymerization. These hydrogels were either washed with double distilled water (CHI/PAA...Interpenetrated polymer networks of chitosan (CHI), polyacrylic acid (PAA) and polyacrylamide (PAM) were prepared by free radical polymerization. These hydrogels were either washed with double distilled water (CHI/PAA/PAM) A or hydrolyzed with 1M sodium hydroxide (NaOH), (CHI/PAA/PAM) S. Both types of hydrogels were characterized by infrared spectroscopy, microstructural techniques and compressive mechanical testing. Finally, hydrogels were loaded with bovine serum albumin (BSA) and release followed at different pHs. Infrared spectra analysis showed correspondence between hydrogels and monomer feed compositions. Hydrolyzed hydrogels, had increased water content and pH swelling dependence. Compression modulus of swelled hydrolyzed hydrogels decreased with increasing equilibrium water content. Higher BSA loadings were achieved on hydrolyzed hydrogels due to their high water content and porosity. Protein release from hydrogels was low (≤ 20% after 10 hours) at pH 1.2, but sustained release was observed at pH 6.8 and 7.4. The integrity of the protein released at 6.8 and 7.4 by hydrolyzed hydrogels was unaffected. The hydrogles showed no cytotoxic effects on human skin dermal fibroblasts as determined by MTT assay except for two compositions of (CHI/PAA/PAM) A samples, which after seven days presented a viability lower than 80% respect to the control.展开更多
The change in rheological and mechanical properties for some ionotropic cross-linked metal-alginate hydrogel complexes in particularly copper-alginate membranes in the presence of some organic solvents (benzene, tolue...The change in rheological and mechanical properties for some ionotropic cross-linked metal-alginate hydrogel complexes in particularly copper-alginate membranes in the presence of some organic solvents (benzene, toluene, xylene, carbon tetrachloride, ace-tone, chloroform, dichloroethane, isobutyl alcohol and ethyl alcohol) or buffer solutions (acetates, borates and universal buffers) have been investigated. The experimental results showed a remarkable tendency of the studied hydrogels for shrinking in polar solvents, whereas no influence was observed for the hydrogels in non-polar solvents. On the other hand, the gels were found to swell or shrink in the buffer solutions depending on the pH of the buffer used. The swelling extent for hydrogel spheres was found to decrease in the order Cu > Ba ≈ Ca > Zn > Pb-alginates in universal buffers of pH = 5.33. The factors affected this behavior have been examined and discussed.展开更多
We proposed a strategy using high-concentration tannic acid(TA) solutions to form robust and dense supramolecular networks in hydrogels,driven by the high osmotic pressure of the TA solution.The resulting hydrogels ar...We proposed a strategy using high-concentration tannic acid(TA) solutions to form robust and dense supramolecular networks in hydrogels,driven by the high osmotic pressure of the TA solution.The resulting hydrogels are both transparent and tough,with highly compacted networks.The hydrogels exhibit an ultimate tensile strength of approximately 4.55 MPa and a toughness of 160 MJ/m^(3).Additionally,the hydrogels adhere to a wide range of substrates,including metals,ceramics,glass,and even Teflon,with an adhesion strength of up to 42 kPa on Teflon plates.Given the biocompatibility and biodegradability of both PVA and TA,along with the hydrogels' toughness,transparency,and adhesiveness,we anticipated broad applications in the biomedical field,such as in articular cartilage restoration,electronic skin,and wound dressings.Additionally,these hydrogels hold significant potential for applications in wearable technology and optoelectronic devices.展开更多
The continuous extension of human life expectancy and the global trend of population aging have contributed to a marked increase in the incidence of musculoskeletal diseases,with fractures and osteoporosis being promi...The continuous extension of human life expectancy and the global trend of population aging have contributed to a marked increase in the incidence of musculoskeletal diseases,with fractures and osteoporosis being prominent examples.Consequently,promoting bone regeneration is a crucial medical challenge that demands immediate attention.As early as the mid-20th century,researchers revealed that electrical stimulation could effectively promote the healing and regeneration of bone tissue.This is achieved by mimicking the endogenous electric field within bone tissue,which influences cellular behavior and molecular mechanisms.In recent years,electroactive hydrogels responsive to electric field stimulation have been developed and applied to regulate cell functions at different stages of bone regeneration.This paper elaborates on the regulatory effects of electrical stimulation on MSCs,macrophages,and vascular endothelial cells during the process of bone regeneration.It also involves the activation of relevant ion channels and signaling pathways.Subsequently,it comprehensively reviews various electric-field-responsive hydrogels developed in recent years,covering aspects such as material selection,preparation methods,characteristics,and their applications in bone regeneration.Ultimately,it provides an objective summary of the existing deficiencies in hydrogel materials and research,and looks ahead to future development directions.展开更多
Lignin,the most abundant natural aromatic polymer globally,has garnered considerable interest due to its rich and diverse active functional groups and its antioxidant,antimicrobial,and adhesive properties.Recent resea...Lignin,the most abundant natural aromatic polymer globally,has garnered considerable interest due to its rich and diverse active functional groups and its antioxidant,antimicrobial,and adhesive properties.Recent research has significantly improved the performance of lignin-based hydrogels,suggesting their substantial potential in fields such as biomedicine,environmental science,and agriculture.This paper reviews the process of lignin extraction,systematically introduces synthesis strategies for preparing lignin-based hydrogels,and discusses the current state of research on these hydrogels in biomedical and environmental protection fields.It concludes by identifying the existing challenges in lignin hydrogel research and envisioning future prospects and development trends.展开更多
The development of solar-driven interfacial evaporation technology is pivotal for addressing global water scarcity.However,it is hindered by the difficulty in synergizing high photothermal conversion with low water ev...The development of solar-driven interfacial evaporation technology is pivotal for addressing global water scarcity.However,it is hindered by the difficulty in synergizing high photothermal conversion with low water evaporation enthalpy into a single material.Herein,we propose an iron-aldehyde-cooperative dynamic covalent anchoring strategy,successfully constructing a covalently locked,hydroxymethyl-functionalized PEDOT-PVA integrated dual-network hydrogel(MEPH).This strategy employs Fe3+to achieve the one-step in situ oxidative polymerization of hydroxymethyl EDOT while concurrently forming a physical hybrid network with PVA,which is subsequently reinforced by covalent cross-linking using glutaraldehyde.This design endows the MEPH with exceptional broadband light absorption(>99%),efficient water transport,and regulated water state within the hydrogel matrix,leading to a reduced evaporation enthalpy of 732 J·g^(−1).The resulting evaporator achieves an ultrahigh evaporation rate of 4.95 kg·m^(−2)·h^(−1)under 1-sun illumination,corresponding to an energy conversion efficiency exceeding 95%,while maintaining stable,salt-resistant operation in high-salinity environments.Outdoor experiments validate its outstanding practicality for seawater and wastewater purification,with the produced freshwater significantly promoting plant growth,highlighting its great potential in sustainable agricultural water cycles.This iron-aldehyde-cooperative dynamic covalent anchoring strategy provides an innovative design paradigm for a new generation of high-performance and robust solar evaporators.展开更多
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus(MRSA) causes widespread infections and poses serious public health concerns. Its high level of resistance to multiple antibiotics has garnered growing interest in identifyin...Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus(MRSA) causes widespread infections and poses serious public health concerns. Its high level of resistance to multiple antibiotics has garnered growing interest in identifying and applying novel antibacterial compounds derived from natural sources. In this study, we purified a biosurfactant(BS) from Bacillus rugosus HH2 to develop a natural antibacterial agent. This agent was then reinforced with chitooligosaccharide(COS) and polyvinyl alcohol(PVA) to create a hydrogel that promoted healing in MRSA-infected wounds. The COS/PVA/BS hydrogel was readily fabricated via the freeze-thaw method and demonstrated excellent mechanical strength, biological activity,and biocompatibility. In vitro assays confirmed that the hydrogel significantly enhanced the proliferation, migration, angiogenesis, and extracellular matrix deposition of fibroblasts,keratinocytes, and endothelial cells. Moreover, it exhibited strong bacteriostatic and bactericidal activities against MRSA, along with potent antibiofilm activity and inhibition of virulence factors relevant to MRSA-induced wound infections. Its anti-virulence effects have been linked to the downregulation of quorum sensing and virulence-related genes in MRSA. In an in vivo model of MRSA-induced infection, the COS/PVA/BS hydrogel significantly accelerated wound healing and markedly reduced the MRSA burden. Immunofluorescence staining confirmed enhanced neovascularization and regulated macrophage responses,underscoring the angiogenic and immunomodulatory effects of the hydrogel. Overall,the COS/PVA/BS hydrogel represents a promising therapeutic strategy for addressing antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections and promoting wound repair, supported by the use of common raw materials, a simple fabrication process, and high-yield production of natural antibacterial agents.展开更多
Hydrogels are widely employed in various cutting-edge fields due to their excellent flexibility and tunability.However,hydrogels undergo significant swelling when immersed in seawater or other ionic solutions,leading ...Hydrogels are widely employed in various cutting-edge fields due to their excellent flexibility and tunability.However,hydrogels undergo significant swelling when immersed in seawater or other ionic solutions,leading to a severe decline in their performance.Herein,we develop a composite hydrogel(PAH)with anti-swelling capability in different solution environments,constructed through hydrogen bonding interactions between rigid aramid nanofibers(ANF)and flexible poly(vinyl alcohol)(PVA).The dense three-dimensional skeleton within PAH not only dissipates energy to enhance its strength and toughness but also effectively inhibits water molecule penetration.Even after immersion in different ionic solutions,PAH maintains its structural integrity(equilibrium swelling ratio of only 0.1%),while retaining excellent mechanical properties.This work provides a simple and effective strategy for improving the anti-swelling ability of hydrogels in different solutions,offering insights for broadening the application scope of hydrogels.展开更多
Green solvent pretreatment of biomass represents a promising ap-proach for enhancing the econom-ic value of lignocellulosic deriva-tives.In this study,corncob biomass was treated with a diol-based deep eutectic solven...Green solvent pretreatment of biomass represents a promising ap-proach for enhancing the econom-ic value of lignocellulosic deriva-tives.In this study,corncob biomass was treated with a diol-based deep eutectic solvent(DES)under mild conditions,facilitating efficient cellulose separation.The extracted cellulose was subsequently used to fabricate cellulose hydrogels in an aqueous zinc chloride solution.The resulting hydrogel exhibited a“water-in-salt”effect due to the high concentration of ZnCl_(2).Leveraging the antifreeze properties of sorbitol,the system demon-strated outstanding low-temperature electrochemical performance,including a broad operat-ing voltage window and an ionic conductivity of 38.4 mS·cm^(-1)at-20℃.At 20℃,the de-vice achieved an energy density of 206 Wh·kg^(-1)and a power density of 2701.05 W·kg^(-1)at a current density of 1 A·g^(-1).Moreover,the flexible zinc-ion hybrid supercapacitor(ZHSC)maintained 89%of its capacitance and nearly 100%Coulombic efficiency after 5500 cycles at 20℃.This work not only advances the development of zinc-ion energy storage devices but al-so establishes a new paradigm for the green and direct utilization of biomass-derived materi-als.展开更多
Burn infection is one of the most common and severe complications in burn patients and a major factor contributing to high mortality rates.The loss of skin barrier function and the immunosuppressive state following bu...Burn infection is one of the most common and severe complications in burn patients and a major factor contributing to high mortality rates.The loss of skin barrier function and the immunosuppressive state following burns make patients highly susceptible to wound infections,which can progress to systemic sepsis.Although burn wounds are initially sterile,they are rapidly colonized by Gram-positive bacteria(e.g.,Staphylococcus aureus)within a short period,followed by colonization with Gram-negative bacteria(e.g.,Pseudomonas aeruginosa),thereby increasing therapeutic challenges.Current clinical management relies on a multidisciplinary collaborative approach,combining conventional antibiotics,emerging therapies,and comprehensive care strategies.Among these methods,early intervention,precise treatment administration,and prevention and control are critical to improving patient survival and prognosis.In recent years,drug-loaded hydrogels,as a class of wound repair materials characterized by biocompatibility,controlled drug release,and multifunctional integration,have demonstrated significant advantages in the treatment of burn infections.They can effectively inhibit pathogenic microorganisms,alleviate inflammation,and promote tissue regeneration.This review systematically summarizes recent research advances in the application of drug-loaded hydrogels for the treatment of infected burn wounds,aiming to provide a reference for their further development and clinical translation.展开更多
The operational temperature rise of photovoltaic(PV)panels reduces their power generation efficiency and shortens their lifespan.Hygroscopic hydrogel-based evaporative cooling technology provides a promising solution ...The operational temperature rise of photovoltaic(PV)panels reduces their power generation efficiency and shortens their lifespan.Hygroscopic hydrogel-based evaporative cooling technology provides a promising solution for PV cooling due to high-enthalpy water evaporation.However,current hydrogels remain plagued by cooling interface mismatch and environmental concerns,which limit their practical implementation.Herein,a“green”and self-adhesive hygroscopic hydrogel consisting only of cheap lotus root powder and LiCl is designed,which can form robust interfacial adhesion with PV panels for efficient and durable cooling.Leveraging its compelling hygroscopicity,the hydrogel is able to rapidly capture moisture to recover cooling capacity,thus achieving self-sustained cooling.Besides,the“salting-in”effect brought by LiCl endows the hydrogel with notable softness and self-adhesiveness,which enables it to tightly combine with PV panels to optimize heat conduction and improve cooling efficiency.As a result,under 1.0 kW m^(-2)illumination,a PV temperature drop of 18.2℃ and a cooling power of 358 W m^(-2)were delivered by attaching the hydrogel to the rear of the PV panel,accompanied by a 7.7%improvement in energy efficiency.Overall,this self-sustained passive cooling strategy,activated by the all-natural hydrogel,sheds light on the development of PV thermal management.展开更多
The osteochondral(OC)interface exhibits a mineral gradient,varying in thickness by several hundred micrometers across different species.Disruptions in this interface damage OC tissues,leading to osteoarthritis.The nat...The osteochondral(OC)interface exhibits a mineral gradient,varying in thickness by several hundred micrometers across different species.Disruptions in this interface damage OC tissues,leading to osteoarthritis.The natural architecture and composition of native OC interfaces can be replicated using biomaterial scaffolds via regenerative engineering approaches.A novel one-step bioextrusion process was employed to fabricate a unitary synthetic graft(USG),which mimics the native OC interface’s mineral concentration gradient.This novel USG is composed of an agarose-based cartilage layer and a bone layer,consisting of agarose enriched with 20%(200 g/L)hydroxyapatite.The USG features a gradient interface with mineral concentrations transitioning from 0%to 20%(mass fraction),mimicking the transition between the cartilage and bone.Thermogravimetric analysis revealed that the gradient transition lengths of the graft and native OC tissue harvested from bovine knees were similar((647±21)vs.(633±124)μm).The linear viscoelastic properties of the grafts,which were evaluated using strain sweep and frequency sweep tests with oscillatory shear,indicated a dominant storage modulus over loss modulus similar to that of native OC tissues.The compressive and stress relaxation behaviors of the USGs demonstrated that the graft maintained structural integrity under mechanical stress.Viability assays performed after bioextrusion showed that chondrocytes and human fetal osteoblast cells successfully integrated and survived within their designated regions of the graft.The novel USGs exhibit properties similar to native OC tissue and are promising candidates for regenerating OC defects and restoring knee joint functionality.展开更多
The weak interfacial bonding and significant modulus mismatch between the reinforcement phase and the hydrogel matrix greatly limit the reinforcing efficiency in conventional composite hydrogels.To address these issue...The weak interfacial bonding and significant modulus mismatch between the reinforcement phase and the hydrogel matrix greatly limit the reinforcing efficiency in conventional composite hydrogels.To address these issues,we propose a novel design strategy based on dynamic mechanical control,summarized as“blending reinforcement in the viscoelastoplastic state and fixing the structure in the viscoelastic state.”This approach utilizes a unique poly(vinyl alcohol)(PVA)hydrogel matrix featuring an amorphous/strong hydrogen-bonding hierarchical architecture,which undergoes a thermal-induced transition from a viscoelastoplastic to a viscoelastic state,enabling effective filler dispersion and subsequent structural stabilization.The method effectively suppresses filler aggregation through mechanical mixing in the viscoelastoplastic matrix,while the high polymer chain density and abundant physical interactions reduce modulus mismatch between dual phases.This synergy,together with enhanced interfacial strength achieved through strong physical bonding and structural reorganization during the cooling-induced mechanical transition,creates a robust interface that promotes crack deflection and tortuous crack propagation.As a result,we successfully fabricate PVA/silica composite hydrogels with outstanding mechanical properties and long-term stability.Moreover,by leveraging the salt-responsive nature of the system,the mechanical properties of the composite hydrogels can be reversibly and broadly modulated via a salt solution exchange strategy.This work establishes a fundamental principle and a practical pathway for the design and fabrication of advanced hydrogel composites.展开更多
All-season thermal management with zero energy consumption and emissions is more crucial to global decarbonization over traditional energy-intensive cooling/heating systems.However,the static single thermal management...All-season thermal management with zero energy consumption and emissions is more crucial to global decarbonization over traditional energy-intensive cooling/heating systems.However,the static single thermal management for cooling or heating fails to self-regulate the temperature in dynamic seasonal temperature condition.Herein,inspired by the dual-temperature regulation function of the fur color changes on the backs and abdomens of penguins,a smart thermal management composite hydrogel(PNA@H-PM Gel)system was subtly created though an"on-demand"dual-layer structure design strategy.The PNA@H-PM Gel system features synchronous solar and thermal radiation modulation as well as tunable phase transition temperatures to meet the variable seasonal thermal requirements and energy-saving demands via self-adaptive radiative cooling and solar heating regulation.Furthermore,this system demonstrates superb modulations of both the solar reflectance(ΔR=0.74)and thermal emissivity(ΔE=0.52)in response to ambient temperature changes,highlighting efficient temperature regulation with average radiative cooling and solar heating effects of 9.6℃in summer and 6.1℃in winter,respectively.Moreover,compared to standard building baselines,the PNA@H-PM Gel presents a more substantial energy-saving cooling/heating potentials for energy-efficient buildings across various regions and climates.This novel solution,inspired by penguins in the real world,will offer a fresh approach for producing intelligent,energy-saving thermal management materials,and serve for temperature regulation under dynamic climate conditions and even throughout all seasons.展开更多
Despite the promising progress in conductive hydrogels made with pure conducting polymer,great challenges remain in the interface adhesion and robustness in longterm monitoring.To address these challenges,Prof.Seung H...Despite the promising progress in conductive hydrogels made with pure conducting polymer,great challenges remain in the interface adhesion and robustness in longterm monitoring.To address these challenges,Prof.Seung Hwan Ko and Taek-Soo Kim’s team introduced a laserinduced phase separation and adhesion method for fabricating conductive hydrogels consisting of pure poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):polystyrene sulfonate on polymer substrates.The laser-induced phase separation and adhesion treated conducting polymers can be selectively transformed into conductive hydrogels that exhibit wet conductivities of 101.4 S cm^(−1) with a spatial resolution down to 5μm.Moreover,they maintain impedance and charge-storage capacity even after 1 h of sonication.The micropatterned electrode arrays demonstrate their potential in long-term in vivo signal recordings,highlighting their promising role in the field of bioelectronics.展开更多
Hydrogel-based flexible sensors are emerging as ideal candidates for wearable devices and soft robotics.However,most current hydrogels possess limited physicochemical properties,which hinder their practical applicatio...Hydrogel-based flexible sensors are emerging as ideal candidates for wearable devices and soft robotics.However,most current hydrogels possess limited physicochemical properties,which hinder their practical application in long-term and complex scenarios.Herein,inspired by the unique structure of the barnacle,we design multifunctional poly(DMAPA-co-PHEA)hydrogels(CP hydrogels)by employing multiple physical crosslinks in the presence of Ag nanoparticles and NaCl additives.Owing to the synergistic effect of cation-πinteractions,hydrophobic interactions,and ionic bonds,the CP hydrogels exhibit high stretchability(strain up to 1430%),strong adhesion(22.8 kPa),satisfactory antibacterial activity,stable anti-icing ability(<20 kPa after 20 icing-deicing cycles),and high electrical conductivity(18.5 mS/cm).Additionally,the CP hydrogels show fast and sensitive responsiveness and cycling stability and can attach directly to human skin to accurately detect both human motions and tiny physiological signals as a flexible wearable sensor.Collectively,this work significantly contributes a straightforward and efficient design strategy for the development of multifunctional hydrogels,broadening their application scenarios.展开更多
The performance of hydrogel radical polymerization under ambient conditions is a major challenge because oxygen is an effective radical quencher and the steps to remove or neutralize it are time consuming and laboriou...The performance of hydrogel radical polymerization under ambient conditions is a major challenge because oxygen is an effective radical quencher and the steps to remove or neutralize it are time consuming and laborious.A self-initiating system consisting of transition metals and acetylacetone has been successfully developed.The system is capable of initiating free radical polymerization of hydrogels at room temperature under aerobic conditions,which is attributed to carbon radicals generated by the oxidation of acetylacetone.Some of these carbon radicals reduce oxygen to generate hydroxyl radicals,which together induce self-coagulation of hydrogels.The polymerization system was effective for a variety of monomer and hydrogel swelling and shrinking schemes,and the reaction remained successful when exposed to saturated oxygen.In conclusion,the results demonstrate that the present strategy is an effective approach to addressing the challenge of deoxygenation in polymer synthesis,and provides a convenient method for synthesizing multifunctional hydrogels under ambient conditions.展开更多
The kinetics of alkaline hydrogen evolution reaction(HER)of platinum(Pt)is markedly slower owing to the poor proton supply rate and sluggish water dissociation.Herein,we report an efficient strategy based on polyoxome...The kinetics of alkaline hydrogen evolution reaction(HER)of platinum(Pt)is markedly slower owing to the poor proton supply rate and sluggish water dissociation.Herein,we report an efficient strategy based on polyoxometalates(POMs)hydrogels to prepare the selfsupporting porous conductive carbon aerogels embedded with Pt-doped molybdenum carbide(Pt@Mo_(2)C)active sites for promoting the alkaline HER performance.It is found that as-prepared self-supporting Pt@Mo_(2)C carbon aerogels possesses continuous porous conductive networks,which improves the electron and mass transfer.Moreover,the heterostructure of Pt and Mo2_(2)C can significantly promote the water dissociation with the assistant of Mo-OH and Pt-H bonding,thereby improving alkaline HER activities.The optimized Pt@Mo_(2)C/Carbon fiber paper(Pt@Mo_(2)C/CFP)electrocatalyst has Pt content as low as 0.03 mg cm^(-2),which can achieve overpotential of 17 mV at 10 mA cm^(-2),surpassing the commercial Pt/C.Moreover,it exhibits an excellent sustained stability for over 100 h at 500 mA cm^(-2)in a practical alkaline water electrolyzer.The work offers new opportunities to design and synthesize superior performance electrocatalysts for the alkaline HER.展开更多
Soft self-healing materials are promising candidates for flexible electronic devices due to their excep-tional compatibility,extensibility,and self-restorability.Generally,these materials suffer from low tensile stren...Soft self-healing materials are promising candidates for flexible electronic devices due to their excep-tional compatibility,extensibility,and self-restorability.Generally,these materials suffer from low tensile strength and susceptibility to fracture because of the restricted microstructure design.Herein,we pro-pose a hydrothermal-freeze-thaw method to construct high-strength self-healing hydrogels with even in-terconnected networks and distinctive wrinkled surfaces.The integration of the wrinkled outer surface with the three-dimensional internal network confers the self-healing hydrogel with enhanced mechan-ical strength.This hydrogel achieves a tensile strength of 223 kPa,a breaking elongation of 442%,an adhesion strength of 57.6 kPa,and an adhesion energy of 237.2 J m-2.Meanwhile,the hydrogel demon-strates impressive self-repair capability(repair efficiency:93%).Moreover,the density functional theory(DFT)calculations are used to substantiate the stable existence of hydrogen bonding between the PPPBG hydrogel and water molecules which ensures the durability of the PPPBG hydrogel for long-term applica-tion.The measurements demonstrate that this multifunctional hydrogel possesses the requisite sensitivity and durability to serve as a strain sensor,which monitors a spectrum of motion signals including subtle vocalizations,pronounced facial expressions,and limb articulations.This work presents a viable strategy for healthcare monitoring,soft robotics,and interactive electronic skins.展开更多
In the current transformative era of biomedicine,hydrogels have established their presence in biomaterials due to their superior biocompatibility,tuneability and resemblance with native tissue.However,hydrogels typica...In the current transformative era of biomedicine,hydrogels have established their presence in biomaterials due to their superior biocompatibility,tuneability and resemblance with native tissue.However,hydrogels typically exhibit poor conductivity due to their hydrophilic polymer structure.Electrical conductivity provides an important enhancement to the properties of hydrogel-based systems in various biomedical applications such as drug delivery and tissue engineering.Consequently,researchers are developing combinatorial strategies to develop electrically responsive“SMART”systems to improve the therapeutic efficacy of biomolecules.Electrically conductive hydrogels have been explored for various drug delivery applications,enabling higher loading of therapeutic cargo with on-demand delivery.This review emphasizes the properties,mechanisms,fabrication techniques and recent advancements of electrically responsive“SMART”systems aiding on-site drug delivery applications.Additionally,it covers prospects for the successful translation of these systems into clinical research.展开更多
文摘Interpenetrated polymer networks of chitosan (CHI), polyacrylic acid (PAA) and polyacrylamide (PAM) were prepared by free radical polymerization. These hydrogels were either washed with double distilled water (CHI/PAA/PAM) A or hydrolyzed with 1M sodium hydroxide (NaOH), (CHI/PAA/PAM) S. Both types of hydrogels were characterized by infrared spectroscopy, microstructural techniques and compressive mechanical testing. Finally, hydrogels were loaded with bovine serum albumin (BSA) and release followed at different pHs. Infrared spectra analysis showed correspondence between hydrogels and monomer feed compositions. Hydrolyzed hydrogels, had increased water content and pH swelling dependence. Compression modulus of swelled hydrolyzed hydrogels decreased with increasing equilibrium water content. Higher BSA loadings were achieved on hydrolyzed hydrogels due to their high water content and porosity. Protein release from hydrogels was low (≤ 20% after 10 hours) at pH 1.2, but sustained release was observed at pH 6.8 and 7.4. The integrity of the protein released at 6.8 and 7.4 by hydrolyzed hydrogels was unaffected. The hydrogles showed no cytotoxic effects on human skin dermal fibroblasts as determined by MTT assay except for two compositions of (CHI/PAA/PAM) A samples, which after seven days presented a viability lower than 80% respect to the control.
文摘The change in rheological and mechanical properties for some ionotropic cross-linked metal-alginate hydrogel complexes in particularly copper-alginate membranes in the presence of some organic solvents (benzene, toluene, xylene, carbon tetrachloride, ace-tone, chloroform, dichloroethane, isobutyl alcohol and ethyl alcohol) or buffer solutions (acetates, borates and universal buffers) have been investigated. The experimental results showed a remarkable tendency of the studied hydrogels for shrinking in polar solvents, whereas no influence was observed for the hydrogels in non-polar solvents. On the other hand, the gels were found to swell or shrink in the buffer solutions depending on the pH of the buffer used. The swelling extent for hydrogel spheres was found to decrease in the order Cu > Ba ≈ Ca > Zn > Pb-alginates in universal buffers of pH = 5.33. The factors affected this behavior have been examined and discussed.
基金Funded by the Guangdong Major Project of Basic and Applied Basic Research(No.2021B0301030001)the National Key Research and Development Program of China(No. 2021YFB3802300)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos. 52403153 and 52203169)。
文摘We proposed a strategy using high-concentration tannic acid(TA) solutions to form robust and dense supramolecular networks in hydrogels,driven by the high osmotic pressure of the TA solution.The resulting hydrogels are both transparent and tough,with highly compacted networks.The hydrogels exhibit an ultimate tensile strength of approximately 4.55 MPa and a toughness of 160 MJ/m^(3).Additionally,the hydrogels adhere to a wide range of substrates,including metals,ceramics,glass,and even Teflon,with an adhesion strength of up to 42 kPa on Teflon plates.Given the biocompatibility and biodegradability of both PVA and TA,along with the hydrogels' toughness,transparency,and adhesiveness,we anticipated broad applications in the biomedical field,such as in articular cartilage restoration,electronic skin,and wound dressings.Additionally,these hydrogels hold significant potential for applications in wearable technology and optoelectronic devices.
基金supported by the National Science Foundation of China(No.82272491)。
文摘The continuous extension of human life expectancy and the global trend of population aging have contributed to a marked increase in the incidence of musculoskeletal diseases,with fractures and osteoporosis being prominent examples.Consequently,promoting bone regeneration is a crucial medical challenge that demands immediate attention.As early as the mid-20th century,researchers revealed that electrical stimulation could effectively promote the healing and regeneration of bone tissue.This is achieved by mimicking the endogenous electric field within bone tissue,which influences cellular behavior and molecular mechanisms.In recent years,electroactive hydrogels responsive to electric field stimulation have been developed and applied to regulate cell functions at different stages of bone regeneration.This paper elaborates on the regulatory effects of electrical stimulation on MSCs,macrophages,and vascular endothelial cells during the process of bone regeneration.It also involves the activation of relevant ion channels and signaling pathways.Subsequently,it comprehensively reviews various electric-field-responsive hydrogels developed in recent years,covering aspects such as material selection,preparation methods,characteristics,and their applications in bone regeneration.Ultimately,it provides an objective summary of the existing deficiencies in hydrogel materials and research,and looks ahead to future development directions.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(21706052,22278114)Natural Science Foundation of Henan Province(242300421575).
文摘Lignin,the most abundant natural aromatic polymer globally,has garnered considerable interest due to its rich and diverse active functional groups and its antioxidant,antimicrobial,and adhesive properties.Recent research has significantly improved the performance of lignin-based hydrogels,suggesting their substantial potential in fields such as biomedicine,environmental science,and agriculture.This paper reviews the process of lignin extraction,systematically introduces synthesis strategies for preparing lignin-based hydrogels,and discusses the current state of research on these hydrogels in biomedical and environmental protection fields.It concludes by identifying the existing challenges in lignin hydrogel research and envisioning future prospects and development trends.
基金financially supported by the Natural Science Foundation of Jiangxi Province(No.20232ACB204002)the Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Flexible Electronics(No.20242BCC32010).
文摘The development of solar-driven interfacial evaporation technology is pivotal for addressing global water scarcity.However,it is hindered by the difficulty in synergizing high photothermal conversion with low water evaporation enthalpy into a single material.Herein,we propose an iron-aldehyde-cooperative dynamic covalent anchoring strategy,successfully constructing a covalently locked,hydroxymethyl-functionalized PEDOT-PVA integrated dual-network hydrogel(MEPH).This strategy employs Fe3+to achieve the one-step in situ oxidative polymerization of hydroxymethyl EDOT while concurrently forming a physical hybrid network with PVA,which is subsequently reinforced by covalent cross-linking using glutaraldehyde.This design endows the MEPH with exceptional broadband light absorption(>99%),efficient water transport,and regulated water state within the hydrogel matrix,leading to a reduced evaporation enthalpy of 732 J·g^(−1).The resulting evaporator achieves an ultrahigh evaporation rate of 4.95 kg·m^(−2)·h^(−1)under 1-sun illumination,corresponding to an energy conversion efficiency exceeding 95%,while maintaining stable,salt-resistant operation in high-salinity environments.Outdoor experiments validate its outstanding practicality for seawater and wastewater purification,with the produced freshwater significantly promoting plant growth,highlighting its great potential in sustainable agricultural water cycles.This iron-aldehyde-cooperative dynamic covalent anchoring strategy provides an innovative design paradigm for a new generation of high-performance and robust solar evaporators.
基金supported by the Basic Science Research Program through the National Research Foundation of Korea(NRF) funded by the Ministry of Education (RS-2021-NR060118,RS-2024-00408404, and RS-2025-00555808)supported by the Korea Institute of Marine Science&Technology Promotion (KIMST)funded by the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries (RS-2024-00404977)。
文摘Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus(MRSA) causes widespread infections and poses serious public health concerns. Its high level of resistance to multiple antibiotics has garnered growing interest in identifying and applying novel antibacterial compounds derived from natural sources. In this study, we purified a biosurfactant(BS) from Bacillus rugosus HH2 to develop a natural antibacterial agent. This agent was then reinforced with chitooligosaccharide(COS) and polyvinyl alcohol(PVA) to create a hydrogel that promoted healing in MRSA-infected wounds. The COS/PVA/BS hydrogel was readily fabricated via the freeze-thaw method and demonstrated excellent mechanical strength, biological activity,and biocompatibility. In vitro assays confirmed that the hydrogel significantly enhanced the proliferation, migration, angiogenesis, and extracellular matrix deposition of fibroblasts,keratinocytes, and endothelial cells. Moreover, it exhibited strong bacteriostatic and bactericidal activities against MRSA, along with potent antibiofilm activity and inhibition of virulence factors relevant to MRSA-induced wound infections. Its anti-virulence effects have been linked to the downregulation of quorum sensing and virulence-related genes in MRSA. In an in vivo model of MRSA-induced infection, the COS/PVA/BS hydrogel significantly accelerated wound healing and markedly reduced the MRSA burden. Immunofluorescence staining confirmed enhanced neovascularization and regulated macrophage responses,underscoring the angiogenic and immunomodulatory effects of the hydrogel. Overall,the COS/PVA/BS hydrogel represents a promising therapeutic strategy for addressing antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections and promoting wound repair, supported by the use of common raw materials, a simple fabrication process, and high-yield production of natural antibacterial agents.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.52573131)the National Key Research and Development Program of China(No.2020YFA0710303)。
文摘Hydrogels are widely employed in various cutting-edge fields due to their excellent flexibility and tunability.However,hydrogels undergo significant swelling when immersed in seawater or other ionic solutions,leading to a severe decline in their performance.Herein,we develop a composite hydrogel(PAH)with anti-swelling capability in different solution environments,constructed through hydrogen bonding interactions between rigid aramid nanofibers(ANF)and flexible poly(vinyl alcohol)(PVA).The dense three-dimensional skeleton within PAH not only dissipates energy to enhance its strength and toughness but also effectively inhibits water molecule penetration.Even after immersion in different ionic solutions,PAH maintains its structural integrity(equilibrium swelling ratio of only 0.1%),while retaining excellent mechanical properties.This work provides a simple and effective strategy for improving the anti-swelling ability of hydrogels in different solutions,offering insights for broadening the application scope of hydrogels.
基金supported by the National Key R&D Program of China(No.2023YFA1507500)the Nation-al Natural Science Foundation of China(No.52373159)。
文摘Green solvent pretreatment of biomass represents a promising ap-proach for enhancing the econom-ic value of lignocellulosic deriva-tives.In this study,corncob biomass was treated with a diol-based deep eutectic solvent(DES)under mild conditions,facilitating efficient cellulose separation.The extracted cellulose was subsequently used to fabricate cellulose hydrogels in an aqueous zinc chloride solution.The resulting hydrogel exhibited a“water-in-salt”effect due to the high concentration of ZnCl_(2).Leveraging the antifreeze properties of sorbitol,the system demon-strated outstanding low-temperature electrochemical performance,including a broad operat-ing voltage window and an ionic conductivity of 38.4 mS·cm^(-1)at-20℃.At 20℃,the de-vice achieved an energy density of 206 Wh·kg^(-1)and a power density of 2701.05 W·kg^(-1)at a current density of 1 A·g^(-1).Moreover,the flexible zinc-ion hybrid supercapacitor(ZHSC)maintained 89%of its capacitance and nearly 100%Coulombic efficiency after 5500 cycles at 20℃.This work not only advances the development of zinc-ion energy storage devices but al-so establishes a new paradigm for the green and direct utilization of biomass-derived materi-als.
基金Supported by Natural Science Foundation of Guangxi(2025GXNSFHA069111,2020GXNSFAA159033,2019GXNSFAA245078)National Undergraduate Innovation and Entrepreneurship Training Program(202410601054).
文摘Burn infection is one of the most common and severe complications in burn patients and a major factor contributing to high mortality rates.The loss of skin barrier function and the immunosuppressive state following burns make patients highly susceptible to wound infections,which can progress to systemic sepsis.Although burn wounds are initially sterile,they are rapidly colonized by Gram-positive bacteria(e.g.,Staphylococcus aureus)within a short period,followed by colonization with Gram-negative bacteria(e.g.,Pseudomonas aeruginosa),thereby increasing therapeutic challenges.Current clinical management relies on a multidisciplinary collaborative approach,combining conventional antibiotics,emerging therapies,and comprehensive care strategies.Among these methods,early intervention,precise treatment administration,and prevention and control are critical to improving patient survival and prognosis.In recent years,drug-loaded hydrogels,as a class of wound repair materials characterized by biocompatibility,controlled drug release,and multifunctional integration,have demonstrated significant advantages in the treatment of burn infections.They can effectively inhibit pathogenic microorganisms,alleviate inflammation,and promote tissue regeneration.This review systematically summarizes recent research advances in the application of drug-loaded hydrogels for the treatment of infected burn wounds,aiming to provide a reference for their further development and clinical translation.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(52473033)。
文摘The operational temperature rise of photovoltaic(PV)panels reduces their power generation efficiency and shortens their lifespan.Hygroscopic hydrogel-based evaporative cooling technology provides a promising solution for PV cooling due to high-enthalpy water evaporation.However,current hydrogels remain plagued by cooling interface mismatch and environmental concerns,which limit their practical implementation.Herein,a“green”and self-adhesive hygroscopic hydrogel consisting only of cheap lotus root powder and LiCl is designed,which can form robust interfacial adhesion with PV panels for efficient and durable cooling.Leveraging its compelling hygroscopicity,the hydrogel is able to rapidly capture moisture to recover cooling capacity,thus achieving self-sustained cooling.Besides,the“salting-in”effect brought by LiCl endows the hydrogel with notable softness and self-adhesiveness,which enables it to tightly combine with PV panels to optimize heat conduction and improve cooling efficiency.As a result,under 1.0 kW m^(-2)illumination,a PV temperature drop of 18.2℃ and a cooling power of 358 W m^(-2)were delivered by attaching the hydrogel to the rear of the PV panel,accompanied by a 7.7%improvement in energy efficiency.Overall,this self-sustained passive cooling strategy,activated by the all-natural hydrogel,sheds light on the development of PV thermal management.
基金supported by the School of Engineering and Digital Sciences of Nazarbayev University,Astana,Kazakhstan(to CE)。
文摘The osteochondral(OC)interface exhibits a mineral gradient,varying in thickness by several hundred micrometers across different species.Disruptions in this interface damage OC tissues,leading to osteoarthritis.The natural architecture and composition of native OC interfaces can be replicated using biomaterial scaffolds via regenerative engineering approaches.A novel one-step bioextrusion process was employed to fabricate a unitary synthetic graft(USG),which mimics the native OC interface’s mineral concentration gradient.This novel USG is composed of an agarose-based cartilage layer and a bone layer,consisting of agarose enriched with 20%(200 g/L)hydroxyapatite.The USG features a gradient interface with mineral concentrations transitioning from 0%to 20%(mass fraction),mimicking the transition between the cartilage and bone.Thermogravimetric analysis revealed that the gradient transition lengths of the graft and native OC tissue harvested from bovine knees were similar((647±21)vs.(633±124)μm).The linear viscoelastic properties of the grafts,which were evaluated using strain sweep and frequency sweep tests with oscillatory shear,indicated a dominant storage modulus over loss modulus similar to that of native OC tissues.The compressive and stress relaxation behaviors of the USGs demonstrated that the graft maintained structural integrity under mechanical stress.Viability assays performed after bioextrusion showed that chondrocytes and human fetal osteoblast cells successfully integrated and survived within their designated regions of the graft.The novel USGs exhibit properties similar to native OC tissue and are promising candidates for regenerating OC defects and restoring knee joint functionality.
基金financially supported by the Natural Science Foundation of Shandong Province(No.ZR2023YQ042)National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.22273042).
文摘The weak interfacial bonding and significant modulus mismatch between the reinforcement phase and the hydrogel matrix greatly limit the reinforcing efficiency in conventional composite hydrogels.To address these issues,we propose a novel design strategy based on dynamic mechanical control,summarized as“blending reinforcement in the viscoelastoplastic state and fixing the structure in the viscoelastic state.”This approach utilizes a unique poly(vinyl alcohol)(PVA)hydrogel matrix featuring an amorphous/strong hydrogen-bonding hierarchical architecture,which undergoes a thermal-induced transition from a viscoelastoplastic to a viscoelastic state,enabling effective filler dispersion and subsequent structural stabilization.The method effectively suppresses filler aggregation through mechanical mixing in the viscoelastoplastic matrix,while the high polymer chain density and abundant physical interactions reduce modulus mismatch between dual phases.This synergy,together with enhanced interfacial strength achieved through strong physical bonding and structural reorganization during the cooling-induced mechanical transition,creates a robust interface that promotes crack deflection and tortuous crack propagation.As a result,we successfully fabricate PVA/silica composite hydrogels with outstanding mechanical properties and long-term stability.Moreover,by leveraging the salt-responsive nature of the system,the mechanical properties of the composite hydrogels can be reversibly and broadly modulated via a salt solution exchange strategy.This work establishes a fundamental principle and a practical pathway for the design and fabrication of advanced hydrogel composites.
基金the funding and generous support of the National Natural Science Foundation of China(52103263,52271249)the Key Project of International Science&Technology Cooperation of Shaanxi Province(2023-GHZD-09)+5 种基金the Key Project of Science Foundation of Education Department of Shaanxi Province(22JY011)the Key Project of Scientific Research and Development of Shaanxi Province(2023GXLH-070)the Qinchuangyuan"Scientist+Engineer"Team of Shaanxi Province(2023KXJ-069)the Key Research and Development Program of Shaanxi(2023-YBGY-488)the Sci-tech Innovation Team of Shaanxi Province(2024RS-CXTD-46)the Key Research and Development Program of Shaanxi Province(2020ZDLGY13-11).
文摘All-season thermal management with zero energy consumption and emissions is more crucial to global decarbonization over traditional energy-intensive cooling/heating systems.However,the static single thermal management for cooling or heating fails to self-regulate the temperature in dynamic seasonal temperature condition.Herein,inspired by the dual-temperature regulation function of the fur color changes on the backs and abdomens of penguins,a smart thermal management composite hydrogel(PNA@H-PM Gel)system was subtly created though an"on-demand"dual-layer structure design strategy.The PNA@H-PM Gel system features synchronous solar and thermal radiation modulation as well as tunable phase transition temperatures to meet the variable seasonal thermal requirements and energy-saving demands via self-adaptive radiative cooling and solar heating regulation.Furthermore,this system demonstrates superb modulations of both the solar reflectance(ΔR=0.74)and thermal emissivity(ΔE=0.52)in response to ambient temperature changes,highlighting efficient temperature regulation with average radiative cooling and solar heating effects of 9.6℃in summer and 6.1℃in winter,respectively.Moreover,compared to standard building baselines,the PNA@H-PM Gel presents a more substantial energy-saving cooling/heating potentials for energy-efficient buildings across various regions and climates.This novel solution,inspired by penguins in the real world,will offer a fresh approach for producing intelligent,energy-saving thermal management materials,and serve for temperature regulation under dynamic climate conditions and even throughout all seasons.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(52475610)Zhejiang Provincial Natural Science Foundation of China(LDQ24E050001).
文摘Despite the promising progress in conductive hydrogels made with pure conducting polymer,great challenges remain in the interface adhesion and robustness in longterm monitoring.To address these challenges,Prof.Seung Hwan Ko and Taek-Soo Kim’s team introduced a laserinduced phase separation and adhesion method for fabricating conductive hydrogels consisting of pure poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):polystyrene sulfonate on polymer substrates.The laser-induced phase separation and adhesion treated conducting polymers can be selectively transformed into conductive hydrogels that exhibit wet conductivities of 101.4 S cm^(−1) with a spatial resolution down to 5μm.Moreover,they maintain impedance and charge-storage capacity even after 1 h of sonication.The micropatterned electrode arrays demonstrate their potential in long-term in vivo signal recordings,highlighting their promising role in the field of bioelectronics.
基金financial support from the Guangdong Basic and Applied Basic Research Foundation(No.2023A1515012218)Macao Science and Technology Development Fund(Nos.FDCT 0009/2020/AMJ,0027/2023/RIB1)+1 种基金National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.32301104)Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities,Sun Yat-sen University(No.23ptpy165).
文摘Hydrogel-based flexible sensors are emerging as ideal candidates for wearable devices and soft robotics.However,most current hydrogels possess limited physicochemical properties,which hinder their practical application in long-term and complex scenarios.Herein,inspired by the unique structure of the barnacle,we design multifunctional poly(DMAPA-co-PHEA)hydrogels(CP hydrogels)by employing multiple physical crosslinks in the presence of Ag nanoparticles and NaCl additives.Owing to the synergistic effect of cation-πinteractions,hydrophobic interactions,and ionic bonds,the CP hydrogels exhibit high stretchability(strain up to 1430%),strong adhesion(22.8 kPa),satisfactory antibacterial activity,stable anti-icing ability(<20 kPa after 20 icing-deicing cycles),and high electrical conductivity(18.5 mS/cm).Additionally,the CP hydrogels show fast and sensitive responsiveness and cycling stability and can attach directly to human skin to accurately detect both human motions and tiny physiological signals as a flexible wearable sensor.Collectively,this work significantly contributes a straightforward and efficient design strategy for the development of multifunctional hydrogels,broadening their application scenarios.
基金funded by the National Key R&D Program of China(No.2022YFF0904000)Cross-disciplinary Innovation Project of Jilin University(No.JLUXKJC2021ZZ01)the financial support from National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.62201497).
文摘The performance of hydrogel radical polymerization under ambient conditions is a major challenge because oxygen is an effective radical quencher and the steps to remove or neutralize it are time consuming and laborious.A self-initiating system consisting of transition metals and acetylacetone has been successfully developed.The system is capable of initiating free radical polymerization of hydrogels at room temperature under aerobic conditions,which is attributed to carbon radicals generated by the oxidation of acetylacetone.Some of these carbon radicals reduce oxygen to generate hydroxyl radicals,which together induce self-coagulation of hydrogels.The polymerization system was effective for a variety of monomer and hydrogel swelling and shrinking schemes,and the reaction remained successful when exposed to saturated oxygen.In conclusion,the results demonstrate that the present strategy is an effective approach to addressing the challenge of deoxygenation in polymer synthesis,and provides a convenient method for synthesizing multifunctional hydrogels under ambient conditions.
基金financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.52303274 and 22171287)the Natural Science Foundation of Shandong Province(Nos.ZR2022QE175 and ZR2024QB076)+2 种基金the Science and Technology Support Plan for Youth Innovation of Colleges and Universities of Shandong Province of China(Nos.2023KJ280 and 2021KJ014)Taishan Scholar Project of Shandong Province(No.tsqn202103046)the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities(No.24CX07007A)
文摘The kinetics of alkaline hydrogen evolution reaction(HER)of platinum(Pt)is markedly slower owing to the poor proton supply rate and sluggish water dissociation.Herein,we report an efficient strategy based on polyoxometalates(POMs)hydrogels to prepare the selfsupporting porous conductive carbon aerogels embedded with Pt-doped molybdenum carbide(Pt@Mo_(2)C)active sites for promoting the alkaline HER performance.It is found that as-prepared self-supporting Pt@Mo_(2)C carbon aerogels possesses continuous porous conductive networks,which improves the electron and mass transfer.Moreover,the heterostructure of Pt and Mo2_(2)C can significantly promote the water dissociation with the assistant of Mo-OH and Pt-H bonding,thereby improving alkaline HER activities.The optimized Pt@Mo_(2)C/Carbon fiber paper(Pt@Mo_(2)C/CFP)electrocatalyst has Pt content as low as 0.03 mg cm^(-2),which can achieve overpotential of 17 mV at 10 mA cm^(-2),surpassing the commercial Pt/C.Moreover,it exhibits an excellent sustained stability for over 100 h at 500 mA cm^(-2)in a practical alkaline water electrolyzer.The work offers new opportunities to design and synthesize superior performance electrocatalysts for the alkaline HER.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.U21A6004,U21A20172,61804091,21574076,and U1510121)the Science and Technology Major Project of Shanxi(No.202101030201022)+1 种基金the Fundamental Research Program of Shanxi Province(No.202103021223019)the Open Fund of the Key Lab of Organic Optoelectronics&Molecular Engineering.
文摘Soft self-healing materials are promising candidates for flexible electronic devices due to their excep-tional compatibility,extensibility,and self-restorability.Generally,these materials suffer from low tensile strength and susceptibility to fracture because of the restricted microstructure design.Herein,we pro-pose a hydrothermal-freeze-thaw method to construct high-strength self-healing hydrogels with even in-terconnected networks and distinctive wrinkled surfaces.The integration of the wrinkled outer surface with the three-dimensional internal network confers the self-healing hydrogel with enhanced mechan-ical strength.This hydrogel achieves a tensile strength of 223 kPa,a breaking elongation of 442%,an adhesion strength of 57.6 kPa,and an adhesion energy of 237.2 J m-2.Meanwhile,the hydrogel demon-strates impressive self-repair capability(repair efficiency:93%).Moreover,the density functional theory(DFT)calculations are used to substantiate the stable existence of hydrogen bonding between the PPPBG hydrogel and water molecules which ensures the durability of the PPPBG hydrogel for long-term applica-tion.The measurements demonstrate that this multifunctional hydrogel possesses the requisite sensitivity and durability to serve as a strain sensor,which monitors a spectrum of motion signals including subtle vocalizations,pronounced facial expressions,and limb articulations.This work presents a viable strategy for healthcare monitoring,soft robotics,and interactive electronic skins.
基金the Ministry of Human Resource and Development (MHRD) Government of India for funding
文摘In the current transformative era of biomedicine,hydrogels have established their presence in biomaterials due to their superior biocompatibility,tuneability and resemblance with native tissue.However,hydrogels typically exhibit poor conductivity due to their hydrophilic polymer structure.Electrical conductivity provides an important enhancement to the properties of hydrogel-based systems in various biomedical applications such as drug delivery and tissue engineering.Consequently,researchers are developing combinatorial strategies to develop electrically responsive“SMART”systems to improve the therapeutic efficacy of biomolecules.Electrically conductive hydrogels have been explored for various drug delivery applications,enabling higher loading of therapeutic cargo with on-demand delivery.This review emphasizes the properties,mechanisms,fabrication techniques and recent advancements of electrically responsive“SMART”systems aiding on-site drug delivery applications.Additionally,it covers prospects for the successful translation of these systems into clinical research.
