Highly Stretchable Sensitive Multiscale Hydrogel Inspired by Biological Muscles for Wearing Sensors

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Biomedical Engineering
• Polymer Science

Background:

• Hydrogels are researched for wearable electronics due to flexibility.
• Existing hydrogels lack sensitivity, mechanical strength, and durability for high-performance sensors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a multiscale hydrogel with enhanced sensitivity, mechanical properties, and durability.
• To address limitations of current hydrogels for wearable sensor applications.

Main Methods:

• A strategy inspired by biological fascia was employed to create entangled "clusters" within the hydrogel.
• Highly cross-linked elastic hydrogel microspheres were embedded in a soft matrix to form a multiscale structure.
• The microstructure was adjusted by incorporating microspheres with varying pore sizes.

Main Results:

• The multiscale hydrogel exhibited outstanding sensitivity (S = 1.1 kPa⁻¹) within a 0-50 kPa pressure range.
• Exceptional mechanical properties were achieved, including ultrastretchability (≈1050%) and high strength.
• The synthesis process was simplified, reducing cost and improving durability.
• The hydrogel demonstrated excellent antibacterial properties and biocompatibility.

Conclusions:

• The developed multiscale hydrogel overcomes key limitations of traditional hydrogels for wearable electronics.
• This material offers a universal approach for creating robust, sensitive, and durable wearable stress sensors.
• Potential applications include advanced wearable and implantable electronic devices.