High-strength hydrogels: Fabrication, reinforcement mechanisms, and applications

Recent progress of antibacterial hydrogels in wound dressings

“…The preparation method of hydrogel wound dressings determines the basic properties of wound dressings, such as adhesion [ 44 ], mechanical properties [ 45 ], swelling properties [ 46 ], and hemostatic properties [ 47 ] required for wound dressings. Hydrogels with good basic wound repair mechanics or characteristics are the foundation for advanced antibacterial hydrogels.…”

“…[ 64 ]. Dynamic covalent crosslinked hydrogels have reversible covalent bonds, which break under specific stimuli and can reform when the external stimuli disappear [ 65 ]. Compared to irreversible chemically crosslinked hydrogels, dynamic covalent crosslinked hydrogels can remain stable under external forces by dynamic exchange reactions.…”

Conductive hydrogels for tissue repair

“…Their three-dimensional porous structure, hydrophilicity and controllable chemical and physical properties resemble the extracellular matrix in tissues, making them favourable substrates for cell growth, migration and proliferation. 8,9 Moreover, the use of CHs not only expands the coverage of current to the entire wound, 10 but also overcomes the inconvenience in use and high-voltage risk of electrode-based electrical stimulation strategies. 11 On the other hand, unlike non-CHs, CHs with high conductivity and electrochemical redox characteristics are useable for the detection of electric signals generated in biological systems and deliver electrical stimulation to regulate the activities and functions of cells and tissues.…”

Enhanced Interface between Conductive Fillers and Elastomeric Ionomers for Highly Sensitive and Stretchable Strain Sensors toward Human Motion Detection

“…On the one hand, the imidazole of BI reacted with the reactive bromine side group of BIIR to yield BIIR ionomer and form a dynamic ionic cross-linking network. On the other hand, the strong π–cation interactions between BI and CCB improved the dispersion of CCB and facilitated the formation of a conductive filler network . Based on the synergistic effect of the ionic cross-linking network and conductive filler network, the prepared BIIR-based strain sensor demonstrated low percolation, high stretchability, and high sensitivity.…”

“…On the other hand, the strong π−cation interactions between BI and CCB improved the dispersion of CCB and facilitated the formation of a conductive filler network. 33 Based on the synergistic effect of the ionic cross-linking network and conductive filler network, the prepared BIIR-based strain sensor demonstrated low percolation, high stretchability, and high sensitivity. More importantly, the existence of positive imidazole rings imparted excellent antibacterial activity to the sensors.…”