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Updated: Jul 15, 2026
09:06
Preparation of DNA-crosslinked Polyacrylamide Hydrogels
Published on: August 27, 2014
15.2K
Responsive Microgel-Reinforced Multiple Dynamic Cross-Linked Hydrogels with High Toughness and Low Hysteresis for
Dongdong Lu1, Yubin Liang1, Qiangwei Wang1
1School of Physical Sciences, Great Bay University, Dongguan, Guangdong 523000, P.R. China.
Biomacromolecules
|November 14, 2025
Summary
Microgel-reinforced hydrogels utilize dynamic B-N coordination for robust, self-healing networks. These advanced materials offer superior mechanical strength and sensitive electromechanical responses for real-time motion sensing applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Biomaterials Engineering
Background:
- Hydrogels are versatile polymeric networks with applications in various fields.
- Developing hydrogels with enhanced mechanical properties and sensing capabilities remains a significant challenge.
- Dynamic interactions offer a promising route to engineer advanced hydrogel networks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To fabricate novel microgel-reinforced hydrogels using B-N coordination.
- To investigate the energy dissipation mechanisms and mechanical properties of these hydrogels.
- To explore the potential of these hydrogels in electromechanical sensing applications.
Main Methods:
- In situ copolymerization of acrylamide (AAm) within phenylboronic acid-functionalized microgel (MG(APBA)) dispersions.
- Tuning MG(APBA) and AAm concentrations and pH to optimize hydrogel properties.
- Incorporation of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) for electromechanical sensing.
Main Results:
- The optimized hydrogel (4MG(APBA)-35PAAm) exhibited high tensile strength (452.1 kPa), fracture strain (2400%), and toughness (4075.7 kJ/m³).
- The hydrogels demonstrated ultralow hysteresis, excellent fatigue resistance, and cytocompatibility.
- CNT-incorporated hydrogels showed sensitive electromechanical responses (GF=7.25, pressure sensitivity=1.65 kPa⁻¹) with stable cycling.
Conclusions:
- Microgel reinforcement and synergistic dynamic interactions significantly enhance hydrogel mechanical and sensing performance.
- These hydrogels offer a promising platform for advanced applications like real-time motion sensing and force mapping.
- The study highlights the potential of B-N coordination and microgel strategies for designing high-performance hydrogels.
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