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Multi-mode geometrically gated encryption with 4D morphing hydrogel

Author

Listed:
  • Xin Wen

    (Zhejiang University)

  • Kaihang Zhang

    (Zhejiang University)

  • Baoyi Wu

    (Zhejiang University)

  • Guancong Chen

    (Zhejiang University)

  • Ning Zheng

    (Zhejiang University)

  • Jingjun Wu

    (Zhejiang University)

  • Xuxu Yang

    (Zhejiang University)

  • Tao Xie

    (Zhejiang University)

  • Qian Zhao

    (Zhejiang University)

Abstract

Leveraging the rich stimuli-response of polymers represents a promising direction towards optical communication/encryption. Sign language, which relies on specific geometric change for secured communication, has been widely used for the same purpose since ancient time. We report a strategy that combines both in a validated manner with a hydrogel that not only carries encrypted optical information but also has the hidden behavior to morph geometrically. In particular, the shape morphing behavior is programmable by controlling the oriented state of the polymer chain in the thermo-responsive network. Whether the shape morphing direction is positive (bending) or negative (flattening) cannot be predicted when the polymerization methods are not informed, revealing a hidden manner. Through deciphering the coupling of chain elastic stresses and thermo-induced deswelling stress, the hydrogel can perform designed and diversified 4D morphing which represents evolution of 3D geometries with time as the fourth dimension. Consequently, the corresponding optical information can be gated based on these geometric features, thereby decrypting the correct permutation of information. Our approach that utilizes the geometric 4D morphing for gated verification of optical information offers a strategy for enhancing the security of communication in ways that are quite different from existing strategies.

Suggested Citation

  • Xin Wen & Kaihang Zhang & Baoyi Wu & Guancong Chen & Ning Zheng & Jingjun Wu & Xuxu Yang & Tao Xie & Qian Zhao, 2025. "Multi-mode geometrically gated encryption with 4D morphing hydrogel," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-11, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-58041-9
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-58041-9
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Yue Zhang & Kangkang Liu & Tao Liu & Chujun Ni & Di Chen & Jiamei Guo & Chang Liu & Jian Zhou & Zheng Jia & Qian Zhao & Pengju Pan & Tao Xie, 2021. "Differential diffusion driven far-from-equilibrium shape-shifting of hydrogels," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 12(1), pages 1-8, December.
    2. Chujun Ni & Di Chen & Xin Wen & Binjie Jin & Yi He & Tao Xie & Qian Zhao, 2023. "High speed underwater hydrogel robots with programmable motions powered by light," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 14(1), pages 1-9, December.
    3. Shuangshuang Miao & Yu Wang & Lingyu Sun & Yuanjin Zhao, 2022. "Freeze-derived heterogeneous structural color films," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 13(1), pages 1-10, December.
    4. Longqiang Li & Jiayin Zhou & Junyi Han & Depeng Liu & Min Qi & Juanfang Xu & Guangqiang Yin & Tao Chen, 2024. "Finely manipulating room temperature phosphorescence by dynamic lanthanide coordination toward multi-level information security," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-10, December.
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