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

Author

Listed:
  • Yuan Tian

    (Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics)

  • Zhihao Wang

    (Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics)

  • Shuiyan Cao

    (Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics)

  • Dong Liu

    (China Academy of Engineering Physics)

  • Yukun Zhang

    (Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics)

  • Chong Chen

    (Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics)

  • Zhiwen Jiang

    (Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics
    University of Science and Technology of China)

  • Jun Ma

    (Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics
    University of Science and Technology of China)

  • Yunlong Wang

    (Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Yuan Tian & Zhihao Wang & Shuiyan Cao & Dong Liu & Yukun Zhang & Chong Chen & Zhiwen Jiang & Jun Ma & Yunlong Wang, 2024. "Connective tissue inspired elastomer-based hydrogel for artificial skin via radiation-indued penetrating polymerization," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-10, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:15:y:2024:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-024-44949-1
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-44949-1
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Jeong-Yun Sun & Xuanhe Zhao & Widusha R. K. Illeperuma & Ovijit Chaudhuri & Kyu Hwan Oh & David J. Mooney & Joost J. Vlassak & Zhigang Suo, 2012. "Highly stretchable and tough hydrogels," Nature, Nature, vol. 489(7414), pages 133-136, September.
    2. Hyunwoo Yuk & Teng Zhang & German Alberto Parada & Xinyue Liu & Xuanhe Zhao, 2016. "Skin-inspired hydrogel–elastomer hybrids with robust interfaces and functional microstructures," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 7(1), pages 1-11, November.
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