Multiscale Cross-Linking via Polysaccharide-Assisted Robust Zwitterionic Hydrogel Interface Enabling Electrochemical...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Electrochemical sensors suffer from fouling in complex media, impairing performance.
• Zwitterionic hydrogels offer antifouling properties but have weak interfacial adhesion.
• Liquid metal (LM) nanoparticles can be functionalized for improved material interfaces.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an antifouling hydrogel with enhanced interface adhesion for electrochemical sensors.
• To create a stable and high-performance biosensor for complex biological samples.
• To overcome the limitations of traditional zwitterionic hydrogels in biosensing applications.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of liquid metal (LM) nanoparticles coated with anionic polysaccharide.
• Incorporation of LM nanoparticles and cationic chitosan into a zwitterionic hydrogel network via ultrasonication.
• Development of an electrochemical immunosensor using the novel hydrogel interface.

Main Results:

• The polysaccharide-LM nanoparticle and chitosan hydrogel exhibited synergistic enhancement of interface adhesion and antifouling capability.
• Ultrasonic treatment facilitated the formation of LM nanoparticles, polysaccharide self-assembly, and hydrogel polymerization.
• The fabricated electrochemical immunosensor achieved an ultralow detection limit (7.17 pg·mL⁻¹) in 100% human serum, comparable to PBS.

Conclusions:

• The polysaccharide-stabilized antifouling hydrogel interface provides an ingenious solution to sensor fouling and interfacial instability.
• This approach enables robust and sensitive electrochemical biosensing in complex biological matrices.
• The developed hydrogel platform holds promise for advancing biosensing and bioelectronics research.