Recent Advances in Design Strategies for Tough and Stretchable Hydrogels

Abstract

The development of multifunctional hydrogels with excellent stretchability and toughness is one of the most fascinating subjects in soft matter research. Numerous research efforts have focused on the design of new hydrogel systems with superior mechanical properties because of their potential applications in diverse fields. In this Minireview, we consider the most up-to-date mechanically strong hydrogels and summarize their design strategies based on the formation of double networks and dual physical crosslinking. Based on the synthetic approaches and different toughening mechanisms, doublenetwork hydrogels can be further classified into three different categories, namely chemically crosslinked, hybrid physicallychemically crosslinked, and fully physically crosslinked. In addition to the above-mentioned methods, we also discuss few uniquely designed hydrogels with the intention of guiding the future development of these fascinating materials for superior mechanical performance.

Effective pH-regulated release of covalently conjugated antibiotics from antibacterial hydrogels

“…Given that some double-network hydrogels are chemically cross-linked, permanent damage to the network causes irreversible softening of the gels and poor fatigue resistance. 28,29,31 To overcome this issue, non-covalent, reversible bonds are introduced. Here, a reversible imine bond was introduced in the second network, and the viscoelastic properties of the hydrogels were determined by rheological experi-ments.…”

Recent Advances in Mechanical Reinforcement of Zwitterionic Hydrogels

“…Hydrogels, as composites of liquid water and solid polymer networks, have many potential applications in biomedicine engineering [ 1 ], biosensors [ 2 ], and flexible electrolytes [ 3 ]. However, their mechanical properties are limited [ 4 ]. The mechanical properties of hydrogels are directly related to the polymer network structure and its water content [ 5 ].…”

Tannic Acid-mediated Multifunctional 3D Printed Composite Hydrogel for Osteochondral Regeneration

“…A printable, stretchable, and tough hydrogel comparable to natural cartilage was developed by combining polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and sodium alginate[ 12 ]. Composite hydrogels based on polyacrylamide with sodium alginate have been proved to possess excellent mechanical properties such as high strength, toughness, and stretchability[ 13 ]. However, some deficiencies, including multi-step polymerization schemes, time-consuming experimental procedures, and potential cytotoxicity, have restricted their further applications in tissue repair[ 14 ].…”