Smart Self-Nourishing and Self-Healing Artificial Skin Composite Using Bionic Microvascular Containing Liquid Agent

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Biomaterials Engineering
• Composite Materials

Background:

• Artificial skin composites are crucial for functional materials.
• Developing smart artificial skin with self-sustaining functions is a key research area.
• Existing materials often lack integrated self-nourishing and self-healing properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To prepare and characterize a smart artificial skin composite.
• To integrate a bionic microvascular system for self-nourishing and self-healing functions.
• To evaluate the mechanical properties and performance of the artificial skin.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a poly(vinyl alcohol)-glycerol-gelatin double network hydrogel matrix.
• Incorporation of a bionic polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) microvascular network.
• Assessment of hydrogel mechanical strength, toughness, and elasticity.
• Testing of the microvascular system for liquid release (self-nourishing) and crack repair (self-healing).

Main Results:

• The hydrogel matrix demonstrated high mechanical strength due to hydrogen bonding between PVA and glycerol.
• Gelatin enhanced the hydrogel's toughness and elasticity for better skin integration.
• The PVDF microvascular network provided excellent thermal and mechanical stability.
• Successful realization of self-nourishing through liquid release and self-healing of microcracks was confirmed.

Conclusions:

• The developed artificial skin composite integrates self-nourishing and self-healing functionalities.
• The combination of PVA-glycerol-gelatin hydrogel and PVDF microvascular offers a promising approach for advanced artificial skin.
• This material holds potential for applications requiring durable and regenerative artificial tissues.