Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 9, 2026
05:57
Author Spotlight: Microfluidic Channel-Based Soft Electrodes and Their Application in Capacitive Pressure Sensing
Published on: March 17, 2023
4.2K
Hierarchically structured cellulose hydrogel with high stretchability, conductivity, and stability for flexible
Jia-Ying Chen1, Bai-Chuan Lu1, Bei Zhang1
1College of Biotechnology and Sericultural Research Institute, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang, 212100, PR China; Key Laboratory of Silkworm and Mulberry Genetic Improvement, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Sericultural Scientific Research Center, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhenjiang, 212100, PR China.
International Journal of Biological Macromolecules
|February 7, 2026
Summary
Researchers developed a novel hydrogel sensor using a dual-cellulose network and MXene. This flexible sensor exhibits enhanced stretchability, conductivity, and stability for advanced health monitoring applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Biomedical Engineering
- Polymer Chemistry
Background:
- Growing interest in physical and mental health necessitates advanced flexible sensors.
- Existing hydrogel sensors lack sufficient stretchability, conductivity, and stability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a high-performance flexible hydrogel sensor with improved mechanical and electrical properties.
- To explore the application of cellulose-based materials in multifunctional sensors.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of a dual-cellulose hierarchical network (MCNF) using microfibrillated cellulose and TEMPO-oxidized cellulose nanofibers.
- Incorporation of MXene onto the MCNF network within a polyacrylamide (PAM) matrix.
- Photocuring method for hydrogel synthesis.
Main Results:
- The resulting polyacrylamide-MXene/cellulose composite hydrogel (PCMH) exhibited enhanced mechanical properties: tensile strength (116.86–277.84 kPa), strain (1923–2029%), and toughness (1.34–2.12 MJ m⁻³).
- Achieved high electrical conductivity (4.55 S m⁻¹) with excellent freeze resistance (64% conductivity retained at -70°C).
- Demonstrated stable and sensitive monitoring of human body movements and accurate sound identification when used as a flexible sensor.
Conclusions:
- The developed hydrogel sensor overcomes limitations of current flexible sensors, offering superior performance.
- The study expands the application of cellulose in multifunctional sensors, soft electronics, and skin patches.
- This material holds promise for advanced wearable health monitoring devices.
Related Concept Videos
01:14Stability of structures
532
In mechanical engineering, the stability of systems under various forces is critical for designing durable and efficient structures. One fundamental way to explore these concepts is by analyzing systems like two rods connected at a pivot point, O, with a torsional spring of spring constant k at the pivot point. This system is similar in appearance to a scissor jack used to change tires on a car. In this case, the arms of the linkage (equivalent to the rods in this system) are entirely vertical,...
532
01:53RNA Stability
35.8K
Intact DNA strands can be found in fossils, while scientists sometimes struggle to keep RNA intact under laboratory conditions. The structural variations between RNA and DNA underlie the differences in their stability and longevity. Because DNA is double-stranded, it is inherently more stable. The single-stranded structure of RNA is less stable but also more flexible and can form weak internal bonds. Additionally, most RNAs in the cell are relatively short, while DNA can be up to 250 million...
35.8K
02:57The Sense of Self: Reflected Self-Appraisal and Social Comparison
56.1K
According to Charles Cooley, we base our image on what we think other people see (Cooley 1902). We imagine how we must appear to others, then react to this speculation. We don certain clothes, prepare our hair in a particular manner, wear makeup, use cologne, and the like—all with the notion that our presentation of ourselves is going to affect how others perceive us. We expect a certain reaction, and, if lucky, we get the one we desire and feel good about it. But more than that, Cooley...
56.1K
01:15Cellulose and Pectic Polysaccharides
4.9K
Every plant cell has a cell wall that protects the cell, provides structural support, and gives the cell shape. Cellulose, the main structural component of the plant cell wall, makes up over 30% of plant matter. It is the most abundant organic compound on earth. Cellulose is an unbranched polysaccharide composed of linear chains of glucose molecules linked by β (1→4) glycosidic bonds.
As a cell matures, its cell wall specializes according to its type. For example, the...
As a cell matures, its cell wall specializes according to its type. For example, the...
4.9K
03:18Nuclear Stability
23.3K
Protons and neutrons, collectively called nucleons, are packed together tightly in a nucleus. With a radius of about 10−15 meters, a nucleus is quite small compared to the radius of the entire atom, which is about 10−10 meters. Nuclei are extremely dense compared to bulk matter, averaging 1.8 × 1014 grams per cubic centimeter. If the earth’s density were equal to the average nuclear density, the earth’s radius would be only about 200 meters.
To hold positively charged protons together...
To hold positively charged protons together...
23.3K
01:30Local Anesthetics: Clinical Application as Surface, Infiltration, and Conduction Block Anesthesia
2.1K
Depending on the target organ, local anesthetics (LAs) can be administered via various routes. In surface anesthesia, LAs are applied directly to the surface of the skin or mucous membranes. It is widely used for topical skin numbing before venipuncture or minor surgical procedures. Commonly used surface local anesthetics are lidocaine or benzocaine sprays or creams. Surface anesthesia occurs within 5 minutes and lasts for about 60 minutes. One of the main disadvantages of topical anesthesia is...
2.1K