Chinese Tofu-Inspired Biomimetic Conductive and Transparent Fibers for Biomedical Applications

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Biomedical Engineering
• Polymer Science

Background:

• Conductive fibers are essential for advanced electronics but face challenges due to property mismatches with human tissues.
• Existing materials often lack the necessary mechanical, electrical, and biological integration for seamless use in wearable and implantable devices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose and develop novel "neuro-like" conductive fibers that overcome the limitations of current materials.
• To create fibers with properties mimicking human tissues for enhanced biocompatibility and functionality in electronic applications.

Main Methods:

• A novel wet spinning process was established for continuous production of pure gelatin hydrogel fibers.
• The process utilizes a controllable and rapid gelation technique based on the salting-out effect, inspired by tofu production.
• Glycerol was incorporated to impart anti-freezing and water retention properties for all-weather wearable applications.

Main Results:

• The developed gelatin fibers exhibit neuro-like characteristics, including soft-yet-strong mechanical properties and high ionic conductivity.
• These fibers demonstrate superior biological properties: biodegradability, biocompatibility, and edibility, crucial for implanted devices.
• The fibers also possess excellent anti-freezing and water retention capabilities, suitable for wearable electronics.

Conclusions:

• The novel gelatin-based neuro-like fibers present a significant advancement for next-generation wearable and implantable electronics.
• Their unique combination of mechanical, electrical, and biological properties, along with environmental adaptability, highlights their potential in diverse biomedical applications.
• Demonstrations in optical fibers, transient electronics, and electronic data gloves confirm the broad applicability of these innovative fibers.