Construction of multifunctional materials by intrachannel modification of NIPA hydrogel with PANI-metal composites

Multifunctional Hydrogel Nanocomposites for Biomedical Applications

“…Some metal and metal oxide NPs are naturally bioactive and can add antipathogenic properties to hydrogels as well as improve mechanical and chemical properties [ 34 , 39 , 44 , 56 , 58 , 60 , 73 ]. AgNPs are commonly used for the development of antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal hydrogels due to the harsh attack of AgNPs on the microbial respiratory chain that prevents cell division, and the inability of microorganisms to develop resistance to silver [ 57 , 61 , 67 , 71 ]. For example, chitosan-PVA, carrageenan, and DNA hydrogels modified with AgNPs showed a significant reduction in a variety of bacteria including Escherichia coli and Bacillus [ 44 , 56 , 59 ].…”

“…Hydrogels are excellent candidates for the development of biowearable devices, as they are safe [ 46 , 84 ], environmentally friendly [ 50 ], flexible, stretchable [ 46 , 61 ], resemble the ECM of human tissue [ 31 ], and are easily remolded and reused [ 46 , 61 ]. However, the poor conductivity [ 33 , 37 , 45 , 46 ] and optical properties [ 31 ] of hydrogels can limit their applicability in biowearable devices.…”

“…However, the poor conductivity [ 33 , 37 , 45 , 46 ] and optical properties [ 31 ] of hydrogels can limit their applicability in biowearable devices. Nanoparticles can improve various properties of hydrogels [ 27 , 45 , 46 , 61 , 75 ] and enable their use not only as individual components (e.g conductive elements or adhesives) [ 27 , 45 , 46 , 61 , 75 ], but also as standalone devices (e.g., contact lenses) [ 31 , 52 , 84 ].…”

“…Multiple research groups have also investigated the use of nanoparticles to add or improve conductive properties in hydrogels, enabling them to relay signals and store energy [ 27 , 45 , 46 , 61 ]. For instance, Deng et al added CNTs to N-isopropyl acrylamide (NIPAM) hydrogels to improve their conductivity and add photothermal behavior, resulting in hydrogels that can monitor human motion due to pressure-dependent conductivity [ 45 ].…”

“…Other researchers have similarly demonstrated the use of CNTs to improve hydrogel conductivity and capacitance for applications as flexible energy storage devices [ 46 ]. Furthermore, other types of nanoparticles, such as gold or silver, can also improve the conductivity of hydrogels [ 61 ]. In rare cases, some hydrogels, such as zwitterionic polymer-based hydrogels, may already exhibit good electrical conductivity, but can benefit from nanoparticle-mediated improvements in mechanical properties.…”