1
|
Parvini E, Hajalilou A, Lopes PA, Tiago MSM, de Almeida AT, Tavakoli M. Triple crosslinking conductive hydrogels with digitally printable and outstanding mechanical stability for high-resolution conformable bioelectronics. SOFT MATTER 2022; 18:8486-8503. [PMID: 36321471 DOI: 10.1039/d2sm01103d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Soft, conductive, and stretchable hydrogels offer a broad variety of applications, including skin-interfacing electrodes, biomonitoring patches, and electrostimulation. Despite rapid developments over the last decades, a combination of good electrical and mechanical properties, low-cost fabrication, and biocompatibility is yet to be demonstrated. Also, the current methods for deposition and patterning of these hydrogels are manual, and there is a need toward autonomous and digital fabrication techniques. In this work, we demonstrate a novel Gallium (Ga) embedded sodium-alginate-polyacrylamide-LAPONITE® (Ga-SA-PAAM-La) hydrogel, that is ultra-stretchable (Maximum strain tolerance of∼985%), tough (toughness ∼30 kJ m-3), bio-adhesive (adhesion energy ∼216 J m-2), conductive, and digitally printable. Ga nanoparticles are used as radical initiators. By adjusting the sonication parameters, we control the solution viscosity and curing time, thus allowing us to prepare pre-polymers with the desired properties for casting, or digital printing. These hydrogels benefit from a triple-network structure due to the role of Ga droplets as crosslinkers besides BIS (N,N'-methylene-bis-acrylamide) and LAPONITE®, thus resulting in tough composite hydrogels. The inclusion of LAPONITE® into the hydrogel network improved its electrical conductivity, adhesion, digital printability, and its mechanical properties, (>6× compared to the same hydrogel without LAPONITE®). As electrodes in the electrocardiogram, the signal-to-noise ratio was surprisingly higher than the medical-grade Ag/AgCl electrodes, which are applied for monitoring muscles, heart, respiration, and body joint angle through EMG, ECG, and bioimpedance measurements. The results obtained prove that such digitally printed conductive and tough hydrogels can be used as potential electrodes and sensors in practical applications in the next generation of printed wearable computing devices.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elahe Parvini
- Institute of Systems and Robotics, Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, 3030-290, Portugal.
| | - Abdollah Hajalilou
- Institute of Systems and Robotics, Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, 3030-290, Portugal.
| | - Pedro Alhais Lopes
- Institute of Systems and Robotics, Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, 3030-290, Portugal.
| | - Miguel Soares Maranha Tiago
- Institute of Systems and Robotics, Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, 3030-290, Portugal.
| | - Anibal T de Almeida
- Institute of Systems and Robotics, Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, 3030-290, Portugal.
| | - Mahmoud Tavakoli
- Institute of Systems and Robotics, Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, 3030-290, Portugal.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Hu A, Liu C, Cui Z, Cong Z, Niu J. Wearable Sensors Adapted to Extreme Environments Based on the Robust Ionogel Electrolytes with Dual Hydrogen Networks. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2022; 14:12713-12721. [PMID: 35230073 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c01137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Nonvolatile ionogels are promising soft electrolyte materials for flexible electronics, but it is challenging to fabricate stable electrolytes with mechanical robustness. Here, through rationally optimizing the chemical structure of polymer matrix and ionic liquids, the high-performance ionogel electrolytes with mechanical robustness and stability were fabricated. There are double hydrogen bonding networks in the as-prepared ionogel electrolytes, one of which exists between the polymer chains while the other one existing between the polymer chains and ionic liquid molecules. By adjusting the content of the ionic liquid and the ratio of the two hydrogen bonding networks, the prepared ionogel electrolytes exhibit tunable properties with an elasticity of 1.3-30 kPa, a stretchability of more than 1800%, a fracture energy of 125.8-548.3 KJ m-3, and a coordinated self-healing efficiency of 6.2-37.9% to satisfy the needs of different application scenarios. The assembled wearable sensors based on the high-performance ionogel electrolytes can be attached to a part of the human body, detecting various motions and body temperature. Benefiting from the nonvolatile and hydrophobic properties of the ionogel electrolytes, the wearable sensors can be operated under extreme environments including high/low temperature (-15-100 °C) and high humidity (100% relative humidity). It is believed that this work provides prospects for the application of wearable electronic devices.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ankang Hu
- Nano and Heterogeneous Materials Center, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210094, China
| | - Chen Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Organic Electronics and Information Displays & Institute of Advanced Materials (IAM), Jiangsu National Synergetic Innovation Center for Advanced Materials (SICAM), Nanjing University of Posts & Telecommunications, 9 Wenyuan Road, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Zeyu Cui
- Nano and Heterogeneous Materials Center, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210094, China
| | - Zhenhua Cong
- Nano and Heterogeneous Materials Center, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210094, China
| | - Jian Niu
- State Key Laboratory for Organic Electronics and Information Displays & Institute of Advanced Materials (IAM), Jiangsu National Synergetic Innovation Center for Advanced Materials (SICAM), Nanjing University of Posts & Telecommunications, 9 Wenyuan Road, Nanjing 210023, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Chen Z, Tang J, Zhang N, Chen Y, Chen Y, Li H, Liu H. Dual-network sodium alginate/polyacrylamide/laponite nanocomposite hydrogels with high toughness and cyclic mechano-responsiveness. Colloids Surf A Physicochem Eng Asp 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfa.2021.127867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
|
4
|
Yu Q, Zheng Z, Dong X, Cao R, Zhang S, Wu X, Zhang X. Mussel-inspired hydrogels as tough, self-adhesive and conductive bioelectronics: a review. SOFT MATTER 2021; 17:8786-8804. [PMID: 34596200 DOI: 10.1039/d1sm00997d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
To overcome the wearable sensor's defects and achieve the goal of robust mechanical properties, long-term adhesion, sensitive electrical conductivity, the multifunctional hydrogels were inspired by various mussels on the base of catechol and its analogues. In this review, we review the strategies for improving the mechanical strength, adhesion, conductivity and antibacterial properties of mussel-inspired hydrogels as bioelectronics. Double network structures, nanocomposites, supramolecular block polymers and other strategies were utilized for achieving tough hydrogels to prevent tensile fractures under high deformation. Many mussel-inspired chemistries were incorporated for constructing skin-attachable hydrogel strain sensors and some strategies for controlling the oxidation of catechol were employed to achieve long-term adhesion. In addition, electrolytes, conductive fillers, conductive polymers and their relevant hydrophilic modifications were introduced for fabricating the conductive hydrogel bioelectronics to enhance the conductivity properties. Finally, the challenges and outlooks in this promising field are featured from the perspective of materials chemistry.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qin Yu
- South China University of Technology, Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Guangzhou, 510006, China
- Northeast Petroleum University, Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Daqing, 163318, China
| | - Zirong Zheng
- Northeast Petroleum University, Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Daqing, 163318, China
| | - Xinhao Dong
- Northeast Petroleum University, Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Daqing, 163318, China
| | - Rui Cao
- Northeast Petroleum University, Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Daqing, 163318, China
| | - Shuheng Zhang
- Northeast Petroleum University, Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Daqing, 163318, China
| | - Xiaolin Wu
- Daqing Research Institute of Exploration and Development, Daqing Oilfield Co., Ltd, 163318, China
| | - Xinya Zhang
- South China University of Technology, Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Geng Z, Ji Y, Yu S, Liu Q, Zhou Z, Guo C, Lu D, Pei D. Preparation and characterization of a dual cross-linking injectable hydrogel based on sodium alginate and chitosan quaternary ammonium salt. Carbohydr Res 2021; 507:108389. [PMID: 34265515 DOI: 10.1016/j.carres.2021.108389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Revised: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The development of cheap and easily available injectable hydrogel is an urgent problem in the field of biomedical engineering. Herein, we used chitosan quaternary ammonium salt and sodium alginate to prepare a dual crosslinking hydrogel. The hydrogel formed in-situ crosslinking and can be injected continuously. Interestingly, the formed hydrogel possessed a homogeneous 3D network structure and exhibited reasonable mechanical properties. Moreover, the hydrogels had excellent injectability, and the compression strength of the hydrogel (Gel-0.5) was up to 27.65 kPa. Additionally, the hydrogel showed good biocompatibility that evaluated by cytotoxicity. Notably, the hydrogel was nontoxic toward NIH-3T3 cells. In summary, the hydrogel we produced can be used as an ideal biomaterial for further applications in the field of biomedical engineering.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhijie Geng
- Institute of Medicine and Health, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510500, China; National Engineering Research Center for Healthcare Devices, Guangzhou, 510500, China; Guangdong Key Lab of Medical Electronic Instruments and Polymer Material Products, Guangzhou, 510500, China.
| | - Yuxing Ji
- Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Shan Yu
- Institute of Medicine and Health, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510500, China; National Engineering Research Center for Healthcare Devices, Guangzhou, 510500, China; Guangdong Key Lab of Medical Electronic Instruments and Polymer Material Products, Guangzhou, 510500, China.
| | | | - Zongbao Zhou
- Institute of Medicine and Health, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510500, China; National Engineering Research Center for Healthcare Devices, Guangzhou, 510500, China; Guangdong Key Lab of Medical Electronic Instruments and Polymer Material Products, Guangzhou, 510500, China
| | - Cuiping Guo
- Institute of Medicine and Health, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510500, China; National Engineering Research Center for Healthcare Devices, Guangzhou, 510500, China; Guangdong Key Lab of Medical Electronic Instruments and Polymer Material Products, Guangzhou, 510500, China.
| | - Daohuan Lu
- Institute of Medicine and Health, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510500, China; National Engineering Research Center for Healthcare Devices, Guangzhou, 510500, China; Guangdong Key Lab of Medical Electronic Instruments and Polymer Material Products, Guangzhou, 510500, China
| | - Dating Pei
- Institute of Medicine and Health, Guangdong Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, 510500, China; National Engineering Research Center for Healthcare Devices, Guangzhou, 510500, China; Guangdong Key Lab of Medical Electronic Instruments and Polymer Material Products, Guangzhou, 510500, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
He Z, Yuan W. Adhesive, Stretchable, and Transparent Organohydrogels for Antifreezing, Antidrying, and Sensitive Ionic Skins. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2021; 13:1474-1485. [PMID: 33393770 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.0c18405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
As a flexible wearable device, hydrogel-based sensors have attracted widespread attention in soft electronics. However, the application of traditional hydrogels at extreme temperatures or for a long-term stability still remain a challenge because of the existence of water. Herein, we reported an antifreezing and antidrying organohydrogel with high transparency (over 85% transmittance), high stretchability (up to 1200%), and robust adhesiveness to various substrates, which consist of polyacrylic acid, gelatin, AlCl3+, and tannic acid in a water/glycerin binary solvent as the dispersion medium. As the binary solvent easily forms strong hydrogen bonds with water molecules, organohydrogels exhibited excellent tolerance for drying and freezing. The organohydrogels maintained conductivity, adhesion, and stable sensitivity after a long-term storage or at subzero temperature (-14 °C). Moreover, the organohydrogel-based wearable sensors with a gauge factor of 2.5 (strain, 0-100%) could detect both large-scale movements and subtle motions. Therefore, the multifunctional organohydrogel-wearable sensors with antifreezing and antidrying properties have promising potential for human-machine interfaces and healthcare monitoring under a broad range of environmental conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhirui He
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Key Laboratory of Advanced Civil Materials of Ministry of Education, Tongji University, Shanghai 201804, People's Republic of China
| | - Weizhong Yuan
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Key Laboratory of Advanced Civil Materials of Ministry of Education, Tongji University, Shanghai 201804, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|