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Controlled Strain of 3D Hydrogels under Live Microscopy Imaging
Published on: December 4, 2020
Enabling Controlled Sliding and Multi-Modal Sensing in an Anti-Swelling, Muscle-Inspired Hydrogel via Multiple
Yan Huang1,2, Ke Zhang1,2, Zhangpeng Li1,2,3
1State Key Laboratory of Solid Lubrication, Lanzhou Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, China.
Small (Weinheim an Der Bergstrasse, Germany)
|August 5, 2026
Summary
This study introduces a stable, biomimetic smart hydrogel that resists swelling in simulated body fluid. This advanced hydrogel, reinforced with MXene, enables simultaneous monitoring of thermal, mechanical, and friction stimuli for versatile applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Biomaterials Engineering
- Polymer Science
Background:
- Hydrogel-based flexible sensors face challenges like swelling and degradation in physiological conditions.
- Natural muscle structure inspires a biomimetic approach for enhanced hydrogel performance.
- Existing hydrogels often lack long-term stability and multifunctional capabilities for advanced applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design a multifunctional smart hydrogel with a triple-crosslinking structure for improved stability and flexibility.
- To incorporate MXene nanosheets for reinforcement, conductivity, and photothermal properties.
- To enable synchronous monitoring of multiple stimuli using a single resistance signal.
Main Methods:
- Developed a triple-crosslinked hydrogel using polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), phytic acid, and hydroxypropyl cellulose.
- Incorporated MXene nanosheets into the hydrogel network.
- Investigated swelling ratio in simulated body fluid (SBF) and friction performance over extended periods.
- Evaluated the hydrogel's capability for synchronous sensing of thermal, mechanical, and frictional stimuli via resistance changes.
Main Results:
- Achieved a low swelling ratio (2.5% in SBF after 40 days) and robust structural integrity.
- Demonstrated stable ultra-low friction over 10 hours of continuous use.
- Showcased near-infrared (NIR)-triggered reversible modulation of hydrogel lubrication and electrical properties.
- Successfully achieved synchronous monitoring of thermal, mechanical, and frictional stimuli through a single resistance signal.
Conclusions:
- The designed biomimetic hydrogel offers excellent stability and multifunctionality, overcoming limitations of traditional hydrogels.
- The integration of MXene nanosheets enhances mechanical, electrical, and photothermal properties.
- This hydrogel platform holds significant potential for applications in biomimetic cartilage, wearable devices, and soft robotics.
Keywords:
anti‐swellinghydrogelmulti‐modal sensingphotothermal responsetriple physically crosslinked network
