Connective tissue inspired elastomer-based hydrogel for artificial skin via radiation-indued penetrating polymerization

Abstract

Robust hydrogels offer a candidate for artificial skin of bionic robots, yet few hydrogels have a comprehensive performance comparable to real human skin. Here, we present a general method to convert traditional elastomers into tough hydrogels via a unique radiation-induced penetrating polymerization method. The hydrogel is composed of the original hydrophobic crosslinking network from elastomers and grafted hydrophilic chains, which act as elastic collagen fibers and water-rich substances. Therefore, it successfully combines the advantages of both elastomers and hydrogels and provides similar Young’s modulus and friction coefficients to human skin, as well as better compression and puncture load capacities than double network and polyampholyte hydrogels. Additionally, responsive abilities can be introduced during the preparation process, granting the hybrid hydrogels shape adaptability. With these unique properties, the hybrid hydrogel can be a candidate for artificial skin, fluid flow controller, wound dressing layer and many other bionic application scenarios.

Highly Adhesive, Ultrafast Self-Healing, and Conductive Dopamine-Based Polymer Hydrogels for Sensitive Human Motion Sensing

“…The rise in the amount of PEI resulted in an increase in the number of hydrogen bonds in the hydrogel network, thereby increasing the cross-linking density and decreasing its tensile properties (Figure c). Human skin, one of the most vital biological organs in the human body, is characterized by its softness (Young’s modulus 0.5–1.95 MPa) and elasticity (strain 140–180%). , As shown in Figure d–f the Young’s modulus of the P­(AA-AANa-SBMA-DMA)@ohPEI-3 hydrogel with the best performance is 8.22 kPa, indicating good mechanical compatibility with human skin. Furthermore, the toughness of the P­(AA-AANa-SBMA-DMA)@ohPEI-3 hydrogel reached 2 MJ/m 3 , demonstrating its ability to withstand external damage.…”

A Comprehensive Review of Radiation-Induced Hydrogels: Synthesis, Properties, and Multidimensional Applications

“…This approach is pivotal for their potential use in biomedical applications, particularly as artificial skins. The resulting CEBH demonstrates outstanding mechanical strength, ion sensitivity, and adhesion properties comparable to human skin, making it a promising material for various medical applications (as shown in Figure 10 ) [ 118 ].…”

“… Concept design and structural analysis of CEBH: ( a ) schematic illustrating silicone rubber modification into CEBH using acrylic acid. ( b ) Experimental optical diagram showing contact angle variations of modified silicone rubber with different AC [ 118 ]. …”

Harnessing the potential of hydrogels for advanced therapeutic applications: current achievements and future directions

“…The development of high-performance hydrogels that emulate human skin poses a significant challenge due to the skin’s inherent properties as a soft (Young’s modulus: 0.1–2 MPa), stretchable (140–180%), moist (cuticle moisture content of about 25%, the other parts close to 70%), and breathable biological organ. 696 Presently, available soft materials, such as elastomers and hydrogels, only meet these complex requirements to a limited extent. Tian et al inspired by the connective tissue structure that integrates elastic fibers with a hydrophilic matrix, introduced a straightforward and versatile method for creating elastomer-based hydrogels.…”

“…Tian et al inspired by the connective tissue structure that integrates elastic fibers with a hydrophilic matrix, introduced a straightforward and versatile method for creating elastomer-based hydrogels. 696 This innovative approach involved using radiation to facilitate the gradual infiltration and grafting of hydrophilic monomers into an elastomer, producing a hybrid hydrogel in a singular step. The hydrogel thus obtained not only boasted high strength and excellent puncture resistance due to its crosslinked rubber network but also matched human skin in terms of friction coefficient, offering adjustable properties and ionic responsiveness.…”