Firefly-Inspired 3D Printable Multi-Stimuli-Responsive Fluorescent Hydrogels with Adaptive Luminescence

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Biomimicry
• Supramolecular Chemistry

Background:

• Bioluminescent organisms exhibit remarkable environment-interactive luminescence for adaptation.
• Artificial luminescent materials struggle to replicate the wet, soft, flexible, and stimuli-responsive nature of bioluminescence.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and fabricate multistimuli-responsive fluorescent hydrogels that mimic firefly bioluminescence.
• To achieve tunable fluorescence activated by water and temperature, with on-demand reversibility.

Main Methods:

• Developed a rational design strategy for fluorescent hydrogels with integrated molecular additives.
• Utilized a printable hydrogel precursor for 3D fabrication of complex shapes.
• Investigated stimuli-responsive fluorescence to water, solvents, and temperature.

Main Results:

• Achieved enhanced and reversible fluorescence activated by water and temperature.
• Demonstrated 3D printing of diverse fluorescent hydrogel structures, including organism models and displays.
• Successfully implemented dynamic information encryption-decryption using controllable fluorescence.

Conclusions:

• The proposed design strategy enables the creation of advanced fluorescent hydrogels with tunable, stimuli-responsive properties.
• Free-form fabrication via 3D printing opens possibilities for novel applications in biomimicry and displays.
• This work provides a viable pathway toward developing sophisticated artificial luminescent materials.