1. Highly stretchable, self-healing, antibacterial, conductive, and amylopectin-enhanced hydrogels with gallium droplets loading as strain sensors.
- Author
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Hu F, Dong B, Yu D, Zhao R, Chen W, Song Z, Lu P, Zhang F, Wang Z, Liu X, Wang H, Liu W, and Li H
- Subjects
- Humans, Staphylococcus aureus drug effects, Escherichia coli drug effects, Microbial Sensitivity Tests, Elasticity, Hydrogels chemistry, Hydrogels pharmacology, Anti-Bacterial Agents pharmacology, Anti-Bacterial Agents chemistry, Amylopectin chemistry, Wearable Electronic Devices, Electric Conductivity, Gallium chemistry
- Abstract
In this study, we address the challenge of developing highly conductive hydrogels with enhanced stretchability for use in wearable sensors, which are critical for the precise detection of human motion and subtle physiological strains. Our novel approach utilizes amylopectin, a biopolymer, for the uniform integration of liquid metal gallium into the hydrogel matrix. This integration results in a conductive hydrogel characterized by remarkable elasticity (up to 7100 % extensibility) and superior electrical conductance (Gauge Factor = 31.4), coupled with a minimal detection limit of less than 0.1 % and exceptional durability over 5000 cycles. The hydrogel demonstrates significant antibacterial activity, inhibiting microbial growth in moist environments, thus enhancing its applicability in medical settings. Employing a synthesis process that involves ambient condition polymerization of acrylic acid, facilitated by a hydrophobic associative framework, this hydrogel stands out for its rapid gelation and robust mechanical properties. The potential applications of this hydrogel extend beyond wearable sensors, promising advancements in human-computer interaction through technologies like wireless actuation of robotic systems. This study not only introduces a viable material for current wearable technologies but also sets a foundation for future innovations in bio-compatible sensors and interactive devices., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)
- Published
- 2024
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